{{Short description|American politician (born 1950)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Chris West | image = Chris West Towson HS Groundbreaking (cropped).jpg | caption = West in 2025 | state_senate = Maryland | district = 42nd | term_start = January 9, 2019 | term_end = | predecessor = James Brochin | successor = | state_delegate2 = Maryland | district2 = 42B | term_start2 = January 14, 2015 | term_end2 = January 9, 2019 | predecessor2 = Stephen W. Lafferty<br>William J. Frank | successor2 = Michele Guyton<br>Nino Mangione | alongside2 = Susan L. M. Aumann | birth_name = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1950|4|7}} | birth_place = Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | party = Republican | spouse = Anne | children = 1 | education = Williams College (BS)<br>University of Pennsylvania (JD) | profession = Lawyer | signature = Chris West signature.svg }}
'''Christopher R. West''' (born April 7, 1950) is an American politician from Maryland from the Republican party. He is a member of the Maryland Senate from the 42nd district, representing Central and Northern Baltimore County. He was previously a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from District 42B.
== Early life and career == West was born on April 7, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Williams College, where he earned a B.A. degree in 1972, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, where he earned a J.D. degree in 1975. He was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1975.<ref name="msa">{{cite web |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa17080.html |title=Christopher R. West, Maryland State Senator |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=March 9, 2019 |date=March 4, 2019}}</ref>
West became involved in politics by working as an attorney for the Maryland Republican Party from 1982 to 1996, and again from 1998 to 2003 after serving as the executive director of the Republican State Central Committee for two years.<ref name="msa" /> In 1988, he filed to run for Delegate to the Republican National Convention, representing Jack Kemp.<ref>{{cite web |title=Candidates for Delegate to the Republican National Convention in the 1988 Presidential Primary Election |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/1988/candidates_1988/primary_rdc.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=March 31, 2022 |date=July 24, 2001}}</ref> He came in tenth place in a field of 13 candidates, receiving one percent of the vote.<ref name="1988 delegate" /> During the 1994 Maryland gubernatorial election, West represented the Maryland Republican Party in a lawsuit challenging the results of the election.<ref>{{cite news |title=Challenge in governor's race uncharted territory Lawyers research candidate options |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1994/11/12/challenge-in-governors-race-uncharted-territory-lawyers-research-candidate-options-election-1994-2/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=November 12, 1994 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310210754/https://www.baltimoresun.com/1994/11/12/challenge-in-governors-race-uncharted-territory-lawyers-research-candidate-options-election-1994-2/ |archive-date=March 10, 2024}}</ref>
In 1997, Semmes, Bowen & Semmes named West as a resident counsel in its Baltimore offices. He operated the commercial lending practice of the firm's banking, corporate, and securities practice group.<ref>{{cite news |title=New positions; Bay Resins names Voteau operations director |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-01-13-1997013007-story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 13, 1997 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622170448/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-01-13-1997013007-story.html |archive-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
In 1998, West was seen as a possible candidate to succeed Joyce Lyons Terhes, who had announced that she would not seek re-election as the state's GOP chairman after a series of key losses across the state.<ref>{{cite news |last1=LeDuc |first1=Daniel |title=GOP Chief Is Stepping Aside In MD. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1998/11/06/gop-chief-is-stepping-aside-in-md/9d67f6ba-31a4-4cf1-840f-77d978666105/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 6, 1998 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828043140/https://www.washingtonpost.com/web/20170828043140/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1998/11/06/gop-chief-is-stepping-aside-in-md/9d67f6ba-31a4-4cf1-840f-77d978666105/?utm_term=.04a45880855c |archive-date=August 28, 2017}}</ref> He was once again considered a possible candidate for the seat after chairman Richard D. Bennett announced his resignation at the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=LeDuc |first1=Daniel |last2=Schwartzman |first2=Paul |title=Maryland Notebook |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2000/02/10/maryland-notebook/b816b36c-25fa-421f-a3f1-4cfefcda3ba7/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 10, 2000 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828171728/https://www.washingtonpost.com/web/20170828171728/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2000/02/10/maryland-notebook/b816b36c-25fa-421f-a3f1-4cfefcda3ba7/?utm_term=.d74c54c542a1 |archive-date=August 28, 2017}}</ref> He sought election as Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party that year, but was defeated by Michael Steele, the party's first vice chairman.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Montgomery |first1=Lori |title=Business Consultant To Lead Md. GOP |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2000/12/10/business-consultant-to-lead-md-gop/f678ab00-e509-41af-86c2-9cb7436b3f7f/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 10, 2000 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123152347/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2000/12/10/business-consultant-to-lead-md-gop/f678ab00-e509-41af-86c2-9cb7436b3f7f/c-25fa-421f-a3f1-4cfefcda3ba7/?utm_term=.d74c54c542a1 |archive-date=January 23, 2025}}</ref>
In February 2003, Governor Robert Ehrlich appointed West to the Maryland State Arts Council.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Becker |first1=Jo |title=Ehrlich's Nominees Include Democrats |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2003/02/15/ehrlichs-nominees-include-democrats/4a23f639-4129-44c8-abc5-9fc34177d1a1/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 15, 2003 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250220043926/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2003/02/15/ehrlichs-nominees-include-democrats/4a23f639-4129-44c8-abc5-9fc34177d1a1/ |archive-date=February 20, 2025}}</ref> He served as the council's vice-chair from 2006 to 2007.<ref name="msa" />
In April 2013, West filed to run for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 42B.<ref>{{cite web |title=2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election State Candidates List |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2014/primary_candidates/gen_listings_2014_1_01642B.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=March 31, 2022 |date=July 8, 2014}}</ref> During the primary, there were attempts to recruit West to switch to the Senate race and challenge James Brochin, but he refused, saying that he had "no plans to switch over and run for State Senate."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lazarick |first1=Len |title=Former delegate challenges Brochin for Senate seat |url=https://marylandreporter.com/2014/01/29/former-delegate-challenges-brochin-for-senate-seat/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=MarylandReporter.com |date=January 29, 2014}}</ref> He won the Republican primary with 35.2 percent of the vote, coming second to Susan L. M. Aumann.<ref name="2014p" /> He defeated Democrats Robert Leonard and Craig J. Little in the general election, receiving 33.3 percent of the vote.<ref name="2014g" />
==In the legislature== West was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 14, 2015. He was a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee from 2015 to 2019.<ref name="msa" />
After Senator Jim Brochin announced that he would run to replace Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, West announced he would run to succeed Brochin in the Senate.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coffin |first1=Nelson |title=Towson's state legislators ready their agendas for the General Assembly session |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/towson/ph-tt-legislative-preview-0103-story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 3, 2018 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718152159/https://www.baltimoresun.com/2018/01/03/towsons-state-legislators-ready-their-agendas-for-the-general-assembly-session/ |archive-date=July 18, 2024}}</ref> He ran on a slate with Republican Nino Mangione, who was running for House of Delegates. He defeated Robbie Leonard in the general election with 51.0 percent of the vote.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Solomon |first1=Libby |title=Results in Baltimore County's District 42 races indicate a split electorate |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/ph-tt-district-42-1114-story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The Capital |date=November 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331202524/https://www.capitalgazette.com/ph-tt-district-42-1114-story.html |archive-date=March 31, 2022}}</ref> West raised the third most funds out of every other Senator for his 2018 campaign, raking in a total $443,282.80 during the 2018 election cycle.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Report: Fundraising Expectations for Legislative Candidates Skyrocketing |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/12/03/report-fundraising-expectations-for-legislative-candidates-on-the-rise/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 3, 2019}}</ref>
thumb|West in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, 2025 West was sworn into the Maryland Senate on January 9, 2019. He has served as a member of the Judicial Proceedings Committee since 2019.<ref name="msa" /> Since 2020, he has served as the caucus parliamentarian of the Maryland Senate GOP caucus.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Under New Management, Senate GOP Caucus Announces Leadership Positions |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/12/03/under-new-management-senate-gop-caucus-announces-leadership-positions/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 3, 2020}}</ref>
In August 2023, West announced that he would not run for re-election in 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |last2=Sears |first2=Bryan P. |title=Political Notes: Sen. West won't seek reelection and race to replace him has already started, plus U.S. Senate developments and Hogan's latest line |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/08/23/political-notes-sen-west-wont-seek-reelection-and-race-to-replace-him-has-already-started-plus-u-s-senate-developments-and-hogans-latest-line/ |access-date=August 23, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 23, 2023}}</ref> He endorsed Adam Wood, the former executive director of the Maryland Republican Party, in the Republican primary to succeed him.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carey |first1=Lily |title=Maryland GOP executive director files to run for state Senate seat |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/12/10/maryland-gop-director-files-state-senate/ |access-date=December 10, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=December 10, 2025}}</ref>
==Political positions== West has a reputation for being "far and away the most moderate Republican in the General Assembly."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=In Competitive District, Sen. West Gets First Democratic Challenger |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/15/in-competitive-district-sen-west-gets-first-democratic-challenger/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> Although he represents a conservative district, he often works with the Maryland General Assembly's Democratic majority to compromise on and pass legislation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tilghman |first1=Mary K. |title=Freshman Del. Chris West takes his place in the General Assembly |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/towson/ph-tt-chris-west-0121-20150116-story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 21, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=John |title=Outgoing Sen. Chris West warns of rising partisanship in Maryland State House |url=https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2026-04-13/outgoing-sen-chris-west-warns-of-rising-partisanship-in-maryland-state-house |access-date=April 13, 2026 |work=WYPR |date=April 13, 2026 |language=en}}</ref> In January 2020, the American Conservative Union gave West a score of 40 percent on its annual legislative scorecard, the lowest score among Republicans.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=National Conservative Group Rates Lawmakers on 2019 Votes |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/08/national-conservative-group-rates-lawmakers-on-2019-votes/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 8, 2020}}</ref>
===COVID-19 pandemic=== In June 2021, West signed onto a letter that urged Governor Larry Hogan to use federal rent relief funding support legislation that would provide low-income tenants with access to legal representation in eviction cases.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=Fair Housing Advocates Urge Hogan To Fund Access To Counsel For Tenants In Eviction Cases |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/06/03/fair-housing-advocates-urge-hogan-to-fund-access-to-counsel-for-tenants-in-eviction-cases/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 3, 2021}}</ref> In August 2021, West signed onto a letter calling on the Maryland State Board of Education to issue a universal masking mandate for students and teachers across the state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was the only Republican to sign onto the letter.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Senators Call on State Board of Ed to Issue Universal Masking Mandate in Schools |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/08/25/senators-call-on-state-board-of-ed-to-issue-universal-masking-mandate-in-schools/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 25, 2021}}</ref>
===Crime and policing=== During the 2020 legislative session, West introduced a bill that would end the practice of suspending driver's licenses for unpaid court fines and fees.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Md. Attorney General Frosh pushes for end to drivers losing licenses over traffic debt |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/attorney-general-frosh-pushes-for-end-to-drivers-losing-licenses-over-traffic-debt/2020/01/15/29ce6e34-371a-11ea-9541-9107303481a4_story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 15, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=David |title=Bill would allow drivers with traffic debt to keep license |url=https://www.wbaltv.com/article/maryland-bill-drivers-traffic-debt-fine-license-suspension/30536025 |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=WJZ-TV |date=January 15, 2020}}</ref> The bill passed unanimously and became law on May 8, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Legislation – SB0234 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0234?ys=2020RS&search=True |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=March 31, 2022}}</ref> During the 2021 legislative session, he introduced the Juvenile Restoration Act, a bill that would abolish life without parole for those who committed crimes as juveniles and allow those who have served 20 years or more to petition to a judge for release.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Juvenile Restoration Act Pushes for Resentencing for Youthful Offenders |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/01/juvenile-restoration-act-pushes-for-resentencing-for-youthful-offenders/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 1, 2021}}</ref> The bill passed with bipartisan support,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |last2=Shwe |first2=Elizabeth |title=Roundup of Marathon Senate Session: Collective Bargaining, Mail-in Ballots and More |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/18/roundup-of-marathon-senate-session-collective-bargaining-mail-in-ballots-and-more/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Two long-sought bills that would change parole for inmates advance in Maryland |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-parole-juveniles-governor/2021/04/05/51825fca-9304-11eb-9668-89be11273c09_story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 5, 2021}}</ref> but was vetoed by Governor Larry Hogan in April 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Hogan vetoes bill that would abolish life sentences without parole for juveniles |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/hogan-veto-juvenile-sentences-/2021/04/08/361e1e5e-98bd-11eb-962b-78c1d8228819_story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 8, 2021}}</ref> The legislature voted to override Hogan's veto on the bill a few days later.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |last2=Wiggins |first2=Ovetta |title=Maryland enacts landmark police overhaul, first state to repeal police bill of rights |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/hogan-vetoes-police-accountibility/2021/04/09/c0ac4096-9967-11eb-962b-78c1d8228819_story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 10, 2021}}</ref>
During the 2021 legislative session, West introduced legislation in the 2021 legislative session that would prohibit law enforcement agencies from purchasing certain military equipment through the 1033 program. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate, but did not receive a vote in the House of Delegates.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Steinberg |first1=Jacob |title=Maryland delegates to consider new limits on police access to military equipment |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/politics/ac-cn-cns-military-police-2021322-20210321-cjamlot32rf3zid6ykqhwquopi-story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The Capital |date=March 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250220052115/https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/03/21/maryland-delegates-to-consider-new-limits-on-police-access-to-military-equipment/ |archive-date=February 20, 2025}}</ref> He also voted in favor of legislation that would repeal the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Repeal, Replace or Reinstate: How Senate Panelists Voted on The Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/02/20/repeal-replace-or-reinstate-how-senate-panelists-voted-on-the-law-enforcement-officers-bill-of-rights/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 20, 2021}}</ref> after two of his amendments—one that would insert portions of the Senate's Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights repeal into the House version bill, and another that would establish that law enforcement agencies have the burden of proof under a preponderance of the evidence during trial board proceedings and that officers can only be disciplined for cause—made it into the bill.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Jones Defends House Police Reform Bill Amid Fierce Late-Night Senate Debate |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/01/jones-defends-house-police-reform-bill-amid-fierce-late-night-senate-debate/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 1, 2021}}</ref> West co-sponsored legislation that would order police departments to provide body-worn cameras for on-duty police officers by 2025. However, he withdrew his support for the body cameras bill after it was amended to include provisions that would create an employee assistance mental health program and implement a statewide use of force policy.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |last2=Kurtz |first2=Josh |title=General Assembly Passes Police Reform Package On to the Governor |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/08/general-assembly-passes-police-reform-package-on-to-the-governor/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 8, 2021}}</ref> He opposed provisions in "Anton's Law" that would allow police misconduct complaints to become public, introducing an amendment that would keep unsubstantiated complaints private. The amendment was rejected on a party line vote.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=David |title=Bills would allow police misconduct complaints to become public |url=https://www.wbaltv.com/article/maryland-police-reform-bill-would-allow-public-police-misconduct-complaints/35566190 |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=WJZ-TV |date=February 19, 2021}}</ref>
During the 2026 legislative session, West opposed a bill that would ban law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings, saying there could be conflicts between state officers enforcing the law and federal officers doing their duties under federal law. During debate on the bill on the Senate floor, he introduced an amendment to lower the penalty for wearing a face mask from $1,500 to $100, which was rejected in a voice vote.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Senate gives preliminary OK to bills banning 287(g) agreements, masks for law enforcement |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2026/01/30/senate-gives-preliminary-ok-to-bills-banning-287g-agreements-masks-for-law-enforcement/ |access-date=January 30, 2026 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 30, 2026}}</ref> West also supported a bill that would end the practice of charging juveniles as adults in criminal court.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Senate committee again ponders bill to reduce the number juveniles charged as adults |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2026/02/05/senate-committee-again-ponders-bill-to-reduce-the-number-juveniles-charged-as-adults/ |access-date=February 5, 2026 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 5, 2026}}</ref>
===Economic issues=== During the 2016 legislative session, West introduced legislation to ban off-track betting at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. He later amended the bill to allow off-track betting, but required that the Fairgrounds enter a contract agreement with the Greater Timonium Community Council, and banned slots and table games.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=David |title=Bill would ban slots, table games at fairgrounds |url=https://www.wbaltv.com/article/bill-would-ban-slots-table-games-at-fairgrounds/7099341 |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=WJZ-TV |date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> During the 2020 legislative session, West introduced a bill to legalize sports betting in Maryland's casinos and pari-mutuel racetracks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schult |first1=Steve |title=Maryland Senator Prefiles Sports Betting Bill For 2020 Legislative Session |url=https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/24557-maryland-lawmaker-prefiles-sports-betting-bill-for-2020-legislative-session |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Card Player |date=January 3, 2020}}</ref>
In 2019, following the legislature's vote on a bill that would raise the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, West agreed to participate in a work group proposed by Democratic Senator Katie Fry Hester that looked to study ways to help small businesses in the years leading up to the bill's full effective date.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Could a first-term state senator build bridges? It was a constant struggle. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/could-a-first-term-state-senator-build-political-bridges-it-was-a-constant-struggle/2019/05/16/50a6af0c-58c8-11e9-814f-e2f46684196e_story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 17, 2019}}</ref>
===Environment=== In April 2019, West voted against legislation that would mandate a 50 percent renewable energy target for 2030 over his disapproval of a provision that would provide trash incinerators with renewable energy subsidies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dance |first1=Scott |title=Maryland General Assembly approves 50 percent renewable energy target for 2030 |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/bs-md-renewable-energy-passed-20190408-story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The Capital |date=April 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703053715/https://www.capitalgazette.com/bs-md-renewable-energy-passed-20190408-story.html |archive-date=July 3, 2021}}</ref>
In December 2019, the Maryland Public Interest Research Group gave West a score of 83 percent on its annual legislative scorecard.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=115 Lawmakers Earn Perfect Scores from PIRG for 2019 Session |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/12/05/115-lawmakers-earn-perfect-scores-from-pirg-for-2019-session/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 5, 2019}}</ref>
During the 2021 legislative session, West introduced legislation that would create timelines for Maryland's remaining power plants to transition away from coal and establish a transition fund to mitigate economic impacts for employees.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=A Major Energy Operator in Md. Plans to Retire All Its Coal Plants by 2027 |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/12/21/a-major-energy-operator-in-md-plans-to-retire-all-its-coal-plants-by-2027/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 21, 2020}}</ref> He later withdrew the bill over worries that it would not pass in the House,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Condon |first1=Christine |title=10 climate bills to watch in the Maryland General Assembly this session |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/environment/bs-md-climate-legislation-roundup-general-assembly-2021-20210309-l3csiljkzbgozdsr7f7mcoowa4-story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The Capital |date=March 10, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316094034/https://www.capitalgazette.com/environment/bs-md-climate-legislation-roundup-general-assembly-2021-20210309-l3csiljkzbgozdsr7f7mcoowa4-story.html |archive-date=March 16, 2021}}</ref> but announced in March 2021 that he had worked out a deal with AES Corporation that would cause the Warrior Run Generating Station to stop burning coal in 2030.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Bipartisan Coal Transition Bill Withdrawn by House Sponsor |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/08/bipartisan-coal-transition-bill-withdrawn-by-house-sponsor/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 8, 2021}}</ref>
West introduced an amendment to the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2021 that would require newly constructed school buildings that use funding from the Build to Learn Act to install rooftop solar panels. The amendment failed by a vote of 15–31.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Md. Senate Advances Far-Reaching Climate Bill |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/10/md-senate-advances-far-reaching-climate-bill/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 10, 2021}}</ref> He was also one of two Senate Republicans to vote in favor of passing the climate action plan, which passed the Senate by a vote of 34–11.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Ambitious Climate Bill Voted Out of Maryland Senate |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/12/ambitious-climate-bill-voted-out-of-maryland-senate/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 12, 2021}}</ref>
In March 2022, West introduced an amendment to the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 that would require local school systems to consider installing solar panels on roofs of new school buildings, requiring school systems that decide against doing so to explain why to the Interagency Commission on School Construction. The amendment was passed in a 30–14 vote.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Senate Moves to Pass Climate Solutions Now Act After a Marathon Floor Session |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/10/senate-moves-to-pass-climate-solutions-now-act-after-a-marathon-floor-session/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 10, 2022}}</ref>
===Marijuana=== West does not support the legalization of marijuana, saying that he would oppose it until a method to test people for being under the influence of marijuana is developed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Petro |first1=Anthony |title=Maryland legislative candidates square off |url=http://baltimorewatchdog.com/2018/09/29/maryland-legislative-candidates-square-off/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The Baltimore Watchdog |date=September 29, 2018}}</ref> West introduced legislation in the 2019 legislative session that would limit companies to operating up to six marijuana dispensaries through ownership or management agreements. The bill passed and was signed into law at a limit of four dispensaries.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Donovan |first1=Doug |title=How will Maryland halt Big Cannabis from taking over state industry? Let firms own more, not fewer, stores. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/health/marijuana/bs-md-cannabis-dispensaries-licenses-20190407-story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Legislation – SB0426 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0426?ys=2019RS |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=March 31, 2022}}</ref>
West introduced legislation in the 2020 legislative session that would allow actively licensed physicians to become a certifying provider of medical marijuana.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McLeod |first1=Ethan |title=List Extra: Proposals in Md. legislature would allow physician assistants to prescribe cannabis |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2020/02/28/list-extra-proposals-in-mdlegislature-would-allow.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Baltimore Business Journal |date=February 28, 2020}}</ref> The bill passed unanimously and became law on May 8, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Legislation – SB0304 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0304?ys=2020rs |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=March 31, 2022}}</ref>
===National politics=== In October 2025, West said he agreed with state delegate Lauren Arikan's criticism that the attorney general of Maryland's lawsuits against the Trump administration were "politically motivated more than policy motivated", but conceded that Republican attorneys general often sued the Biden administration in a similar manner. He also added that he hoped that attorneys general, both Democratic and Republican, would focus more on their constituents and less on national politics.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Brown compiles 'voluminous' record of legal challenges to Trump administration policies |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/11/07/brown-compiles-voluminous-record-of-legal-challenges-to-trump-administration-policies/ |access-date=November 8, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=November 8, 2025}}</ref>
In February 2026, West said he opposed pursuing mid-decade redistricting in Maryland and opposed holding a vote on a bill that would redraw Maryland's congressional districts to improve the Democratic Party's chances of winning the 1st congressional district, the only congressional district held by Republicans in the state.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Wintrode |first1=Brenda |last2=O'Neill |first2=Madeleine |title=Here's where all 47 Maryland senators stand on redistricting |url=https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/maryland-redistricting-senators-senate-ferguson-HL75HWXXH5ENXKJLO4CRCMIPT4/ |access-date=February 25, 2026 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=February 25, 2026 |language=en}}</ref>
===Social issues=== West supports banning abortions after a fetus reaches fetal viability unless the mother's life is at risk.<ref>{{cite web |title=Candidate Survey: Chris West for State Senate, District 42 |url=https://redmaryland.com/2018/05/candidate-survey-chris-west-state-senate-district-42/ |website=redmaryland.com |publisher=Red Maryland |access-date=March 31, 2022 |date=May 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604175344/https://redmaryland.com/web/20200604175344/https://redmaryland.com/web/20200604175344/https://redmaryland.com/2018/05/candidate-survey-chris-west-state-senate-district-42/ |archive-date=June 4, 2020}}</ref>
In 2019, West voted in favor of legislation that would make it legal for doctors to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to terminally ill patients who want to end their lives. The bill failed to pass out of the Senate, receiving a 23–23 vote. West was the only Republican to vote in favor of the bill.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=No aid-in-dying in Maryland this year: Bill fails with tie vote in Senate |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/2019/03/27/2d128d82-4ffd-11e9-88a1-ed346f0ec94f_story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 27, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Maryland Senate committee approves aid-in-dying bill, but advocates say it's too restrictive |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-senate-committee-approves-aid-in-dying-bill-but-advocates-say-its-too-restrictive/2019/03/22/d21bf63a-4cae-11e9-9663-00ac73f49662_story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 22, 2019}}</ref>
During the 2020 legislative session, West introduced a bill that would require agencies to provide a voter application form and general voting information to people preparing to transition back to society from prison.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=State Should Make it Easier for Ex-Felons to Vote, Advocates Say |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/02/12/state-should-make-it-easier-for-ex-felons-to-vote-advocates-say/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 12, 2020}}</ref> The bill passed the House of Delegates by a vote of 93–36.<ref>{{cite web |title=Legislation – HB0568 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0568?ys=2020RS |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=March 31, 2022}}</ref>
In February 2020, West co-sponsored legislation that would make single-occupant bathrooms gender neutral.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Paryavi |first1=Fatemeh |title=Bill looks to make single-occupant restrooms gender-neutral |url=https://cnsmaryland.org/2020/02/19/bill-looks-to-make-single-occupant-restrooms-gender-neutral/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=Capital News Service |date=February 19, 2020}}</ref> In February 2021, West cosponsored legislation that would provide students with access to period products in school bathrooms.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Annapolis state senator pushes for free menstrual products in public schools statewide |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/politics/ac-cn-menstrual-products-elfreth-20210211-20210212-5uylgup3qzab7nfkkyspc2n25q-story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The Capital |date=February 12, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250220053503/https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/02/12/annapolis-state-senator-pushes-for-free-menstrual-products-in-public-schools-statew |archive-date=February 20, 2025}}</ref> The bill passed and became law on May 30, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Legislation – SB0427 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0427?ys=2021rs |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=March 31, 2022}}</ref>
In August 2020, West signed onto a letter calling on the Baltimore County Public Schools system to ban hate symbols in the form of Confederate Flags and swastikas.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haynes |first1=Allana |title=Hereford petition sparks effort to ban hate symbols in Baltimore County Public Schools |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/cng-co-nc-bcps-hate-symbol-ban-20200804-20200811-srlc75o32repbolsyh3f3ah7om-story.html |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 11, 2020}}</ref> During the 2021 legislative session, he introduced a bill to create penalties for vandalizing or destroying historically significant statues in Maryland.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bills To Watch This Session In The Maryland General Assembly |url=https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2021/01/22/bills-to-watch-this-session-in-the-maryland-general-assembly/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |work=WJZ-TV |date=January 22, 2021}}</ref>
==Personal life== West is a congregant and former senior warden at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church.<ref name="msa" />
==Electoral history== {| class="wikitable" |+ Delegates to the Republican National Convention, District 2, 1988<ref name="1988 delegate">{{cite web |title=1988 Presidential Primary Election Results |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/1988/results_1988/prepadrc.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=March 31, 2022 |date=July 24, 2001}}</ref> |- !Party !Candidate !Votes !% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |'''Helen Delich Bentley''' (George Bush) |15,521 |24% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |'''A. Wade Kach''' (George Bush) |8,023 |12% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |'''Alfred W. Redmer Jr.''' (George Bush) |7,467 |11% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |George Price (Robert J. Dole) |4,688 |7% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |Ellen R. Sauerbrey (Jack Kemp) |2,535 |4% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |Robert T. Petr (Pat Robertson) |1,704 |3% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |Scott Sewell |1,510 |2% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |Gary D. Snyder (Pat Robertson) |1,497 |2% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |Virginia G. Schuster |941 |1% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |Christopher R. West (Jack Kemp) |830 |1% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |Lloyd W. Reynolds |654 |1% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |Gregory John Ullmann |613 |1% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |John Tower (Pierre Du Pont) |550 |1% |} {| class="wikitable" |+ Maryland House of Delegates District 42B Republican Primary Election, 2014<ref name="2014p">{{cite web |title=Official 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2014/results/primary/gen_results_2014_1_01642B.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=March 31, 2022 |date=July 16, 2014}}</ref> |- !Party !Candidate !Votes !% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |'''Susan L. Aumann''' |3,987 |40.2% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |'''Chris West''' |3,499 |35.2% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |Joseph C. Boteler III |1,912 |19.3% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |Jesse Filamor |531 |5.3% |} {| class="wikitable" |+ Maryland House of Delegates District 42B General Election, 2014<ref name="2014g">{{cite web |title=Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2014/results/General/gen_results_2014_2_01642B.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=March 31, 2022 |date=December 2, 2014}}</ref> |- !Party !Candidate !Votes !% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |'''Susan L. Aumann''' |23,193 |38.8% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |'''Chris West''' |19,932 |33.3% |-{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Democratic |Robert Leonard |8,932 |14.9% |-{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Democratic |Craig J. Little |7,677 |12.8% |-{{Party shading/Other}} |N/A |Other Write-Ins |79 |0.1% |} {| class="wikitable" |+ Maryland Senate District 42 Republican Primary Election, 2018<ref>{{cite web |title=Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for State Senator |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/primary/gen_results_2018_1_01542.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=March 31, 2022}}</ref> |- !Party !Candidate !Votes !% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |'''Chris West''' |6,798 |100.0% |} {| class="wikitable" |+ Maryland Senate District 42 General Election, 2018<ref>{{cite web |title=Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/general/gen_results_2018_2_01542.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=March 31, 2022}}</ref> |- !Party !Candidate !Votes !% |-{{Party shading/Republican}} |Republican |'''Chris West''' |29,100 |51.0% |-{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Democratic |Robbie Leonard |27,949 |49.0% |-{{Party shading/Other}} |N/A |Other Write-Ins |46 |0.1% |}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{cite web |title=GAM-Senator West Main |url=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=sponpage&tab=subject6&id=west02&stab=01 |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=March 9, 2019 |date=March 1, 2019}} * {{commons category inline}}
{{Maryland State Senators}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:West, Chris}} Category:Living people Category:1950 births Category:Politicians from Baltimore Category:Williams College alumni Category:University of Pennsylvania Law School alumni Category:Republican Party members of the Maryland House of Delegates Category:Republican Party Maryland state senators Category:Maryland lawyers Category:21st-century members of the Maryland General Assembly Category:Politicians from Baltimore County, Maryland Category:Episcopalians from Maryland