Chris Wyatt
Chris Wyatt (Republican Party) ran for election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to represent District 92. He lost in the Republican primary on April 23, 2024.
Wyatt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Chris Wyatt was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Wyatt served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 2019. He earned an associate degree from the University of Maryland in 1987, a bachelor's degree from Ohio University in 1989, and a graduate degree from Troy University in 2006. His career experience includes working as a military officer, educator, energy industry analyst, broadcaster, and independent journalist. As of 2024, Wyatt was affiliated with Veterans of Foreign Wars.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 92
Dan Almoney and Marc Anderson are running in the general election for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 92 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
 | Dan Almoney (D) | |
 | Marc Anderson (R) | |
| ||||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 92
Dan Almoney advanced from the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 92 on April 23, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Dan Almoney | 99.2 | 4,001 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.8 | 34 | ||
| Total votes: 4,035 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 92
Marc Anderson defeated Zachary Kile, Holly Kelley, Chris Wyatt, and Matthew Davis in the Republican primary for Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 92 on April 23, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Marc Anderson | 36.5 | 3,627 |
| Zachary Kile | 31.4 | 3,113 | |
| Holly Kelley | 15.5 | 1,535 | |
 | Chris Wyatt | 9.3 | 926 | |
 | Matthew Davis | 6.9 | 682 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.4 | 43 | ||
| Total votes: 9,926 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Campaign finance
Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Chris Wyatt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wyatt's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am a retired U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer and Foreign Area Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa with 37 years in uniform.
I served in the Army across Europe with three tours in Germany, a tour in Italy, the Balkans, the Levant, Southwest Asia and further service in Africa with assignments in Tunisia, Liberia, Botswana, Malawi, Niger, Mauritania, Uganda and Ethiopia. My tours of duty in Africa included Senior Defense Representative, Security Assistance Officer and Attaché assignments.
I have had a wide variety of experience at all levels of government from developing national security policy to serving as chief of staff with a $3 billion budget, to overseeing local elections as well with the private sector. I have has succeeded at the highest levels of our nation with assignments at the NSA, Defense Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon, U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Army War College and in eight embassies in Africa.
I am a published author, have extensive experience in defense and security, strategic, tactical and operational intelligence as well as signals and counterintelligence, security sector reform, peacekeeping, international development, the health sector (HIV/AIDS, Ebola), defense acquisition, diplomacy, program management and speak six languages to varying degrees of proficiency.
Additional experience includes being a dairy farmer in rural Appalachia, adjunct professor for undergrads, professor for post-grads, energy industry analyst, and broadcaster.
- Protect natural rights. The Federal and State governments have impinged on our natural rights and both seek to continue to erode them with unconstitutional legislation, executive orders and misuse of our judicial system. Americans' declining understanding of our political system has contributed to rising distrust in our government. Pennsylvanians deserve servant leaders who recognize that they serve at the will of the polity, not the other way around. Government exists with the consent of the governed. The events of the past decade call this concept into serious question. We, the people, form governments to represent our common interests. The role of state and federal government should be, as the founders intended, limited.
- Inflation. Pennsylvanians have been buffeted by rapid inflation that is forcing many families in our district to make difficult choices. Politicians have offered no relief to alleviate the burden of inflation. Property, gasoline, and inheritance taxes remain high, with no break from the legislature, not even a temporary tax holiday of any sort. Wrongheaded policy decisions in Harrisburg have exacerbated the situation. Although PA is the largest net exporter of electricity in the USA, our costs per KW hour have skyrocketed and will be higher if Shapiro's appeal on RGGI is successful.
- Fiscal Responsibility. Rather than seek to tame inflation or live within its means (as Pennsylvanians must do), Harrisburg is offering outrageous budget increases. Shapiro's next budget increases spending from $45 to 48.34 billion, with a $2 billion shortfall. Even after accounting for inflation, the constant increase in state expenditures for questionable governance returns is irresponsible. A state government that lives within its means, keeps taxation as low as practical and delivers necessary services is what Pennsylvanians deserve. The governor and the state legislature need to be good stewards of our tax dollars. Honestly, transparency and communication with the public are needed, as well as restraint in spending.
Veterans affairs, trade, energy, technology, agriculture, and tourism.
My background with decades of experience in these fields not only makes me passionate about them but has also prepared me well for service in the legislature.
As far as leadership and achievement, Dr. Martin Luther King is a fine example of a person whom I look up to. While he had his personal shortcomings, Dr. King was an honorable man who sought to end unwarranted discrimination and unify America. Ultimately, he paid with his life for his beliefs. His moral courage to face oppression non-violently, to seek to unify Americans is one to emulate. Perhaps the most poignant line I have ever heard (and as a historian I have read thousands of famous quotes) is Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech. It encompasses the spirit of our great nation, one dedicated to equal treatment, meritocracy and unity.
"Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville (1840). This French author's treatise on democracy in America was prescient and clearly described the distinctions in why America was different than aristocratic Europe.
I have often explained to folks all over the globe how Alexis de Tocqueville got it right in his explanation of our success. Americans sought to limit government to protect our natural rights and frequently entered into voluntary cooperation to ensure success. Private, self-regulating institutions were (are) the primary key to achieving success, not government dictates from on high.
Many other books capture the spirit of my own political views (including economics) like Friedrich Heyek's "The Road to Serfdom," Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations," Barry Goldwater's "The Conscience of a Conservative," and the "Federalist Papers" by Alexander Hamilton, John jay and James Madison, however, de Tocqueville has always been an important work that in large measure reflects my views.
Competence, honesty, integrity, passion, selfless service.
The all too common stereotype of politicians is that of a permanent political class, rather than what a politician should be: a servant leader.
Far too many of our elected officials in legislatures and in Congress are not very competent at leading, planning or even being fiscally responsible.
It takes moral courage to tell folks the truth when few want to hear the truth. Our politicians must be willing to be honest with the public, not pander to them for votes.
Davy Crockett went to Washington and stayed a few years, not decades. His example of a servant leader, in office to represent the common interests of citizens, his state and the nation is one to embrace.
A politician should be running for or in office not for craven political power, self-aggrandizement or self-enrichment, but rather to be a servant leader.
Passion to serve in office to improve governance and the human condition should be paramount for any politician.
I have sacrificed much to devote my adult life to serving others. My career is one of selfless service, dedication, integrity, honesty and passion for defending our liberties and our nation.
I entered this race not for fame or fortune, nor a comfortable, cozy job, but rather because I fear for our state and our nation and cannot sit idly by as it falls apart. Few politicians match this commitment.
Ability to engage with others from, plumbers to presidents, and understand them. Few folks are comfortable in every setting. My life experiences have put my in so many circumstances that I am very comfortable and capable engaging with almost anyone.
My sense of fairness will make me a success, it always has. As someone who moved frequently as a child and was always the new kid or outsider, I saw first hand how unfair life can be. MY childhood circumstances only enhanced my view that fairness is important. Government should not be picking winners and losers, but rather ensuring a level playing field for all.
I am down to earth and also intellectual, comfortable at a scrap yard and in a lecture hall. This trait is especially important (in my view), as my district is comprised of over 65,000 residents from all walks of life and socioeconomic backgrounds.
As a former Counterintelligence Agent and an Intelligence Officer with the highest level of security clearance for decades, I am trustworthy. Our nation has entrusted me with the most sensitive information and investigations.
I am energetic and dedicated. I work seven days a week, not because I need to, nor because I am bored, but because I have a passion for making things better.
A focus on achievement. Throughout my life I have set goals and worked to achieve them, regardless the timeline. This includes immediate policy objectives and long term personal plans like the one I came up with in 1985 (when I was an enlisted soldier in Germany) where I set a goal of returning to university, earning my Army commission, becoming a Regular Army officer, entering Military Intelligence, eventually becoming a Foreign Area Officer of Sub-Saharan Africa and reaching the rank of full colonel.
Personal courage. I dealt with incredible adversity as a child, circumstances that could easily led me to a life of questionable morals and actions. Yet, I followed a different path as I overcame my childhood experiences.
Defend the U.S. Constitution and Pennsylvania's Constitution, reduce unnecessary legislative burdens on Pennsylvanians, be fiscally responsible (state budget and my also my own staff budget), be responsive to constituents, propose and or co-sponsor legislation to reduce administrative burdens, lower taxes and promote Pennsylvania for investment and tourism at home and abroad.
The world a better place, more free, safer and more prosperous for our posterity.
I am confident I have already left a mark and made the world a better place through my service in the military. Among other contributions, as an intelligence analyst, I wrote intelligence products for the President of the United States (Bush Jr.). One of my efforts led to actions that prevented hundreds of thousands of Africans from starving to death. However, improving the human condition never ends. I can do more. This is why I entered the race to represent folks.
The Arab oil embargo and gas station lines (1973) when I was seven years old. While I do remember earlier events like Helter Skelter when we lived in California and the Vietnam War, it was the gas lines that I remember most clearly.
The chaos, confusion, frustration and anger over the mess created (as I learned when I grew older) left indelible memories in my mind. America was weak. We can never allow that nonsense to happen again. The Bicentennial was the next major event I vividly recall and the sense of patriotism that returned a few short years after the embargo imprinted on me the resilience of Americans and the human spirit.
Dairy farmer while in high school. I did this for four years before departing for university. It has hard work. But I learned a lot about valuing labor, being responsible, earning one's way in life and running a small business.
"The Covenant" by James Mitchener. This historical fiction novel helped embark me on a career as an Africanist. I read it in high school and learned so much about politics, war, race, ethnicity, migration, colonialism and South Africa. It left a lasting impression. I have read it at least four times, cover to cover, in the years since I first read it over four decades ago.
Forrest Gump. What an INCREDIBLE life story (fictional, naturally).
Dancing Queen
My childhood was difficult, fraught with abuse and neglect. I persevered and dedicated my life to success and helping others.
The ideal relationship would be one of cooperation. The executive should submit realistic budgets, lead state agencies, address natural disasters, offer a vision and long terms goals for the future and sign appropriate legislation. The State legislature should provide oversight of State agency operations, address shortcomings, send appropriate bills to the governor for enactment and exercise its veto authority when appropriate.
The two branches should work together, however, the relationship is often antagonistic, especially when on political party controls the legislature and another controls the executive mansion. With an eye to limited government, the two branches can and should check each others' authority when appropriate.
1. The graying of Pennsylvania as more and more youth leave the state for brighter prospects elsewhere. Pennsylvania has already lost o federal congressional seat as a consequence of the 2020 census. Things will only get worse unless we reduce the tax burden, offer incentives and promote the state to our youth and to others outside Pennsylvania. W must retain our youth and entice others to move here as well.
2. Fiscal responsibility. In 2025, If Governor Shapiro has his way, the budget will be $48 billion. That budget includes an unconstitutional $2 billion shortfall. Year after year, Harrisburg continues to increase its spending (usually in excess of inflation). The tax burden increases, discouraging investment, hampering personal income growth and undermining entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth.
3. Economic prosperity. Pennsylvania has been making itself less competitive for new business and the 4th Industrial Revolution with antiquated approaches to taxation, business, entrepreneurialism and in attracted the next generation businesses in AI, robotics and science. This state was a pioneer in the industrial revolution. The government needs to improve the business environment, ensure level playing field for all, provide appropriate oversight and thereby attract the capital and talent necessary to ensure our prosperity in the coming decades.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
Yes it can be. However, I do not believe it is necessary. A successful leader in any field can quickly learn to navigate the bureaucratic challenges of large institutions. While I do not believe past experience in government of politics is necessary, a candidate who has previously served in either capacity can become more effective as a legislator, more rapidly than one who lacks such experience.
As a candidate who served in the U.S. Army for nearly 37 years, I have not been a politician, however, I have been intricately involved in working with government officials from local, to state, national, international and international organizations. I have designed, funded and led projects at local level that rebuilt schools, clinics, improved roads, created HIV counseling and testing centers and similar projects. I have navigated the challenging bureaucratic barriers that too often appear to hamper the delivery of services and good governance.
I have been deeply involved in national security strategy development and execution both in the field where this occurs and at the national level in Washington D.C. I have worked within the National Intelligence Community, at the Pentagon, with the State Department and Congress in developing and applying programs and policies that improve and ensure our national security, as well as assist our friends, partners and allies abroad. Consequently, I do believe past experience working with government (as all levels) can be beneficial for a candidate in succeeding as a legislator.
I do believe that not only is it beneficial, but necessary to work with other legislators, especially those across the aisle. While we may have policy or philosophical differences, we are all Americans who are elected to be servant leaders for the common good. Antagonistic relations are counterproductive. They lead to gridlock where nothing gets accomplished and poison the polity, angering many who turn away from participation (including voting) in our political system.
Politics involves compromise to achieve positive outcomes in governance. However, a politician should never compromise their principles, ideals or character to get along. If compromise is necessary to achieve the greater good, a politician owes it to their constituents to be transparent and communicate what is compromised, why, the intended outcome and what was gained.
As far as a contemporary legislator, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas comes immediately to mind. While no human is without faults, and those who service in politics either have faults (and) or are falsely accused of faults, Senator Cruz has served Texas and America well.
His positions in support of the Constitution are worth emulating. Unlike so many career politicians in D.C., Senator Cruz has left government to return to the private sector. He later returned to government when he saw the nation imperiled. His sound positions opposing kowtowing to the theocratic Iranian state, seeking to punish Communist China for his oppression of the Uigar minority, against Communist Cuba, willingness to proclaim the Ottoman genocide against Armenians, and so on are strong positions that protect American interests.
Ted Cruz's willingness to be honest, open and vocal about critically important issues, his example of leaving government rather than being a permanent political caste member, his pro America stance, and staunch support for the Constitution all make him someone I would consider an example while serving in the legislature.
While I see Ted Cruz as an example, my role in office will not be to parrot others, but to bring my values, my principals, my experience together to serve my constituents, Pennsylvania and the republic to which I have devoted my entire adult life defending.
Yes. I have a life long interest in politics. When I attended public school we still learned civics and American government. At an early age, I quickly realized the importance of governance and how failing to elect honorable, patriotic adherents to our Constitution could be detrimental to society. I entered the Army to serve our nation and lead others. However, I always considered an eventual future serving in a different role when needed, called upon, or when I saw we (as a nation) might be in jeopardy.
When I noticed that not a single Democrat or Republican candidate was on the fall ballot for Judge of Elections in the wake of 2020, I jumped in to run a write-in campaign to become the Judge of Elections in my local district. While I do harbor interest in potentially running for U.S. Congress in the future, that day is not today. I would consider running for governor should folks ask that of me. For now, my ambition is to serve where I can do the most good, as quickly as possible, for my beleaguered fellow Pennsylvanians in the Pennsylvania legislature.
It has only been a few weeks since this campaign began. While I have spoken to a few thousand residents, very few personal stories have been broached. Most of what I have heard is from residents who were grateful for the intervention of their legislator to get government bureaucracy moving to get entitled benefits or compensation that the residents had no success doing so themselves.
It has been a similar theme in personal stories thus far. This is a testament to what a good legislator can and should be doing in their district. The job is not simply making or rescinding laws, but of representing constituent's interests. Most of the time this means the common interests, however, as a member of the legislature, a representative is also in a position to help made positive change in individual's lives as well.
I tend not to recall jokes. Plus, COVID ruined comedy. Wokeness also destroyed humor. It's sad.
This is a very slippery slope. At federal and state level we have a system set up for separation of powers. This separation is especially important between the executive and legislative branches of government. The authorization for any chief executive or legislature to enact emergency powers is a very dangerous option. Who decides what is a genuine emergency that rises to the level to take such drastic action?
During the Civil War (1861), President Lincoln suspended habeas corpus (later, in 1863 Congress gave him the authority to do so). Lincoln claimed to use this power to protect Washington D.C. from rebellious Marylanders. However, the power was used to imprison opponents of Lincoln at every turn, even leading to the imprisonment of one third of Maryland's legislature. During COVID, governments at all levels (state and federal) in all branches (executive, legislative and judicial) violated the Constitution, abrogated due process and imperiled our republic with their fear mongering and arbitrary actions. The behavior of politicians during COVID, so willing to illegally suspend our natural rights because of their ignorance when it come to infectious disease, is a clear warning sign of the hazards of empowering any body with emergency powers.
While I appreciate the hazards, there can be times when emergency powers are necessary (British soldiers burning the White House, Pearl Harbor, 9-11) for the common good or national defense. Should a legislature grant or use emergency powers, it does have the unique aspect that the body more broadly represents the body politic than does the executive branch. Should legislators abuse emergency powers, we can vote hem out shortly afterwards. While this is far from ideal, it is perhaps the best possible solution in a republic to prevent abuse or misuse.
Repeal or reduce the State's fuel taxes.
None. I have not sought endorsements for the primary. There are five candidates in the Republican primary. All appear to be patriotic conservatives. I am focused on the ultimate endorsement: the voter.
House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee: as a 37 year Veteran with 23 years of overseas deployments and multiple combat tours, I understand the contributions and needs of veterans extremely well.
Tourism & Recreational Development Committee: Having lived in 16 countries, worked in over 50 and traveled in over 70, I am well acquainted with tourism and the multitude of factors that affect the sector. As a sports enthusiast, outdoors man, and journalist I have been deeply involved in recreation and sports.
Committee On Ethics: In the US Army I was a badge and credentialed Counterintelligence Agent entrusted with the most discreet of investigations, served as an investigating officer numerous times, and also as a Court Martial authority as well. With a Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Intelligence (TS-SCI) clearance, I was obliged to maintain the highest ethical standards. I took my responsibilities to ensure and maintain ethical conduct deadly seriously.
House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee: I was a dairy farmer in rural Appalachia while in high school and understand the challenges farmers, especially family farmers face. While not engaged directly in agriculture in recent years, I nonetheless continued to analysis the sector.
Commerce Committee: commerce is the lifeblood of our state. Ensuring a level playing field for businesses and entrepreneurs is essential to our future success. If we cannot attract or retain successful business ventures. our citizens suffer. Pennsylvania has much to offer businesses, including vast human capital, research universities, infrastructure, a key mid-Atlantic geographic position, and a vast wealth of natural resources, especially when it comes to energy.
Transparency and accountability are paramount to good governance. Throughout my 37 year military career I was required to account for every expenditure and be a good steward of taxpayer money. The, often opaque nature of state governments is distressing. Pennsylvania's governor seeks a $3 billion increase in the state budget, yet he has failed to explain to residents why this is necessary in difficult economic times, nor how the state will pay for the increase. This behavior is not acceptable.
Every state agency must account for all expenditures, provide publicly available information on where, how and why funds are expended. Legislators and Pennsylvania pubic officials must be required to submit receipts for per Diem claims. Additionally, I take exception with legislators having authority to approve pay rises for themselves. That is akin to the fox in the hen house. In 1995, Pennsylvania's legislature enacted automatic pay increases for itself. Yet few working Pennsylvanians have such a convenient luxury.
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Campaign finance summary
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See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 92 |
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Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 24, 2024
