Keith Kidwell was elected to the North Carolina House of Representative for District 79 in November 2018, representing Beaufort and Craven Counties. He is 62 years old, lives in Chocowinity NC with his bride, who was the girl next door when Keith was a child. Viki (Cihlar) Kidwell and Keith have been happliy married for over 42 years. They met when Keith was only four years old and went on to marry some 16 years later. He has one son Jason who together with his wife Elena, gave him four beautiful grandchildren. His eldest granddaughter is married, and the family welcomed a baby boy in 2023. They are expecting another this year. Family is the reason Keith is so dedicated to helping the people of the great state of North Carolina. Keith Kidwell has been a Small Business owner in Washington NC for nearly 35 years where he manages and owns the local H&R Block. Originally from Passaic NJ, Keith prefers to call North Carolina home. Keith studied Business Management at William Paterson College in NJ while working fulltime. His career has given him management experience in warehousing, domestic and international distribution, facilities, fleet, purchasing, budgeting, finance, taxes, and sales. After working with several Fortune 100 companies Keith returned to the family tax business. Keith's mother Louise Kidwell, known by everyone as Ma, was a great example for Keith. Ma taught him how hard work pays off; she also taught him many of life's tough lessons and most of all she always believed and trusted in him leaving Keith as the Chief Operating Officer of her beloved business. He is an Enrolled Agent (Licensed by the US Department of Treasury to represent taxpayers in front of the IRS & all 50 states). He is a former NC Real Estate Broker and Securities Broker. He is a certified Master Tax & Small Business Advisor, a licensed Health & Life insurance agent in the state of NC, a certified instructor with H&R Block and as a first-degree black belt was a state champion and martial arts instructor. He is currently an Instructor at Beaufort County Community College as well as member of the Business & Accounting Advisory Board where he served as Chairman for six years. He was appointed by the Beaufort County Commissioners to the Southern Albemarle Association, and the Beaufort County Hospital Board where he served as treasurer for three years. Keith has served as Treasurer/ Leader of the Knights of Columbus, Treasurer for Tranters Creek HOA, Ambassador for Business & Industry Council Washington, NC Chamber of Commerce, served on Boards for St Peters Church, Clifton NJ, and Mother of Mercy Church, Washington NC, where he was council President for two years. Coastal Pregnancy Center of Washington, NC, Treasurer for two years and Chairman for ten years. He served as the treasurer of Carolina Pregnancy Center of Greenville for 10 Years. He is the founder of Magoo's Christmas 4 Veterans Inc. a (501c3) that delivers Christmas gifts to our Veterans Homes. This was started by Keith & Viki after visiting the Kinston Veterans Home with the Republican Party several years ago. They were so moved by the experience that they knew they had to continue bringing the joy of Christmas to those who so selflessly served us. He holds memberships in National Association of Enrolled Agents, National Association of Tax Prepares, National Association of Professional Bookkeepers, Washington Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, Belhaven Hyde Chamber of Commerce, Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus 4 th Degree, NRA And Grassroots NC. He is very involved in local and state politics. He served as Chairman of the Beaufort County GOP for five years, two terms on the Beaufort County Republican Executive Committee, Treasurer of the 3 rd District GOP two years. Delegate to the 2016 GOP National Convention when Donald Trump was nominated for President, Delegate to NC GOP State Conventions four times, he served on the NC GOP and 3 rd District Resolutions committee three times and served on the NCGOP Plan of Organization committee, currently serving on the 3 rd Congressional District REC Convention rules committee. Having served on these committees, has helped him gain insight into the problems that plague our state and nation. As your representative, he will execute his responsibility to the people with the same Christian principles he has carried through his life, and with dedication, hard work, honesty, and integrity. When not working he escapes it all with Viki retreating to their favorite place, the Pamlico River, and other waters of North Carolina. Viki always does her best to beat him in their marital fishing tournaments or hunting with his grandchildren. When spending time on "Keith's Office" (his fishing boat), it is always with family and friends. Fishing, hunting, and camping adventures with the grandchildren are among his favorite past times.