Josh Hawley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Josh Hawley
Official portrait, 2019
United States Senator from Missouri
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2019 Serving with Eric Schmitt
Preceded by	Claire McCaskill
42nd Attorney General of Missouri
In office January 9, 2017 – January 3, 2019
Governor	Eric Greitens Mike Parson
Preceded by	Chris Koster
Succeeded by	Eric Schmitt
Personal details
Born	Joshua David Hawley (1979-12-31) December 31, 1979 (age 45) Springdale, Arkansas, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Erin Morrow ​ (m. 2010)​
Children	3
Education	Stanford University (BA) Yale University (JD)
Signature

Joshua David Hawley (born December 31, 1979) is an American politician and lawyer. He is currently a U.S. Senator for Missouri, a role he has held since 2019. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Before becoming a senator, Hawley served as the 42nd Attorney General of Missouri from 2017 to 2019. He won the 2018 election against Senator Claire McCaskill and was reelected in 2024.

Hawley was born in Springdale, Arkansas. He earned degrees from Stanford University and Yale Law School. After law school, he worked as a law clerk for important judges. He also worked as a lawyer and taught law at the University of Missouri School of Law. In December 2020, Senator Hawley was the first senator to say he would object to the official counting of votes for the 2020 presidential election. He raised concerns about how the election was run.

Early Life and Education

Joshua David Hawley was born on December 31, 1979, in Springdale, Arkansas. His father was a banker, and his mother was a teacher. In 1981, his family moved to Lexington, Missouri.

Hawley went to Lexington Middle School. He then attended Rockhurst High School, a private school in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from high school in 1998 as the top student. His middle school principal thought he might become president one day.

In high school, Hawley wrote articles for his local newspaper. He wrote about topics like the American militia movement and affirmative action. He then studied history at Stanford University, graduating in 2002 with high honors. His professor, David M. Kennedy, said Hawley was one of the most talented students he taught.

After teaching in London for ten months, Hawley returned to the U.S. He attended Yale Law School and earned his law degree in 2006. At Yale, he was involved with the Yale Law Journal and led the school's Federalist Society chapter.

Early Career as a Lawyer

After law school, Hawley worked as a law clerk for two years. He worked for Judge Michael W. McConnell from 2006 to 2007. Then, he worked for Chief Justice John Roberts at the U.S. Supreme Court from 2007 to 2008. While working for Chief Justice Roberts, he met his future wife, Erin Morrow.

After his clerkships, Hawley worked as a lawyer in private practice from 2008 to 2011. In 2011, he moved back to Missouri. He became a professor at the University of Missouri Law School. There, he taught different types of law. From 2011 to 2015, Hawley also worked for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. He helped with important cases heard by the Supreme Court.

Campaign for Attorney General

Hawley started his campaign to become Attorney General of Missouri on July 23, 2015. He received a lot of financial support for his campaign. On August 2, 2016, he won the Republican primary election. He then defeated Democrat Teresa Hensley in the general election. During his campaign, Hawley criticized politicians who moved from one job to another too quickly. This later became a point of discussion when he ran for the U.S. Senate.

Attorney General of Missouri (2017–2019)

Hawley as attorney general in 2017

Hawley became Attorney General on January 9, 2017. He was sworn in by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri.

Looking into Tech Companies

In November 2017, Hawley started an investigation into Google. He wanted to see if Google's business practices broke state laws about consumer protection and fair competition. The investigation looked at what data Google collects from users. It also checked how Google uses content from other companies and if its search results were fair.

In April 2018, after a big data privacy issue with Facebook, Hawley announced another investigation. His office asked Facebook for information about how it shares user data. The investigation aimed to find out if Facebook properly handled sensitive user data.

Lawsuit about Healthcare Law

Hawley in Jackson in August 2018

In February 2018, Hawley joined 20 other states in a lawsuit. This lawsuit challenged the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a healthcare law. Some people worried the lawsuit would remove insurance protections for those with existing health conditions. However, Hawley stated he supported protections for these conditions. He later wrote an article explaining his support for protecting people with preexisting conditions. He suggested using taxpayer money to help insurance companies cover these patients.

U.S. Senate

Senate Elections

2018 Election

Hawley on election night after securing the Republican primary win

In August 2017, Hawley began exploring a run for the U.S. Senate. In October 2017, he officially announced his plan to run for the Republican nomination. He aimed for the seat held by Democrat Claire McCaskill. Many important Republicans encouraged him to run.

The Republican primary election had 11 candidates. Hawley received strong support from leaders like Mitch McConnell and President Donald Trump. He won the primary election with a large number of votes.

During the main election campaign, healthcare was a major topic. Both candidates promised to protect people with existing health conditions. McCaskill criticized Hawley for joining the lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act. Hawley, in turn, criticized McCaskill's voting record.

Hawley faced criticism for running for Senate less than a year after becoming Attorney General. This was because he had criticized "ladder-climbing politicians" in his previous campaign. Hawley said he wasn't thinking about the Senate then.

In November 2018, Hawley defeated McCaskill, winning 51% of the votes.

After the election, there was an inquiry into whether Hawley used public money for his Senate campaign. His office denied any wrongdoing. The investigation was closed in February 2019 due to a lack of evidence. Later, a 2021 investigation found some questionable campaign expenses. Hawley's office later said he had paid back the campaign for these expenses.

2024 Election

Hawley ran for a second term in the Senate. He debated with his Democratic opponent, Lucas Kunce. Hawley was reelected in November 2024.

Time in the Senate

Hawley's portrait during the 116th Congress

Hawley became a U.S. Senator on January 3, 2019.

In June 2019, Hawley helped prevent Michael S. Bogren from becoming a federal judge. Hawley said Bogren showed "anti-religious animus" in a past legal case.

During the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests in October 2019, Hawley visited Hong Kong. He spoke in favor of the protests, calling the city a "police state." Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, called his statement "irresponsible."

On November 18, 2019, Hawley announced a new law proposal. It would make it illegal for American companies to store user data or encryption keys in China. This could cause problems for companies like Apple and TikTok. Hawley also proposed banning "loot boxes" in games and limiting "addictive" social media features.

Hawley joined President Donald Trump in asking for larger coronavirus relief checks. He wanted to increase the $600 checks to $2,000. This put him on the same side as Senator Bernie Sanders. Hawley tried to force a vote to increase the checks, but other Republican senators blocked it.

By February 2021, Hawley was the only senator to vote against almost all of President Joe Biden's cabinet nominees. He approved only one of 118 executive appointments that received a Senate vote. Some political experts said Hawley's actions aimed to stop the Biden administration.

On August 3, 2022, Hawley was the only senator to vote against Sweden and Finland joining the NATO defense alliance. He said it was not in America's best interest. He believed China was a greater threat than Russia.

Actions Around the 2020 Election

After Joe Biden won the 2020 United States presidential election, Hawley said he would object to the official counting of the Electoral College votes on January 6, 2021. He was the first senator to do this. He said his action was for people concerned about election fairness. Some critics said his actions were undemocratic.

On December 30, 2020, Hawley tweeted about his plan to object. Walmart's official Twitter account replied, "Go ahead. Get your 2 hour debate. #soreloser." Hawley accused Walmart of using "slave labor." Walmart deleted the tweet and apologized.

On January 4, 2021, Hawley tweeted that his Washington, D.C. home had been vandalized. He said his family was threatened by "Antifa scumbags." The group that held the event said it was a peaceful vigil. They said they did not vandalize his house. Police confirmed the protest was peaceful with no arrests.

U.S. Capitol Events and Public Reaction

Hawley gives a raised fist salute to pro-Trump protesters outside of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Some of these protesters stormed the Capitol building about an hour later.

Captured still from a video of Hawley later running from a mob on January 6, shown during the Select Committee meeting of July 21, 2022, and within many Internet memes

On January 6, 2021, Congress met to count the electoral votes. Pro-Trump protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol building. Before this, Hawley was photographed giving a raised fist salute to the protesters outside the Capitol. This photo became very controversial. The Kansas City Star called it "the image that will haunt Josh Hawley." Later that day, video showed Hawley running through the Capitol, away from the rioters.

Some news outlets and former politicians criticized Hawley. They said he was partly responsible for the events. John Danforth, a former Republican senator and Hawley's mentor, said supporting Hawley was his "worst mistake." Hawley's approval rating dropped among Missouri voters.

After the events, other Republican lawmakers tried to convince Hawley to drop his objections. However, he voted to object to the electoral votes for Arizona and Pennsylvania. Both objections were rejected by the Senate. Some people called Hawley and other senators who tried to overturn the election the Sedition Caucus. Hawley has faced calls to resign. He responded that he "will never apologize for giving voice to the millions of Missourians and Americans who have concerns about the integrity of our elections."

Many political donors and companies stopped supporting Hawley financially. His book, The Tyranny of Big Tech, was canceled by its publisher. It was later published by another company. Some Democratic senators filed a complaint against Hawley. Hawley called it "partisan revenge" and filed his own complaint.

On May 28, 2021, Hawley voted against creating an independent group to investigate the riot. On July 21, 2022, a House committee showed video of Hawley running from the mob. This video was widely shared and discussed online.

Committee Assignments

For the 117th United States Congress, Hawley was part of four Senate committees:

• Committee on Armed Services
  • Subcommittee on Airland
  • Subcommittee on Personnel
  • Subcommittee on SeaPower
• Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
  • Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight
  • Governmental Operations and Border Management
• Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
• Committee on the Judiciary
  • Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights
  • Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism
  • Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law (Ranking)
  • Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law

For the 116th United States Congress, Hawley was part of five Senate committees:

• Committee on Armed Services
  • Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
  • Subcommittee on Seapower
  • Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
• Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
  • Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management
  • Subcommittee on Investigations (Permanent)
• Committee on the Judiciary
  • Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights
  • Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration
  • Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism (chair)
• Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
• Special Committee on Aging

Political Views

Hawley's political views are often described as nationalist and populist. He is seen as a strong supporter of Donald Trump.

COVID-19 Pandemic

In early talks about COVID-19 relief, Hawley disagreed with some proposals. In April 2020, he suggested the U.S. government pay businesses to keep their workers employed during the pandemic. This idea was similar to programs in some European countries.

In December 2020, Hawley worked with Senator Bernie Sanders. They asked for direct payments of at least $1,200 to American workers in any new relief plan. In June 2021, Hawley called for Anthony Fauci to resign from his role as a top health official.

Elections

In 2023, Hawley introduced a bill to change how companies influence elections. The bill would stop publicly traded companies from making certain political donations.

Environment

As Missouri Attorney General, Hawley worked to reduce environmental protections. He filed lawsuits against the Trump administration to speed up this process. He said it was a way to help President Trump's agenda.

In 2023, Hawley supported a change to a defense law. This change would help people affected by radiation exposure. He said he would vote against the defense bill if this change was not included.

Foreign Policy

Early in his career, Hawley supported the Iraq War. He also supported helping other countries build democracies.

Since becoming a senator, Hawley has changed his focus. He now opposes U.S. wars in the Middle East. He believes the U.S. should focus more on China, which he sees as a major threat. He has criticized the idea of "endless war." He also wants to change or even get rid of the World Trade Organization.

During the Biden administration, Hawley often delayed the approval of Biden's nominees for foreign policy jobs.

Afghanistan

After the 2021 fall of Kabul and an attack at the airport, Hawley was among Republicans who called for President Biden to resign.

China and Hong Kong

Hawley meets with members of the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard in April 2019

Hawley is a strong critic of China. He calls China "the greatest security threat" to the U.S. He believes the U.S. should stop China from controlling other places like Hong Kong and Taiwan.

In October 2019, Hawley supported the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. He visited Hong Kong to see the protests. He tweeted that Beijing was trying to make Hong Kong a "police state."

Hawley has worked on laws to stop data from being sent to certain countries, including China. In July 2020, he criticized the NBA. He said they allowed players to support Black Lives Matter but not the Hong Kong protests. He also criticized the NBA's business in China, mentioning "slave labor."

Israel

During his 2018 Senate campaign, Hawley criticized Claire McCaskill for supporting a nuclear deal with Iran. He said the U.S. should stand with President Trump and Israel. Hawley opposes the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel. He supported Israel's right to defend itself during the 2023 Israel–Hamas war.

Mexico

On January 19, 2021, Hawley blocked the quick approval of a new Homeland Security secretary. He did this because the nominee would not promise to spend money on expanding the border wall.

Russia

Hawley has called the Mueller report a "hoax." He also called the Steele dossier "lies from a Russian spy." In January 2019, he voted to block Trump's plan to lift sanctions on three Russian companies. In July 2020, he said he did not believe reports about Russia paying the Taliban. However, he warned of punishment if it were true.

NATO Expansion

In January 2022, Hawley asked President Biden to stop supporting Ukraine's plan to join NATO. He argued that defending Ukraine would weaken the U.S.'s ability to deal with China. On August 3, 2022, he was the only senator to vote against Sweden and Finland joining NATO. He said China was a greater threat than Russia.

Saudi Arabia

During a 2018 debate, Hawley and McCaskill agreed that if Saudi Arabia was behind the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, the U.S. should respond strongly. After an attack in Saudi Arabia in 2019, Hawley said the U.S. should not attack anyone for Saudi Arabia's interests. He said the U.S. should focus on its own security.

Ukraine

In October 2019, Hawley called for an investigation into Joe Biden regarding Ukraine. He defended Donald Trump's phone call with Ukraine's president. He criticized Trump's first impeachment, saying Trump's words were "certainly not a crime."

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Hawley was one of 11 Republican senators to vote against a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine. He wrote that the bill "is not in America's interests."

Venezuela

On April 3, 2019, Hawley supported a bill to recognize Juan Guaidó as the president of Venezuela. The bill would provide aid to Venezuela and its neighbors. It would also remove sanctions on some Venezuelan officials.

Gun Policy

Hawley has a high rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA). He does not support a ban on assault weapons. However, he supports some gun control measures. These include stronger background checks and banning bump stocks. He also supports preventing mentally ill people from having guns.

Health Care

Hawley has criticized the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). As Attorney General of Missouri, he joined a lawsuit to declare it unconstitutional. He said the act "was never constitutional." His 2018 Senate campaign stated he supported protections for people with existing health conditions. He later suggested using taxpayer money to help insurance companies cover these patients.

Immigration

Hawley supports building a wall along the southern border to stop illegal immigration. He supported the Trump administration's policy of separating families at the border. He said it was "an entirely preventable tragedy."

Labor

In his 2018 Senate campaign, Hawley did not take a firm stance on "right-to-work" laws. These laws can make it harder for labor unions to organize. His spokesperson said that "nobody should be forced to pay union dues." In 2023, Hawley joined United Auto Workers on a picket line. He said the workers deserved a raise.

In 2018, Hawley opposed raising the minimum wage in Missouri. In 2021, he supported a $15 minimum wage for large businesses. He also supported a tax credit for lower-wage workers.

LGBT Rights

In December 2015, Hawley supported allowing Missouri businesses and religious groups to refuse to participate in same-sex marriage ceremonies. In June 2020, the Supreme Court ruled against workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Hawley criticized this decision.

In May 2022, Hawley said he would be "shocked" if the Supreme Court decision allowing same-sex marriage was overturned. He called it "settled law." However, he stated his opposition to the decision. Hawley opposed and voted against the 2022 Respect for Marriage Act. This act ensures that legal same-sex and interracial marriages are recognized nationwide.

Hawley has been accused of transphobia due to his comments about transgender people. He co-sponsored a 2021 bill to limit transgender women in sports. He also signed a letter against Title IX protections for transgender students.

Trade and Tariffs

Hawley supported Trump's use of trade tariffs. He hoped these tariffs would lead to lower tariffs on U.S. agriculture. In September 2018, he fully supported Trump's trade actions. He said, "It's a trade war that China started. If we're in a war, I want to be winning it."

On May 5, 2020, Hawley wrote an article suggesting the World Trade Organization should be abolished. He argued it did not help American interests and allowed China to grow stronger. He later introduced a plan for the U.S. to leave the WTO.

Donald Trump

Hawley is seen as a loyal supporter of Donald Trump. He voted to clear Trump during his first impeachment trial. He said Democrats had misused the Constitution. After Trump was cleared, Trump praised Hawley's role.

During Trump's second impeachment trial, Hawley was in the Senate gallery. He was seen with his feet up, reviewing papers. He called the proceedings "a total kangaroo trial."

U.S. Supreme Court Nominations

Hawley's first campaign ad in 2018 focused on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, which he supported. On October 27, 2020, Hawley voted to confirm Amy Coney Barrett. Hawley strongly criticized Ketanji Brown Jackson's 2022 nomination to the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Shortlist

On September 9, 2020, Trump announced that Hawley was on his list of possible nominees for the Supreme Court. Hawley thanked him but declined the offer. He said Missourians elected him to fight for them in the Senate. After Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away, Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett.

Personal Life

In 2010, Hawley married Erin Morrow, who is also a Yale Law School graduate and a law professor. They have three children. After becoming Attorney General, Hawley rented an apartment in Jefferson City, the state capital. His family continued to live in Columbia, Missouri. The Hawleys bought a house in Vienna, Virginia, in 2019 after he was elected to the U.S. Senate. Hawley's voter registration uses his sister's address in Ozark, Missouri. This allows him to be eligible to run for Missouri's U.S. Senate seat.

Hawley was raised Methodist. He and his family now attend an Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Electoral History

Missouri Attorney General

U.S. Senator

2024 United States Senate election in Missouri
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Josh Hawley (incumbent)	1,651,907	55.57%	4.19
	Democratic	Lucas Kunce	1,243,728	41.84%	3.73
	Libertarian	W.C. Young	35,671	1.20%	0.08
	Better Party	Jared Young	21,111	0.71%	N/A
	Green	Nathan Kline	20,123	0.68%	0.16
	Write-in		19	0.00%
Total votes			2,972,559	100.00%	N/A
	Republican hold

Images for kids

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  Robot for kids

See also

In Spanish: Josh Hawley para niños

• List of attorneys general of Missouri
• List of law clerks of the Supreme Court of the United States (Chief Justice)
• List of United States senators from Missouri
• Neopatriarchy
• Sedition Caucus