Josh West (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Josh West
Majority Leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives
In office January 5, 2021 – January 3, 2023
Preceded by	Mike Sanders
Succeeded by	Tammy West
Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 5th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 9, 2017
Preceded by	Doug Cox
Personal details
Born	(1976-09-19) September 19, 1976 (age 48) Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Elizabeth West
Children	4
Education	Missouri Valley College (BA)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1996-2005
Battles/wars	Iraq War  (WIA) War in Afghanistan
Awards	Bronze Star (with valor) Purple Heart Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal (5) Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Army Service Ribbon Afghanistan Campaign Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Iraqi Campaign Medal Combat Action Badge Air Assault Badge Expert Field Medical Badge

Josh West (born September 19, 1976) is an American politician and army veteran. He has served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for the 5th district since 2017. A politician's job is to represent the people in their area and help make laws.

Early Life and Education

Josh West was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but he grew up in the town of Grove, Oklahoma. In 1995, he graduated from Grove High School. After high school, he went to Missouri Valley College, where he played football on a scholarship.

Military Career

In 1996, West joined the U.S. Army and began his training. He served in several places, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

On October 16, 2003, West was seriously injured during a firefight in Karbala, Iraq. Several members of his team were killed, including his commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kim Orlando. West was shot in both legs and his stomach. He spent the next year in physical therapy learning to use his legs again.

After nine years of service, he was medically retired from the army in 2005. He received many awards for his bravery and service, including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

A Career in Politics

After his military service, Josh West decided to enter politics. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Joining the Oklahoma House of Representatives

In 2016, the representative for Oklahoma's 5th district, Doug Cox, could not run for re-election. West decided to run for the position. He first had to win the Republican primary election, where he competed against other Republicans. West won with over 60% of the vote.

After winning the primary, West competed in the main election against Matt Nowlin from the Democratic Party. West won the election and became the new representative for the 5th district.

Re-election Campaigns

In 2018, West ran for re-election. He won the Republican primary again and then defeated his opponent in the main election with over 68% of the vote.

In 2020, no one ran against him, so he was re-elected automatically. From 2021 to 2023, he served as the Majority Leader for the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

What Does Josh West Believe?

Josh West's political views often align with the Oklahoma Republican Party. He is a member of the National Rifle Association of America and supports the right to own guns.

West believes in giving local communities more control over their schools. He is against a set of national school standards called Common Core. However, he supports paying teachers more money. He said:

I want to work to improve our schools... We have to pay our teachers more, but also become more efficient and require results in our student performance. This is all best decided and managed at the state and local level.

He also believes in protecting freedoms and has been critical of some government policies. In 2023, he was one of twenty lawmakers in Oklahoma who supported Ron DeSantis for the 2024 presidential election.

Personal Life

Josh West is married to Elizabeth West, who is a veteran of the United States Air Force. Together, they have four children.