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 military veteran who has served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2017, representing the 5th district. He was re-elected by default in 2020.

Early life

West was born on September 19, 1976 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. However, he was raised in Grove, Oklahoma. In 1995, West graduated from Grove High School. He then attended Missouri Valley College on a football scholarship.

Military service

In 1996, West began training for the US Army. He graduated in 1997. During his combat service, he was deployed to multiple locations, mainly in Afghanistan and Iraq. On October 16, 2003, West was injured in a firefight in Karbala, Iraq. During the firefight, multiple members of his team were killed, including his battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Kim Orlando. At the time Orlando was the highest ranked soldier to die during the Iraq War. During the fighting, West was shot in both legs and in his abdomen. He spent the next year in therapy trying to regain the use of his legs. In 2005, he was medically retired from the US Army after 9 years of service.

Oklahoma House of Representatives

2016 Primary

When incumbent Doug Cox did not seek re-election due to being term-limited, West was one of three candidates to run in the Republican Party primary. West was victorious with 60.7 percent of the vote.

2016 Election

West defeated Matt Nowlin in the Oklahoma House of Representatives District 5 general election.

56th Oklahoma Legislature (2017-2019)

During the 56th legislature, West served on the following committees:

• Agriculture & Rural Development
• Children, Youth & Family Services
• Veterans and Military Affairs, Vice chair

2018 Primary

West was challenged by Josh Russell, Tonya Rudick and Elizabeth Boney. Nevertheless, West won with 56.5 percent of the vote.

2018 Election

West defeated challenger Ed Trumbull with 68.2 percent of the vote.

57th Oklahoma Legislature (2019-present)

During the 57th legislature, West served on the following committees:

• Appropriations and Budget Committee
• Rules Committee
• Tourism Committee

Political positions

Most of West’s political positions are in line with that of the Oklahoma Republican Party. West is also a member of the National Rifle Association and supports gun rights. West also favors local control in education.

Personal life

West is married to his wife, Elizabeth, a United States Air Force veteran. They have 4 children.