Josh Hawley is a Republican U.S. Senator from Missouri, recognized for his strong conservative views and alignment with former President Donald Trump. Since his election in 2018, he has become a prominent figure in the Senate, advocating for nationalist and populist policies. His tenure has included several controversial moments, particularly his involvement in the 2021 Capitol riot and his opposition to certain bipartisan measures.
Political Career Path to the Senate
Hawley began his political career as Missouri’s Attorney General, a position he held from 2017 to 2019. Prior to entering politics, he was a constitutional lawyer and law professor, gaining national recognition for his involvement in high-profile legal cases advocating for religious liberties.
In 2016, he successfully ran for Attorney General of Missouri, promoting a tough-on-crime stance and opposing federal overreach. As Attorney General, he took significant actions, such as suing opioid manufacturers, investigating Google for antitrust violations, and supporting legal challenges to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). His time in this role was short-lived, as he quickly set his sights on the U.S. Senate.
During the 2018 midterm elections, Hawley challenged incumbent Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill, winning with strong support from conservative voters. His campaign centered on border security, judicial appointments, and opposition to the ACA, contributing to Missouri’s shift toward Republican dominance at the federal level.
Policy Positions
Social Issues
Hawley is a staunch social conservative whose policies reflect his evangelical Christian beliefs. He opposes abortion rights and has consistently supported efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade, praising the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to do so. He also opposes expansions of LGBTQ+ rights, including the Equality Act, arguing that they infringe on religious liberties. Hawley has been a vocal critic of “woke” culture, opposing diversity and inclusion initiatives in education, government, and the private sector.
Economic Issues
While he identifies as a conservative, Hawley has adopted some populist economic positions that set him apart from traditional pro-business Republicans. He has criticized corporate influence in politics and supports raising the minimum wage for certain workers. Additionally, he has backed legislation aimed at breaking up big tech companies, accusing them of censorship and monopolistic behavior. However, he also supports tax cuts for individuals and businesses and opposes progressive economic policies such as wealth taxes and universal basic income.
Immigration Issues
Hawley holds a hardline stance on immigration. He advocates for stricter border security, increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and limits on asylum claims. He has supported the construction of a border wall and is against providing pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, including those who entered the U.S. as children under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
Healthcare Issues
Hawley has been a vocal opponent of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and has supported efforts to repeal it. As Attorney General, he joined a lawsuit seeking to overturn the ACA, arguing that it was unconstitutional after the individual mandate penalty was eliminated. However, he has also expressed interest in maintaining protections for pre-existing conditions, though he has not clearly outlined proposals to do so outside of the ACA framework.
Political Relationship with Donald Trump
Hawley has been one of Donald Trump’s most loyal allies in the Senate. He supported Trump’s policies on trade, immigration, and judicial appointments. During Trump’s presidency, Hawley frequently defended him against Democratic-led investigations, including impeachment proceedings.
His most controversial moment occurred after the 2020 presidential election when he led efforts to object to the certification of Electoral College results, citing unproven claims of election fraud. His raised fist in solidarity with Trump supporters before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot became an iconic symbol of his allegiance to Trumpism. Even after the attack, he continued to contest the election results, facing backlash from Democrats and some Republicans.
Despite this controversy, Hawley remains a leading figure in the Trump-aligned wing of the Republican Party. He has continued to embrace Trump’s populist messaging, particularly in opposing globalization, challenging corporate power, and advocating for “America First” policies. His political future is closely tied to Trump and the broader MAGA movement, with speculation that he may seek higher office in the future.