Josh West (politician)
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. 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: 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: Political positions. Most of West’s political positions are in line with that of the Oklahoma Republican Party. West opposes abortion. West is also a member of the National Rifle Association and supports gun rights. West has criticized Barack Obama’s administration, quoting: West also favors local control in education. West opposes Common Core, while at the same time supporting increased pay for teachers, quoting: Personal life. West is married to his wife, Elizabeth, a United States Air Force veteran. They have 4 children.