House of Representatives

Bernice, Brush Creek, Bull Hollow, Butler, Cleora, Copeland, Deer Lick, Dennis, Disney, Dodge, Drowning Creek, Grove, Indianola, Jay, Kenwood, Ketchum, Langley, Locust Grove, New Eucha, Oak Hill-Piney, Old Eucha, Pensacola, Pump Back, Salina, Sams Corner, Spavinaw, Sportmans Shores, Strang, Sycamore, Tagg Flats, White Water, Wickliffe, Zena

Zipcode(s) Represented in District

74301, 74330, 74331, 74332, 74338, 74340, 74342, 74344, 74346, 74350, 74352, 74361, 74364, 74365, 74366, 74367

Year Elected

Year: 2016

Term Limited

Year: 2028

Biographical Information

PERSONAL:

Josh West currently serves as Chairman of the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and is a member of the House Leadership team. He was first elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2016. Josh served as Majority Leader from December 2018 until January 2023. He previously served as Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and served as an Assistant Majority Floor Leader. In 2017, Josh started the Legislative Veterans Caucus, where he served as Chairman from 2017-2019. Josh cofounded the Mental Health Caucus, and served as House Chairman from 2020-2023. Born in Tulsa and raised in Grove, Josh is a 4th generation Delaware County native. Josh graduated Grove High School in 1995 and upon graduation, he was awarded a football scholarship to Missouri Valley college. Josh has always had a heart to serve, and in 1996 he joined the United States Army, graduating basic training in 1997. During his time in the United States Army he was deployed multiple times, to include deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. On 16 October 2003, Josh was critically wounded in a firefight in Karbala Iraq. Josh was shot multiple times in both thighs, stomach and suffered a traumatic brain injury. During this firefight his Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kim Orlando was killed, along with Sergeant Joseph Bellavia and Corporal Sean Grilley. For his actions that night in Iraq, West earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with “V” device for Valor.

Josh was invited to the White House in March of 2019 for an executive order signing, as President Trump implemented the PREVENTS program, focusing on Veterans suicide. In August of 2019, Josh was awarded the inaugural Military Police Order of the Marechaussee Steel Award at a ceremony at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. His military awards and decorations include the following: Bronze Star (V) Purple Heart Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal (V) Army Commendation Medal (4th Award) Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award) Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award) National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award) Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal NCOPD Ribbon (2nd Award) 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 was medically retired from the United States Army after nine years of service. Josh continued to serve his country as a private security contractor, serving in various overseas assignments. Josh and his wife Elizabeth reside in Grove with their four children, Ethan, Walker, Katie and Aubrey. When not at the Capitol, Josh works for Simmons Foods and his wife Elizabeth is a Licensed Professional Counselor and small business owner. Ethan, Walker, Katie and Aubrey all attend Grove Public Schools. Josh continues to be involved in his community serving on multiple boards and veterans groups, to include the VFW, American Legion and Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Wests attend Elk River Baptist Church in Grove.

LEGISLATIVE SERVICE:

House of Representatives, 56th Legislature to present