Josh Hawley

On November 8, 2016, Josh Hawley was elected as Missouri's Attorney General, defeating Democrat Teresa Hensley in the general election. Hawley's campaign emphasized his experience as a constitutional lawyer and his commitment to fighting corruption and defending religious liberties. As Attorney General, Hawley led several major lawsuits, including those against opioid manufacturers and tech companies like Google, arguing for consumer protection and accountability. His tenure as Attorney General set the stage for his subsequent Senate campaign as he built a strong conservative record.

On December 5, 2017, Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley announced he would run for the United States Senate. Hawley, a Republican, was encouraged by party leaders and was seen as a strong challenger to incumbent Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill. His campaign focused on his conservative values and his record as Attorney General, where he notably sued Google over antitrust practices. Hawley positioned himself as a candidate aligned with President Trump’s policies, seeking to appeal to Missouri’s conservative base and strengthen the GOP’s presence in the Senate.

Josh Hawley secured the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate on August 7, 2018, by winning the Missouri GOP primary. As the then-Attorney General of Missouri, Hawley emerged as the favorite among several Republican hopefuls. His primary victory set the stage for a high-profile general election campaign against Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill. Hawley campaigned on a strong pro-Trump policy platform, emphasizing conservative themes and attacking McCaskill's liberal record as he aimed to sway Missouri voters in a shifting political landscape.

On November 6, 2018, Josh Hawley defeated incumbent Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill to become the Junior United States Senator from Missouri. Hawley's victory was part of a larger trend of Republican gains in the Senate during the 2018 midterm elections. As Missouri's Attorney General, Hawley campaigned on a conservative platform, emphasizing his positions against the Affordable Care Act and in support of President Donald Trump's policies. His election helped solidify Missouri's position as a Republican-leaning state.

In May 2020, Senator Josh Hawley introduced a resolution calling for an international investigation into the Chinese government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawley was a vocal critic of Beijing, accusing Chinese authorities of covering up the initial outbreak in Wuhan and demanding accountability for the global spread of the virus. His resolution sought cooperation from the international community to hold China responsible for mishandling the early stages of the pandemic. This effort was part of Hawley's broader stance on foreign policy, emphasizing skepticism toward China's global influence.

In October 2020, Senator Josh Hawley co-sponsored legislation aimed at overhauling Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a key piece of legislation that provides legal immunity to online platforms for content posted by their users. Hawley and other conservative lawmakers argued that tech companies had engaged in biased censoring of conservative voices, and the proposed changes sought to increase accountability for social media platforms. This move was part of Hawley's larger critique of big tech companies, which he accused of stifling free speech and engaging in anti-competitive practices.

On January 6, 2021, all eyes were on Josh Hawley as he became the first senator to announce he would object to the certification of the Electoral College results, citing unfounded concerns over election integrity after President Joe Biden's victory. Hawley's objection came amidst significant controversy and criticism, as the process was interrupted by the violent storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump. Many of his colleagues condemned his actions, arguing they contributed to the insurrection and challenged the peaceful transfer of power in the United States.

Following the controversy surrounding Senator Josh Hawley’s actions during the Electoral College certification on January 6, 2021, Simon & Schuster announced on January 7, 2021, that they would cancel the publication of his upcoming book 'The Tyranny of Big Tech.' The publishing company cited Hawley’s involvement in efforts to contest the election results and his role in the preceding events that culminated in the Capitol riot as reasons for the cancellation. Hawley criticized the decision, calling it an attack on free speech and promised to fight back.

On March 25, 2021, Senator Josh Hawley was the only senator to vote against the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, legislation aimed at addressing the rise in violence and discrimination against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill sought to expedite the review of hate crimes related to the pandemic and provide resources for local law enforcement to track and address such incidents. Hawley argued that the legislation was unnecessary and could negatively impact freedom of speech. His vote drew criticism from various quarters, including advocacy groups and political opponents.

In June 2023, Senator Josh Hawley published his book titled 'Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs,' where he discusses his views on masculinity and argues for a return to traditional masculine virtues. The book sparked discussions and debates across political and media spheres, with Hawley advocating for a cultural and social emphasis on masculinity in contrast to what he perceives as contemporary societal trends. Hawley's focus on masculinity relates to his broader political and cultural views and has drawn significant media attention and public commentary.