Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Josh Green (politician)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 3, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Josh Green (politician) made an impact.

Josh Green is an American politician and physician who is the current governor of Hawaii, a position he has held since 2022. A Democrat, Green previously served as the state's Lieutenant Governor from 2018 to 2022. His political career includes terms in both the Hawaii State Senate (2008-2018) and the Hawaii House of Representatives (2004-2008).

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2000: Joined National Health Service Corps

In 2000, Josh Green joined the National Health Service Corps and was stationed in Hawaii as a physician for the Big Island, practicing family medicine and working in emergency rooms.

2004: Elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives

In 2004, Josh Green became a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives.

2008: Elected to the Hawaii Senate

In 2008, Josh Green became a member of the Hawaii Senate.

2012: Practiced Medicine as State Senator

As of 2012, while serving as a state senator, Josh Green continued to work as a physician in the Big Island's rural emergency departments on weekends.

2012: Re-elected to Hawaii Senate

In 2012, Josh Green was re-elected to the Hawaii Senate.

2013: Hawaii Legislator of the Year

In 2013, Josh Green was honored as "Hawaii Legislator of the Year" and championed the initiative to create an insurance mandate for children with autism via legislation known as Luke's Law.

2014: Re-elected to Hawaii Senate

In 2014, Josh Green was re-elected to the Hawaii Senate.

January 1, 2016: Luke's Law Went into Effect

On January 1, 2016, Luke's Law, championed by Josh Green, went into effect, creating an insurance mandate for children with autism.

November 6, 2018: Won Election for Lieutenant Governor

On November 6, 2018, Josh Green and David Ige won the general election in Hawaii, making Green the Lieutenant Governor.

2018: Became Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii

In 2018, Josh Green became the 15th lieutenant governor of Hawaii.

2018: Did Not Run for Senate Reelection

In 2018, Josh Green opted not to run for reelection to the Senate and was succeeded by Dru Kanuha.

2018: Advocated for Parents with Disabilities and Tobacco Legislation

In 2018, Josh Green worked to protect parents with disabilities and led efforts to raise the legal age for tobacco and electronic cigarette purchases to 21, making Hawaii the first U.S. state to do so.

2019: Led Medical Mission to Samoa

In 2019, Josh Green led a team of Hawaiian health care workers on an emergency medical mission to Samoa to aid in vaccination efforts against a measles epidemic.

March 3, 2020: Appointed COVID-19 Liaison

On March 3, 2020, Josh Green was appointed by Governor Ige as the administration's liaison between the state and healthcare community for COVID-19 preparedness and response.

February 10, 2022: Launched Campaign for Governor

On February 10, 2022, Josh Green officially launched his campaign for governor of Hawaii.

August 13, 2022: Won Democratic Primary for Governor

On August 13, 2022, Josh Green won the Democratic primary for governor of Hawaii, with Sylvia Luke as his running mate.

November 8, 2022: Won General Election for Governor

On November 8, 2022, Josh Green won the general election for governor, defeating Republican nominee Duke Aiona.

December 5, 2022: Inaugurated as Governor of Hawaii

On December 5, 2022, Josh Green was inaugurated as the ninth governor of Hawaii and addressed the rising cost of living.

2022: Became Governor of Hawaii

In 2022, Josh Green became the ninth governor of Hawaii.

March 2023: Signed Legislation on Abortion Access

In March 2023, Governor Green signed legislation to expand access to abortion and protect health care providers.

2024: Signed Healthcare and Tax Legislation

In 2024, Governor Green signed a bill to exempt medical services from General Excise Tax (GET) under Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. He also signed healthcare legislation emphasizing mental wellness and expanding programs to strengthen Hawaii's healthcare workforce, as well as promoting Native Hawaiian resources. He also signed policy into law on issues like regulated child and elderly safety, local agriculture and land practices, veteran support, and commercial ocean activities.