Josh Hawley, a Republican politician and lawyer, is the senior U.S. Senator from Missouri. Elected in 2019, he previously served as Missouri's 42nd Attorney General from 2017 to 2019. Hawley's 2018 Senate victory unseated two-term Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill.
1956: White Nationalist Magazine Publishes False Claims About Patrick Henry
In 1956, a white nationalist magazine published false claims attributing statements about the U.S. being founded 'on the Gospel of Jesus Christ' and 'by Christians' to Patrick Henry. These claims were later cited by Josh Hawley in a controversial tweet in 2023.
December 31, 1979: Birth of Josh Hawley
On December 31, 1979, Joshua David Hawley was born in Springdale, Arkansas.
1981: Hawley Family Moves to Lexington, Missouri
In 1981, the Hawley family relocated to Lexington, Missouri, when Josh's father, Ronald, joined a division of Boatmen's Bancshares.
1995: Bobby Bostic Sentenced to 241 Years
Bobby Bostic was sentenced to 241 years in prison in 1995 for robbery and other crimes he committed at the age of 16.
1998: Josh Hawley Graduates High School as Valedictorian
Josh Hawley graduated as valedictorian from Rockhurst High School, a private Jesuit boys' prep school in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1998.
2002: Josh Hawley Teaches at St Paul's School in London
From 2002 to 2003, Josh Hawley taught at St Paul's School in London.
2002: Josh Hawley Graduates from Stanford University
Josh Hawley graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with highest honors and Phi Beta Kappa membership from Stanford University in 2002.
2002: Josh Hawley's Time at Stanford University
Josh Hawley pursued a degree in history at Stanford University, graduating in 2002. His professor, David M. Kennedy, recognized him as an exceptional student.
2003: Josh Hawley Returns to the US to Attend Yale Law School
In 2003, Josh Hawley came back to the United States to study at Yale Law School.
2006: Josh Hawley Begins Clerkship for Judge Michael W. McConnell
From 2006 to 2007, Josh Hawley served as a law clerk for Judge Michael W. McConnell of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
2006: Josh Hawley Graduates from Yale Law School
In 2006, Josh Hawley graduated from Yale Law School with a Juris Doctor degree.
2006: Josh Hawley Graduates from Yale Law School
Josh Hawley, recognized for his political aspirations and conservative views, graduated from Yale Law School in 2006, where he held significant editorial roles.
2007: Greitens Founds The Mission Continues
Eric Greitens established The Mission Continues, a veterans' charity, in 2007.
2007: Josh Hawley Clerks for Chief Justice John Roberts
Josh Hawley served as a law clerk for Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court from 2007 to 2008.
2008: Josh Hawley Begins Work as Appellate Litigator
From 2008 to 2011, Josh Hawley worked as an appellate litigator at the law firm Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells).
2008: Josh Hawley Begins Work as Appellate Litigator
Josh Hawley worked as an appellate litigator at the law firm Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells) from 2008 to 2011.
2008: Josh Hawley Meets Future Wife, Erin Morrow
While working at the Supreme Court, Josh Hawley met his future wife, Erin Morrow, who was also a law clerk for Chief Justice Roberts.
2010: Marriage to Erin Morrow
In 2010, Josh Hawley married Erin Morrow, a fellow Yale Law School graduate.
2011: Josh Hawley Returns to Missouri to Teach at the University of Missouri Law School
In 2011, Josh Hawley returned to Missouri and took on the role of an associate professor at the University of Missouri Law School.
2011: Josh Hawley Returns to Missouri and Joins the University of Missouri Law School
Josh Hawley returned to Missouri in 2011 and became an associate professor at the University of Missouri Law School, teaching constitutional law, constitutional theory, legislation, and torts.
2012: Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church & School v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Supreme Court Case
In 2012, the Supreme Court case Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church & School v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in which Josh Hawley provided legal counsel during his time at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, was decided.
2014: Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Supreme Court Case
The Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Supreme Court case, which Josh Hawley contributed to as legal counsel while at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, was decided in 2014.
July 23, 2015: Josh Hawley Launches Campaign for Attorney General of Missouri
On July 23, 2015, Josh Hawley officially began his campaign to become the Attorney General of Missouri.
December 2015: Hawley Supports Exemptions for Businesses and Religious Groups from Same-Sex Marriage Ceremonies
In December 2015, Hawley voiced his support for exempting Missouri businesses and religious groups from participating in same-sex marriage ceremonies, reflecting his conservative stance on the issue.
2015: Josh Hawley's Time at Becket Fund for Religious Liberty
From 2011 to 2015, Josh Hawley worked with the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, writing briefs and providing legal advice for Supreme Court cases.
2015: Josh Hawley's Work at Becket Fund for Religious Liberty
Josh Hawley contributed to the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty by writing briefs and providing legal counsel for Supreme Court cases from 2011 to 2015.
August 2, 2016: Josh Hawley Wins Republican Primary for Attorney General of Missouri
Josh Hawley secured victory in the Republican primary for Attorney General of Missouri on August 2, 2016, defeating Kurt Schaefer.
2016: Hawley Receives NRA Rating
In 2016, Josh Hawley received an 86% rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA). He supported measures like strengthening background checks, banning bump stocks, and preventing mentally ill individuals from owning guns, but did not back an assault weapons ban.
2016: Greitens' Campaign for Governor
Eric Greitens ran a successful campaign for Governor in 2016.
January 9, 2017: Josh Hawley Sworn in as Attorney General of Missouri
Josh Hawley officially assumed the role of Attorney General of Missouri on January 9, 2017, following his swearing-in ceremony.
May 5, 2017: Death of Tory Sanders in Mississippi County, Missouri
On May 5, 2017, Tory Sanders, a Black motorist, died in custody in Mississippi County, Missouri after being subjected to repeated pepper spraying and tasering by law enforcement officers.
June 2017: Missouri Sues Drug Companies over Opioid Crisis
In June 2017, Missouri filed a lawsuit against three major pharmaceutical companies, alleging their role in the opioid epidemic by concealing the risks associated with prescription painkillers.
August 2017: Hawley Forms Exploratory Committee for Senate Run
In August 2017, Josh Hawley took the initial step toward a potential Senate run by forming an exploratory campaign committee. This move signaled his interest in pursuing higher office and set the stage for his future political endeavors.
August 2017: Hawley Launches Investigation into Opioid Distributors
In August 2017, Josh Hawley, then Attorney General of Missouri, initiated an investigation into seven major opioid distributors: Allergan, Depomed, Insys, Mallinckrodt, Mylan, Pfizer, and Teva Pharmaceuticals.
October 2017: Hawley Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate
Following encouragement from prominent Republicans, including former U.S. senators from Missouri, Josh Hawley officially declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination in Missouri's 2018 U.S. Senate election in October 2017. His decision to challenge incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill marked a pivotal moment in his political career.
October 2017: Hawley Expands Opioid Investigation
In October 2017, Hawley expanded his investigation to include three additional pharmaceutical companies: AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson Corporation, the three largest U.S. opioid distributors.
October 29, 2017: Exposé Reveals Untested Rape Kit Backlog in Missouri
On October 29, 2017, the Columbia Missourian published an exposé revealing a substantial backlog of untested rape kits in Missouri and highlighting the long-ignored pleas of rape survivors and law enforcement agencies for the state to address the issue.
November 2017: Trump Endorses Hawley for Senate
In November 2017, Josh Hawley received a significant boost to his Senate campaign when he secured an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Trump's endorsement highlighted the alignment between Hawley's campaign and the Trump administration's agenda.
November 2017: Hawley Investigates Google's Business Practices
In November 2017, Hawley launched an investigation into Google's business practices to determine whether they violated state consumer protection and antitrust laws. The investigation focused on Google's data collection practices, its use of content providers' content, and potential bias in its search engine results.
December 20, 2017: Hawley Announces Investigation into Use of Confide App by Governor Greitens
On December 20, 2017, Hawley announced an investigation into Missouri's Republican Governor Eric Greitens and his staff's use of Confide, a messaging app that automatically deletes messages after they are read. Government transparency advocates raised concerns that using such an app on personal phones could potentially subvert Missouri's open records laws. Hawley's investigation later concluded that no laws had been broken.
2017: Josh Hawley Serves as Attorney General of Missouri
From 2017 to 2019, Josh Hawley served as the 42nd Attorney General of Missouri.
January 2018: Hawley Declines to Investigate Blackmail Allegations Against Governor Greitens
When allegations of blackmail surfaced against Governor Greitens in January 2018, Hawley's office stated it lacked jurisdiction to investigate the matter. St. Louis circuit attorney Kimberly Gardner subsequently initiated an investigation into the allegations.
February 2018: Hawley Joins Lawsuit Challenging Affordable Care Act
In February 2018, Hawley joined 20 other Republican-led states in filing a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Despite concerns that the lawsuit could jeopardize insurance protections for individuals with preexisting conditions, Hawley maintained his support for such protections.
March 2018: Former Attorneys Criticize Hawley's Investigation into Confide App Use
In March 2018, six former Missouri attorneys publicly criticized Hawley's investigation into Governor Greitens' use of the Confide app, characterizing it as "half-hearted." Hawley's spokesperson, however, dismissed the criticism as a partisan attack.
March 2018: Hawley Defends 1995 Sentencing of Bobby Bostic
In March 2018, Hawley defended the 1995 sentencing of Bobby Bostic, a Missouri man who had committed robbery and other crimes at the age of 16, to 241 years in prison. Bostic and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) had sought to appeal his sentence to the Supreme Court, arguing that it violated the court's ruling in Graham v. Florida, which prohibited life sentences for juveniles convicted of crimes less serious than homicide. Hawley argued that Bostic's sentencing did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment and that the Graham v. Florida ruling only applied to sentences for a single crime.
April 2018: Hawley Subpoenas Facebook over Data Sharing Practices
Following the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal in April 2018, Hawley announced that his office had issued a subpoena to Facebook, seeking information about the company's data sharing practices. The investigation aimed to determine whether Facebook adequately protected its users' sensitive data and whether it collected more data than it publicly acknowledged.
May 2018: Hawley's Audit Reveals 5,000 Untested Rape Kits
In May 2018, the results of Hawley's audit were made public, revealing a staggering 5,000 untested rape kits in Missouri.
May 29, 2018: Greitens Announces Resignation
On May 29, 2018, Governor Greitens announced his resignation, effective June 1, 2018. Hawley issued a statement expressing his approval of the decision.
June 1, 2018: Greitens' Resignation Takes Effect
Eric Greitens officially resigned from his position as Governor of Missouri on June 1, 2018.
August 2018: Hawley Launches Investigation into Clergy Abuse in Missouri
In August 2018, in response to a Pennsylvania grand jury report exposing widespread sexual abuse by Catholic clerics, Josh Hawley, then-Attorney General of Missouri, initiated an investigation into similar cases in Missouri. This move coincided with inquiries launched in other states like Illinois, Nebraska, and New Mexico, prompted by the Pennsylvania report's shocking revelations.
August 2018: One Nation Runs Misleading Commercials Crediting Hawley
In August 2018, One Nation, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit associated with Republican campaign strategist Karl Rove, aired commercials praising Hawley for identifying the untested rape kit problem, a claim that The St. Louis Post-Dispatch deemed misleading.
September 2018: Hawley Expresses Support for Trump's Trade Tariffs
Hawley expressed his support for President Trump's imposition of trade tariffs in September 2018. He stated that he viewed the tariffs as a temporary measure in an ongoing trade war with China and hoped they would ultimately lead to lower tariffs on U.S. agriculture.
September 2018: Hawley Defends Stance on Preexisting Conditions Amid Criticism
Amid criticism from his U.S. Senate opponent Claire McCaskill regarding the potential impact of the ACA lawsuit on preexisting conditions, Hawley reiterated his support for protections for individuals with preexisting conditions in September 2018. He later articulated his proposal for protecting individuals with preexisting conditions through a taxpayer subsidy to compensate insurance companies for covering these high-cost patients in an op-ed published in the Springfield News-Leader.
November 2018: Hawley Wins Missouri Senate Election
In November 2018, Josh Hawley emerged victorious in the Missouri Senate election, defeating incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill with 51% of the vote. His victory marked a significant shift in Missouri politics and solidified his position as a rising star within the Republican Party.
December 6, 2018: Investigation Launched into Hawley's Campaign Finances
On December 6, 2018, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft initiated an inquiry into allegations of campaign finance violations by Josh Hawley during his Senate campaign. The investigation focused on whether Hawley had misused public funds for campaign purposes, a claim that Hawley's office denied.
December 2018: Judge Rules Affordable Care Act Unconstitutional
In December 2018, Judge Reed O'Connor ruled that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was unconstitutional in its entirety. However, upon appeal, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals did not concur that the entire law should be invalidated.
2018: Hawley and McCaskill Agree on Response to Khashoggi Assassination
During a debate in the 2018 Senate campaign, Josh Hawley and Claire McCaskill agreed that if it was confirmed that the Saudi government was behind the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the U.S. should respond severely.
2018: Hawley Supports Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court Nomination
During his 2018 Senate campaign, Hawley's first commercial centered on his support for Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. When Kavanaugh faced sexual assault allegations, Hawley vehemently defended him, characterizing the accusations as a Democratic "ambush."
2018: Hawley's Stance on Affordable Care Act
In 2018, while campaigning for the Senate, Josh Hawley supported protecting individuals with preexisting conditions under the Affordable Care Act. He suggested creating a taxpayer subsidy to reimburse insurance companies for covering these high-cost patients. This followed his previous involvement in a lawsuit seeking to declare the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional.
2018: Hawley Criticizes McCaskill Over Iran Nuclear Deal
During his 2018 Senate campaign, Josh Hawley criticized Senator Claire McCaskill for supporting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran nuclear deal. He argued that McCaskill should stand with President Trump and Israel instead of supporting the Iranian leadership and former Secretary of State John Kerry.
2018: Hawley Campaigns for U.S. Senate
Throughout 2018, Josh Hawley engaged in an intense campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Missouri. The race centered around key issues like healthcare, with both Hawley and his opponent, Claire McCaskill, promising to protect people with preexisting conditions. Hawley's campaign criticized McCaskill's stance on various issues, aiming to portray her as out of touch with Missouri voters.
2018: Hawley's Position on Right-to-Work Legislation
During his 2018 Senate campaign, Josh Hawley did not take a firm stance on right-to-work legislation. His spokesperson stated that "nobody should be forced to pay union dues," indicating an inclination towards this legislation that would hinder labor unionizing.
2018: Hawley's Office Uses Private Email for Campaign Communication
During his 2018 U.S. Senate campaign, Hawley's staff utilized private email accounts instead of government accounts to communicate with his political consultants. These consultants provided direct guidance and assigned tasks to Hawley's staff, and they conducted meetings during office hours within the Missouri Supreme Court building, raising concerns about potential violations of open records laws.
2018: Hawley's Opposition to Missouri Minimum Wage Raise
In 2018, Hawley expressed opposition to a proposed raise in the Missouri minimum wage, which was planned to increase to $8.60 in 2019 and gradually reach $12 by 2023.
2018: Hawley Receives NRA Rating
In 2018, Josh Hawley received a 93% rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA). While he did not support an assault weapons ban, he backed other gun-control measures such as strengthening background checks, banning bump stocks, and preventing mentally ill individuals from owning guns.
2018: Josh Hawley Elected as US Senator
In 2018, Josh Hawley won the election against incumbent Democratic senator Claire McCaskill, securing his position as the US Senator from Missouri.
January 3, 2019: Hawley Sworn in as U.S. Senator
On January 3, 2019, Josh Hawley was officially sworn in as a U.S. Senator, marking the beginning of his tenure in the upper chamber of Congress. His entrance into the Senate signified a new chapter in his political career and a platform to advance his conservative agenda.
January 2019: Hawley Votes to Block Trump from Lifting Sanctions on Russian Companies
In January 2019, Josh Hawley was one of 11 Republican senators who voted for legislation aimed at blocking President Trump's plan to lift sanctions on three Russian companies.
February 28, 2019: Campaign Finance Investigation Closed Due to Insufficient Evidence
After several months of scrutiny, the investigation into Josh Hawley's campaign finances was closed on February 28, 2019, by Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Ashcroft cited insufficient evidence to prove that a crime had been committed as the reason for closing the investigation. However, a subsequent investigation by the New York Post in 2021 raised further questions about Hawley's campaign spending, alleging that he had used campaign funds for personal expenses.
April 3, 2019: Hawley Sponsors VERDAD Act for Venezuela
On April 3, 2019, Josh Hawley co-sponsored the Venezuelan Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance and Development (VERDAD) Act. The legislation aimed to recognize Juan Guaidó as the president of Venezuela and provide $200 million in aid to Venezuela and neighboring countries, while revoking U.S. visas for sanctioned Venezuelan officials.
June 2019: Hawley Blocks Trump Judicial Nominee
In June 2019, Josh Hawley took a stand against one of President Trump's judicial nominees, Michael S. Bogren, for a district judge position in Michigan. Hawley accused Bogren of harboring "anti-religious animus" based on a case Bogren had handled as a lawyer. This move demonstrated Hawley's willingness to challenge his own party and prioritize his beliefs over political expediency.
July 2019: Hawley Visits U.S.-Mexico Border
In July 2019, Josh Hawley visited McAllen, Texas, along the U.S.-Mexico border. He described the situation as a crisis due to the flow of drugs and human trafficking into the United States. Hawley emphasized the need for Congressional action to address the challenges faced by border agents and local communities.
July 16, 2019: Hawley Speaks at National Conservatism Conference
On July 16, 2019, Josh Hawley delivered a speech at the National Conservatism Conference, organized by Israeli professor Yoram Hazony. The event highlighted conservative values and policy perspectives.
August 2019: Hawley Introduces the SMART Act to Address Internet Addiction
In August 2019, Hawley introduced the Social Media Addiction Reduction Technology (SMART) Act. This legislation aimed to curb internet addiction by banning features like infinite scrolling and auto-play. Users would be limited to 30 minutes per day on a platform unless they manually adjusted the settings monthly.
September 2019: Hawley's Clergy Abuse Investigation Results in Charges
In September 2019, the investigation into clergy abuse in Missouri, inherited by Eric Schmitt after Hawley's departure, culminated in charges against 12 former priests for the sexual abuse of minors. This marked a significant development in addressing the issue of clergy abuse within the state.
October 2019: Hawley Calls for Investigation into Joe Biden
In October 2019, Josh Hawley called for an independent investigation into Joe Biden's alleged dealings with Ukraine. He defended President Trump's phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and criticized Trump's impeachment, asserting that Trump's actions were not criminal.
October 2019: Hawley Voices Support for Hong Kong Protests
Amidst pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in October 2019, Josh Hawley, alongside Senator Ted Cruz, visited the city and expressed support for the demonstrators. Hawley's characterization of Hong Kong as a "police state" drew criticism from Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, who deemed his remarks "irresponsible and unfounded". Hawley's actions underscored his commitment to human rights and democracy on the global stage.
October 2019: Hawley Visits Hong Kong Amid Protests
In October 2019, Josh Hawley visited Hong Kong to observe the ongoing protests. He criticized Beijing's actions, describing them as an attempt to turn Hong Kong into a 'police state.' This comment sparked a response from Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who called it 'irresponsible.'
October 21, 2019: Hawley Attacks Washington Post Reporter
On October 21, 2019, Josh Hawley criticized Washington Post reporter Greg Sargent, calling him a 'smug, rich liberal elitist.' Sargent countered by stating he was raised in poverty. The incident drew criticism from Mehdi Hasan, who suggested Hawley's comments were antisemitic, although Sargent did not make this claim.
November 6, 2019: Hawley Recommends Sanctions on Mexican Officials
On November 6, 2019, Josh Hawley recommended that the U.S. impose sanctions and freeze the assets of Mexican officials whom he believed were not doing enough to combat Mexican drug cartels.
November 18, 2019: Hawley Introduces National Security and Personal Data Protection Act
On November 18, 2019, Josh Hawley unveiled the National Security and Personal Data Protection Act, a legislative proposal aimed at safeguarding American user data from foreign governments. The bill sought to prohibit U.S. companies from storing user data or encryption keys in China and other countries deemed national security risks by the State Department. Hawley's bill faced potential pushback from companies with legal obligations to store data in China, such as Apple and TikTok.
November 19, 2019: U.S. Senate Passes Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act
On November 19, 2019, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which Josh Hawley co-sponsored. This act was aimed at supporting human rights and democracy in Hong Kong during a time of significant protests.
2019: Missouri Minimum Wage Increase Takes Effect
The Missouri minimum wage increase that Hawley opposed took effect in 2019, raising it from $7.85/hour to $8.60/hour.
2019: Josh Hawley Becomes Senior US Senator from Missouri
In 2019, Josh Hawley assumed office as the senior United States Senator from Missouri.
2019: Hawley Opposes U.S. Military Action for Saudi Interests
Following the 2019 Abqaiq–Khurais attack, Josh Hawley stated that the U.S. should not engage in military action on behalf of Saudi Arabia's national interests. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing American security and the prosperity of the middle class.
March 2020: Hawley Proposes Banning TikTok on Government Devices
In March 2020, Hawley, along with other senators, proposed the "No TikTok on Government Devices Act." This act sought to prevent federal employees from downloading TikTok, a social media platform owned by a Chinese company, citing concerns about its potential security risks.
April 2020: Hawley Proposes Pandemic Payroll Support
In April 2020, Josh Hawley put forward a proposal for the U.S. government to financially assist businesses in retaining their workforce throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and re-employing those laid off. This proposal was similar to initiatives already in place in several European nations.
May 5, 2020: Hawley Calls for Abolition of the World Trade Organization
On May 5, 2020, Hawley penned an op-ed in The New York Times advocating for the abolition of the World Trade Organization (WTO). He argued that the WTO no longer served American interests and had instead facilitated the rise of China. Subsequently, he introduced a resolution to withdraw the United States from the WTO.
June 2020: Hawley Criticizes Supreme Court Ruling on Workplace Discrimination
Following the Supreme Court's June 2020 ruling prohibiting workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, Hawley criticized the decision, claiming it marked the "end of the conservative legal movement."
July 10, 2020: Hawley Criticizes NBA Over Jersey Messages
On July 10, 2020, Josh Hawley sent a letter to NBA commissioner Adam Silver criticizing the league for allowing players to display messages supporting the Black Lives Matter movement but not the Hong Kong protests or law enforcement officers. This led to a heated exchange with ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, who replied with an expletive, resulting in his temporary suspension.
July 2020: Hawley Sets Conditions for Supreme Court Nominee Support
In July 2020, Josh Hawley stated that to secure his support, a Supreme Court nominee must have publicly declared that Roe v. Wade was incorrectly decided.
September 9, 2020: Shortlisted for Supreme Court Nomination
On September 9, 2020, Donald Trump included Josh Hawley on a shortlist of potential Supreme Court nominees. However, Hawley declined the offer, expressing his commitment to serving the people of Missouri in the Senate.
September 2020: DNA Matches from Untested Kits Lead to Criminal Identification
In September 2020, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced that out of the 16 rape kit tests subsequently uploaded to the national DNA database, 11 matched known criminals, leading to referrals for potential prosecution.
September 23, 2020: Hawley Criticizes NBA's Business Ties with China
On September 23, 2020, Josh Hawley criticized NBA commissioner Adam Silver for the league's business dealings in China. He tweeted that Silver's comments about the NBA’s relationship with China being a 'net positive' implied financial benefits at the expense of ethical considerations, including slave labor.
October 27, 2020: Hawley Votes to Confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court
On October 27, 2020, Hawley voted in favor of confirming Amy Coney Barrett as a Supreme Court Justice.
December 2020: Hawley and Sanders Unite for Stimulus Checks
In December 2020, Josh Hawley and Bernie Sanders collaborated to push for a minimum of $1,200 in direct payments to U.S. workers as part of a new stimulus package. They used the approaching Christmas recess and the deadline for a new continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown as leverage.
December 2020: Josh Hawley Announces Plan to Object to Certification of Joe Biden's Victory
In December 2020, Josh Hawley became the first senator to announce his intention to object to the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 US presidential election.
December 30, 2020: Hawley Alleges Election Law Violations in Pennsylvania
On December 30, 2020, Josh Hawley publicly accused Pennsylvania of failing to adhere to its own election laws during the 2020 presidential election. His allegations, which centered on the state's handling of mail-in ballots, were part of a broader effort by some Republicans to challenge the election results. These claims were later rejected by multiple courts, including the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal.
2020: Hawley Questions Integrity of 2020 Election
In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Josh Hawley repeatedly questioned the integrity of the results, echoing President Trump's claims of widespread voter fraud. His pronouncements, particularly his focus on alleged irregularities in Pennsylvania, drew scrutiny and condemnation from those who accused him of amplifying baseless allegations and undermining public trust in the electoral process. Despite his claims, multiple courts, including the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, rejected allegations of widespread voter fraud, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal.
2020: Hawley Salutes Protesters Before Capitol Riot
In 2020, before the counting of the electoral votes, which Hawley planned to object to, he was photographed giving a raised fist salute to protestors outside the Capitol, an image that quickly drew criticism and became associated with the subsequent riot.
2020: Renewed Interest in the Tory Sanders Case
Following the death of George Floyd, there was a resurgence of attention and scrutiny surrounding the 2017 death of Tory Sanders in Missouri, with calls for accountability and justice.
2020: Hawley's Actions Impact Future Relationship with Romney
In 2020, Josh Hawley's efforts to obstruct the certification of the presidential election results led Mitt Romney to state that he could not envision working with Hawley in the future, despite acknowledging his intelligence.
January 4, 2021: Hawley's Home Becomes Site of Protest
On January 4, 2021, Josh Hawley claimed his D.C. home was vandalized by "Antifa scumbags," but the group that organized the event, ShutdownDC, stated it was a peaceful vigil in response to his claims of election fraud. Video evidence supported ShutdownDC's claim, and police confirmed no crimes occurred.
January 6, 2021: Hawley Objects to Electoral College Certification
On January 6, 2021, following the 2020 presidential election, Josh Hawley became the first senator to announce his intention to object to the certification of the Electoral College vote count. His decision, which aligned with President Trump's baseless claims of election fraud, drew sharp criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, who accused him of undermining democracy and fueling conspiracy theories.
January 2021: Josh Hawley Denies Trying to Overturn Election Results
In January 2021, Josh Hawley refuted claims that he attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
January 19, 2021: Hawley Blocks Quick Confirmation of DHS Nominee
On January 19, 2021, Josh Hawley blocked the swift confirmation of Department of Homeland Security secretary nominee Alejandro Mayorkas. Hawley demanded that Mayorkas commit to spending $1.4 billion appropriated for expanding the border wall.
February 8, 2021: Hawley Votes Against Most of Biden's Cabinet Nominees
As President Joe Biden took office in 2021, Josh Hawley emerged as a staunch opponent of his cabinet appointments. By February 8, 2021, Hawley had cast votes against all but one of Biden's cabinet nominees, Cecilia Rouse, whom he voted to confirm as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers. This voting record reflected Hawley's opposition to the Biden administration's agenda and signaled his intent to challenge the new president's policies.
February 2021: Hawley Repeats Election Claims in Fundraising Email
In February 2021, Josh Hawley continued to cast doubt on the 2020 election results, using a fundraising email to reiterate his claims of election law violations in Pennsylvania. His decision to leverage the issue for political fundraising drew further criticism from those who accused him of prioritizing personal gain over the integrity of the democratic process.
February 2021: Decision Not to File Charges in Tory Sanders Case
In February 2021, it was decided that no charges would be filed in relation to the death of Tory Sanders, who died in custody in Mississippi County, Missouri in May 2017.
May 2021: Hawley Publishes "The Tyranny of Big Tech"
In May 2021, Hawley released his book, "The Tyranny of Big Tech," which criticizes major technology and social media companies. While acknowledging that the book raises valid concerns, Wired's Gilad Edelman criticizes Hawley's portrayal of antitrust history as misleading and inaccurate.
May 28, 2021: Hawley Votes Against January 6th Commission
On May 28, 2021, Josh Hawley voted against the creation of an independent commission tasked with investigating the January 6th Capitol riot.
June 2021: Hawley Calls for Fauci's Resignation
Josh Hawley called for Anthony Fauci's resignation from his position as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in June 2021.
2021: New York Post Investigation Raises Further Questions About Hawley's Campaign Spending
In 2021, a New York Post investigation into Josh Hawley's campaign spending revealed questionable expenditures, including charges for personal travel and entertainment, that appeared to violate campaign finance regulations. The investigation contradicted previous findings of insufficient evidence and prompted renewed scrutiny of Hawley's campaign practices.
2021: Hawley's Support for a $15 Minimum Wage for Large Businesses
In a shift from his previous stance, Hawley expressed support in 2021 for a $15 federal minimum wage but only for businesses earning over $1 billion annually. Additionally, he supported a tax credit for workers earning less than $16.50 per hour.
2021: Hawley's Actions and Statements Regarding Transgender Issues Spark Accusations of Transphobia
In 2021, Hawley faced accusations of transphobia due to several actions and statements. These include his questioning during a Senate hearing on Roe v. Wade, negative comments about transgender individuals in campaign fundraising emails, and a speech at the National Conservatism Conference. He also co-sponsored a bill to restrict transgender women's participation in sports and signed a letter opposing Title IX protections for transgender students.
2021: Hawley Joins Calls for Biden's Resignation
Following the fall of Kabul and the airport attack in 2021, Josh Hawley joined a group of Republicans demanding President Biden's resignation.
2021: Hawley Calls for Increased Coronavirus Relief Checks
In 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact the United States, Josh Hawley joined President Donald Trump and other lawmakers in advocating for larger coronavirus relief checks for Americans. Hawley's support for increasing the initial $600 payments to $2,000 put him in an unusual alliance with progressive Senator Bernie Sanders and highlighted his focus on economic relief for struggling Americans. Despite their efforts, the attempt to force a vote on the increased checks was blocked by other Republican senators.
January 2022: Hawley Calls on Biden to Drop Support for Ukraine Joining NATO
In January 2022, Josh Hawley urged President Biden to withdraw support for Ukraine's potential NATO membership. He argued that committing troops to defend Ukraine would weaken the United States' ability to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
January 2022: Pennsylvania Appellate Court Supports Hawley's Election Law Claims
In a partial victory for Josh Hawley, a Pennsylvania appellate court ruled in January 2022 that the state's handling of mail-in ballots in the 2020 election had violated state law. However, the court's decision was later overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider an appeal, ultimately rejecting Hawley's claims.
January 27, 2022: Pennsylvania Court Ruling Supports Hawley's Election Claims
On January 27, 2022, a Pennsylvania appellate court issued a ruling that temporarily supported claims made by Josh Hawley about Pennsylvania election officials violating the state's constitution during the 2020 election. This ruling was later overturned.
May 2022: Hawley Expresses Opposition to Obergefell v. Hodges While Acknowledging It as Settled Law
In May 2022, Hawley stated that he would be "shocked" if Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, were overturned. Despite acknowledging it as "settled law," he reiterated his opposition to the ruling.
May 19, 2022: Hawley Votes Against Ukraine Aid Package
On May 19, 2022, Josh Hawley was one of 11 Republican senators to vote against a $40 billion emergency military and humanitarian aid package for Ukraine during the Russian invasion. He argued that the bill neglected domestic priorities and lacked meaningful oversight.
July 21, 2022: Hawley's Capitol Riot Footage Mocked
On July 21, 2022, the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack showed footage of Josh Hawley running through the Capitol to escape the mob, juxtaposing it with his earlier encouragement of the crowd. The video was widely shared and mocked on social media.
August 3, 2022: Hawley Casts Sole Vote Against Sweden and Finland Joining NATO
On August 3, 2022, Josh Hawley stood alone in his opposition to a Senate resolution that would pave the way for Sweden and Finland to join the NATO defense alliance. The resolution passed overwhelmingly with a 95-1 vote, but Hawley argued that it was not in America's best interest, citing China as a more significant threat than Russia. His stance underscored his willingness to challenge conventional foreign policy thinking and prioritize what he perceived as America's national interests.
November 14, 2022: Judge Rules Hawley Violated Open Records Law
On November 14, 2022, Cole County Circuit Court Judge Jon Beetem ruled that Hawley had violated Missouri's open records law during his 2018 U.S. Senate campaign by withholding emails exchanged between his out-of-state political consultants and his taxpayer-funded staff. Beetem granted summary judgment, concluding that Hawley's office had "knowingly and purposefully" violated Missouri's Sunshine Law, and imposed a $12,000 fine on the Attorney General's office.
2022: Hawley Criticizes Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court Nomination
Hawley strongly criticized Ketanji Brown Jackson's 2022 nomination to the Supreme Court. He alleged a "pattern of letting child porn offenders off the hook" based on her judicial record and tenure on the U.S. Sentencing Commission. These claims were widely disputed by fact-checks and legal experts, with some characterizing them as demagogic. Despite the controversy, Hawley and other Republican senators persisted in raising these concerns during Jackson's confirmation hearings.
2022: Hawley Opposes and Votes Against the Respect for Marriage Act
Hawley opposed and voted against the 2022 Respect for Marriage Act, which aimed to provide federal recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages. He argued that the issue of marriage should be left to individual states and maintained his belief that the Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage was incorrect.
March 2023: Carlson's Defense of Hawley's Riot Footage Debunked
In March 2023, Tucker Carlson claimed that the footage of Josh Hawley running from the Capitol riot was deceptively edited, a claim that was subsequently found to be misleading by FactCheck.org.
July 4, 2023: Hawley Makes Controversial Tweet About U.S. Founding
On July 4, 2023, Josh Hawley tweeted that the United States was founded 'on the Gospel of Jesus Christ' and 'by Christians,' attributing these claims to Patrick Henry. However, The Guardian reported that these claims were falsely attributed to Henry in a 1956 white nationalist magazine.
2023: Hawley's Shift on Union Issues
In a notable shift from his previous stance, Josh Hawley joined United Auto Workers at a picket line in 2023, advocating for better wages and working conditions. He stated that the workers deserved a raise and that the company could afford it.
2023: Romney's Conflicted View of Hawley in Biography
Mitt Romney, in his 2023 biography, called Josh Hawley "the smartest person in the room" while simultaneously stating that he couldn't foresee working with him due to his actions obstructing the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.
2023: Hawley Introduces Bill to Limit Corporate Influence in Elections
In 2023, Josh Hawley brought forth the Ending Corporate Influence on Elections Act. This bill aimed to overturn parts of the Citizens United v. FEC ruling by prohibiting publicly traded corporations from making independent expenditures, political ads for campaigns, and Super PAC donations. Mitch McConnell, however, criticized the bill and advised other Republican senators against supporting it, alleging hypocrisy on Hawley's part.
2023: Court Orders State to Pay Legal Fees in Open Records Case
In 2023, the court demanded that the state cover over $240,000 in legal fees incurred during the open records case involving Hawley's 2018 Senate campaign. An attorney involved in the case suggested that Hawley should personally pay these fees using proceeds from his book "Manhood" rather than burdening taxpayers.
2023: Hawley's Efforts to Expand Radiation Exposure Compensation Fail
In 2023, Josh Hawley co-sponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would have reauthorized and expanded the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. Despite significant support, the amendment was removed from the final bill, prompting Hawley to pledge to oppose any defense bill that didn't include it, citing a betrayal of communities impacted by radiation exposure.
2023: Missouri Minimum Wage Set to Reach $12
As previously planned, the Missouri minimum wage reached $12 in 2023, marking a significant increase from previous years.
2024: Hawley's Continued Support for Auto Workers' Unions
Continuing his support from the previous year, in 2024 Josh Hawley maintained his support for the United Auto Workers Union and their demands for better treatment. He continued to advocate for better wages and working conditions.