Representative Josh West

R

District 5

Hi, I'm Josh West and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 5th District.


representative

Leadership

Majority Leader

58th Legislature

Majority Floor Leader

60th Legislature

Assistant Majority Floor Leader

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Sep 26, 2025
Recent Posts

Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert Leads Legislative Delegation to the White House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, along with members of the Oklahoma House and Senate Republican Caucuses were invited to hear directly from members of President Trump’s Cabinet and other federal officials about policies impacting Oklahoma. This legislative leadership visit to Washington, D.C., organized in partnership with the White House Office of Governmental Affairs, allowed the delegation to participate in high-level meetings with Secretary Kristi Noem, Secretary Scott Turner, Secretary Brooke Rollins, Secretary Doug Collins, Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs of the Small Business Administration and U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin. Speaker Hilbert emphasized the importance of ensuring Oklahoma voices are heard in Washington. “This was an invaluable opportunity for our state leaders to engage directly with federal decision-makers who influence issues that affect Oklahoma families, businesses and communities every day," said Speaker Hilbert. “We are committed to ensuring Oklahoma’s voice is heard at the national level, particularly on critical issues such as energy, agriculture, education and healthcare." To make the most of the visit, the delegation hosted interactive learning sessions in advance of the White House meetings. Presentations included: Missi Tessier, Cogent Strategies Jim Hobart, Public Opinion Strategies Erin Covey, Cook Political Report Matt Smith, CPAC “It was an honor to join my legislative colleagues in Washington, D.C. for productive discussions on how we can better partner on a state level with the Congressional delegation and President Trump’s administration,” said Senate Pro Tem Paxton said. “These meetings provided an important opportunity to advocate for the needs of Oklahomans, build relationships and ensure our state’s voice is heard on issues that directly impact our citizens. I appreciate everyone who took the time to meet with us and hosted us. I look forward to future conversations and putting what we learned into action.” The following day, Senator Mullin arranged a unique opportunity for a handful of members to meet Vice President J.D. Vance at Joint Base Andrews prior to his departure on Air Force Two. While the meeting was informal, Speaker Hilbert described it as deeply significant. “Standing on the runway at Joint Base Andrews and having the chance to meet Vice President Vance just before his departure was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Hilbert said. “It was an opportunity not only to thank him for his service but also to highlight Oklahoma’s leadership. These personal connections matter, and they strengthen our ability to advocate for the people we serve.” Among those who were able to meet with the Vice President was Majority Floor Leader Josh West. “As Oklahoma legislators, it’s critical that we remain in close contact with our federal representatives. After Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly re-elected President Trump, it was a blessing to meet with his team at the White House. I really want to thank Senator Mullin for giving Oklahoma this platform, and for making sure we got a chance to meet with the Vice President of the United States. It was a great trip,” said West. Throughout the trip, legislators also attended U.S. Capitol tours and policy briefings tailored to their committee and district interests, including: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Oil and Gas Issues American Hospital Association U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Mississippi Reading Miracle with Deputy Assistant Secretary Laurie Todd-Smith U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of Education U.S. Department of Commerce "We are committed to bringing back ideas, information and solutions that can strengthen Oklahoma. This visit allowed our caucus to build relationships, gain insights and ensure that our state is well-represented in national conversations. I would like to especially thank our White House point-of-contact, Chase Wilson and Senator Mullin for all of the hard work they put in to making this trip a success.” said Hilbert. The trip was open to all members of the Oklahoma Republican Caucuses from both chambers of the Legislature.

Mar 11, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes Legislation to Strengthen Oklahoma Military Bases

The  House passed legislation  of f  the  floor today that would allow for additional state investments in infrastructure tied to Oklahoma's five military bases. House  Speaker  Kyle Hilbert authored House Bill 2516 and House Bill 2518, which create revolving funds at  the  state Treasury for use by  the  Oklahoma Military Department.  The  Base Infrastructure Needs and Development (BIND) fund will have a technology and a schools component that will allow for additional support to  the  state's military bases in  the  hopes  of  preventing any future base closures and expanding operations when possible. "Oklahoma has a long history across multiple branches  of   the  military and we want to send a loud signal that  the  state supports our bases," said Hilbert, R-Bristow. " The se funds will allow funds to accrue over time so we are able to take advantage  of  potential expansion opportunities as  the y become available and fight against any potential closures in  the  future." House Bill 2516 creates  the  BIND-Schools Fund, which can be used to make infrastructure investments improving common education facilities located on military bases in  the  state. House Bill 2518 creates  the  BIND-Technology Fund, which can be used to make infrastructure investments including  the  purchase  of  license and software associated with military simulation training. Both funds are intended to decrease  the  likelihood  of  military base and other military infrastructure closure or increase  the  likelihood  of  military base and other military infrastructure expansions in  the  state. " The  military plays an important role in our state's economy, but also in  the  values we live in our state," said Floor Leader Josh West, R-Grove, and an Army veteran. " The re is no greater investment than shoring up our military bases and making sure we are poised for any needed growth in our military in  the  years to come." Both bills passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and will now head to  the  Senate for further consideration. -END-

Aug 12, 2024
Recent Posts

STATEMENT: Reps. Josh West, Burns, Banning Question State Superintendent's "Problematic" Leadership Tactics

Reps. Josh West, R-Grove, Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Chris Banning, R-Bixby, today released the following statement reacting to disparaging comments made by State Superintendent Ryan Walters about Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller after a disagreement over delayed Title I allocations. After Bixby Public Schools experienced delays in receiving Title I funding, Miller tweeted his concerns and questioned when his district would receive the initial allocation. Days later, Walters retorted, calling Miller a "clown" and a "liar." "As former military leaders, we know the qualities that define good leadership: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. Just as important are the lessons on how not to lead. "Over the past four years, we've witnessed Ryan Walters' often questionable leadership. In the past two weeks, he has violated the Open Meetings Act, denied legislators access to executive sessions, deprived districts of rolled-over money meant for school safety and now is putting children's lives at risk by withholding appropriated funds for emergency asthma inhalers. "After Walters chose to name-call Bixby Superintendent Rob Miller, a former Marine who faithfully served the Constitution and protected our rights, we decided we couldn't sit back any longer. Though we do not speak for others, we cannot stand by while a respected leader and veteran is insulted and demeaned for simply doing his job. Walters' behavior is unbecoming of any leader, especially the highest-ranking person in the Oklahoma public school system. "Our time in the military taught us to listen to those serving on the front lines. That same principle applies here. School superintendents like Miller provide valuable insights into local issues, and yet Walters refuses to listen to those around him or take responsibility for his missteps. "As elected officials, paid with taxpayer dollars and entrusted with the future of our state, we must hold ourselves accountable to Oklahomans and have the integrity to admit when we are wrong. We had hoped Walters would eventually grow into his role, but after two years of problematic leadership tactics, our patience is wearing thin."  West, the current chair of the House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, founded the Legislative Veterans Caucus, which he chaired from 2017-2019. He received numerous military awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with “V” Device for Valor. He was critically wounded in a firefight in Karbala, Iraq, in 2003 and was medically retired from the U.S. Army after nine years of service. Burns currently serves as the Chair of the Legislative Veterans Caucus. In 2011, Burns was wounded in a near ambush in the Saygal Valley in Afghanistan. He retired from the 45th Infantry Brigade in 2018 after 20 years of service. Burns has also received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, as well as several numerous military awards and decorations. Banning, a member of the Legislative Veterans Caucus, was in Operation Provide Comfort, which was in conjunction with the Operation Desert Storm – Desert Shield Era. In the immediate wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, Banning was on the frontlines of rescue and recovery missions for which he received the Humanitarian Service Metal. Banning is now a service-connected disabled veteran.