Josh Green

Joshua Booth Green is an American politician and physician who has been serving as the ninth governor of Hawaii since December 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously held the position of lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022 and has a background in both medicine and public service. Green's political career began in the Hawaii State Legislature, where he served as a representative and later as a senator before ascending to the role of lieutenant governor. His tenure as governor has been marked by a focus on addressing issues such as the cost of living, healthcare access, and gun violence.

Early life and career

Josh Green was born on February 11, 1970, in Kingston, New York, into a Jewish family. He spent his formative years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he attended Quaker Valley High School. Graduating in 1988 as one of four valedictorians, Green was actively involved in school activities, serving as president of the Key Club and participating in soccer and tennis.

Following high school, Green pursued higher education at Swarthmore College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in anthropology in 1992. He continued his academic journey at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1997. After completing his medical education, he undertook a residency in family medicine at UPMC Shadyside, finishing in 2000. In recognition of his contributions to the field, Swarthmore College awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Science in 2022.

Green's medical career began shortly after his residency when he joined the National Health Service Corps. He was stationed in Hawaii, where he worked as a physician on the Big Island, providing family medicine and emergency care. In this capacity, he often served as the sole physician in rural areas, demonstrating a commitment to healthcare access in underserved communities. Even after entering politics, Green continued to practice medicine on weekends in rural emergency departments, reflecting his dedication to both his medical profession and public service. His contributions to healthcare have been recognized by the Hawaiʻi Medical Association, which awarded him the Physician of the Year title twice, first in 2009 and again in 2022 for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governorship

Green's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives in 2004, representing the 6th district, which includes a rural area of the Big Island. He served two terms in the House before moving to the Hawaii Senate in 2008, where he represented the 3rd district. During his time in the Senate, Green was re-elected in 2012 and 2014, and he held leadership roles, including majority leader and chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services. His legislative work included significant initiatives, such as advocating for an insurance mandate for children with autism and raising the legal age for tobacco purchases to 21, making Hawaii the first state to implement such a law.

In 2018, Green was elected as lieutenant governor of Hawaii, running alongside incumbent Governor David Ige. Their campaign focused on addressing pressing issues, including homelessness and healthcare. Green's medical background positioned him uniquely to tackle the complexities of mental health and addiction within the homeless population. His visibility and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to his popularity, as reflected in approval ratings that significantly surpassed those of his predecessor.

In 2022, Green announced his candidacy for governor, officially launching his campaign on February 10. He won the Democratic primary in August 2022 and subsequently secured victory in the general election held on November 8, defeating Republican nominee Duke Aiona. Green was inaugurated as governor on December 5, 2022, succeeding David Ige.

Policy focus and legacy

As governor, Green has prioritized several key issues, including the rising cost of living in Hawaii, which has been a significant concern for residents. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the state. He pledged to implement affordable housing initiatives and tax reforms aimed at alleviating financial burdens on families.

In 2023, Green's administration took early legislative actions that reflected his policy priorities. On March 22, he signed legislation that expanded access to abortion services, allowing minors to obtain abortions without parental consent under specific circumstances. This move aligned with national trends following the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Additionally, on June 2, coinciding with National Gun Violence Awareness Day, Green signed two firearms-related bills in response to the Supreme Court's ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. These laws expanded concealed carry rights while imposing restrictions on firearms in sensitive locations, such as hospitals and schools.

Green's tenure as governor is characterized by a commitment to addressing healthcare access, social issues, and public safety. His background as a physician informs his approach to governance, particularly in health-related matters. As he continues to serve in this role, his policies and initiatives will likely shape the future of Hawaii, reflecting his dedication to the state's residents and their well-being.