Josh Schriver

Joshua Schriver is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 66th district. A member of the Republican Party, he has been in office since 2023. Schriver's political career has been marked by his advocacy for conservative social policies and his engagement with far-right ideologies.

Early life and career

Joshua Schriver was born on March 14, 1992, in Warren, Michigan. He was raised in this city and attended De La Salle Collegiate High School, where he completed his secondary education. Following high school, Schriver pursued higher education at Michigan State University (MSU), where he earned a bachelor's degree in arts and humanities in 2016. He furthered his education by obtaining a master's degree in psychology from Capella University, an online institution. According to the 2023–24 Michigan Manual, Schriver is a licensed autism clinician and a board-certified behavior analyst, although his behavior analyst license expired in November 2023.

Before entering politics, Schriver engaged in various roles that contributed to his community involvement. He served as a poll worker and a precinct delegate in 2018, which provided him with firsthand experience in the electoral process. Additionally, he worked as a field organizer for Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign, where he helped mobilize support for the candidate. In the same year, while residing in South Lyon, Michigan, Schriver made an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. He participated in the Republican primary election but garnered approximately 30% of the vote, losing to the incumbent.

Following this initial foray into politics, Schriver relocated to Oxford, Michigan. He successfully ran for the Michigan House of Representatives in the 2022 election, securing his position in the 66th district after the incumbent, Republican John Reilly, was term-limited. Schriver emerged victorious in a competitive five-candidate Republican primary, receiving 38% of the vote. He subsequently won the general election in November 2022, defeating the Democratic nominee.

Legislative service

Since taking office, Schriver has been an active member of the Michigan House of Representatives. His district, the 66th, encompasses parts of Oakland and Macomb counties, including Brandon, Oxford, Addison, and Oakland townships in northern Oakland County, as well as Bruce and Washington townships in Macomb County. The district is considered a Republican stronghold, which has influenced Schriver's legislative priorities and actions.

In the 2024 Republican primary, Schriver faced a challenge from former Royal Oak councilman Randy LeVasseur but successfully secured renomination with approximately 66% of the vote. He continued to build on his electoral success by winning reelection in the November 2024 general election.

Schriver's legislative actions have drawn attention, particularly due to his alignment with far-right ideologies. He has gained prominence within this political faction since joining the state House. His public statements and social media activity often reflect a commitment to conservative Christian values. Schriver has articulated views that suggest he believes his political role is divinely appointed, emphasizing a personal accountability to his faith.

Throughout his tenure, Schriver has participated in several controversial votes. Notably, he was one of only four members to vote against recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday. He also opposed a bill aimed at banning child marriage and voted against a package of legislation addressing sexual abuse in the wake of high-profile scandals. These votes have positioned him as a polarizing figure within the legislature.

In addition to his voting record, Schriver has made headlines for his comments regarding various social issues. He has expressed opposition to transgender healthcare, suggesting that restrictions should apply to adults as well as minors. His stance on reproductive health has also been contentious; he has called for a ban on hormonal birth control, arguing that such measures are necessary to protect individuals from harm.

Policy focus and district

Schriver's policy focus reflects a broader agenda aligned with conservative social values. He has actively advocated for legislation that seeks to restrict access to reproductive health services, including proposals to ban hormonal birth control and to criminalize same-sex marriage. His positions have sparked significant debate and criticism from various advocacy groups and political opponents.

In early 2024, Schriver's engagement with controversial topics continued when he retweeted a post promoting the Great Replacement conspiracy theory, which has been widely condemned as racist. This action led to significant backlash, including removal from committee assignments by the Michigan House Speaker. Schriver's legislative proposals have included a resolution calling for the Supreme Court to overturn the landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Further, Schriver has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at banning internet pornography for all state residents, regardless of age. He has likened the use of pornography to substance abuse, asserting that it is harmful to individuals and society at large. His proposed Anticorruption of Public Morals Act seeks to impose strict regulations on online content, including prohibitions on depictions of transgender individuals.

Schriver's political career is characterized by a commitment to advocating for what he perceives as moral and ethical standards based on his interpretation of Christian doctrine. His actions and statements have positioned him as a prominent figure within the far-right movement in Michigan, and his influence is likely to continue shaping the political landscape in his district and beyond. As he serves in the Michigan House of Representatives, Schriver remains a significant voice for conservative values in the state legislature.