[1] He represented the electoral district of Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans as a member of the Liberal Party until 2019.
[1] Following the Liberals forming government in the 2015 election, Hawkins served as Minister of Transportation and Works.
[2] In September 2017, he was shuffled to Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, and in November 2018,[3] was moved to Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.
[4] Prior to his election to the legislature, Hawkins served as mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor.
[5] He also served on the board of directors of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Bull Arm Fabrication and Nalcor.