Joseph Edwin Maxwell (born March 17, 1957) is an American attorney who served as the 45th Lieutenant Governor of the state of Missouri.

Prior to receiving his higher education, Maxwell worked as a rural mail carrier for the U.S Postal Service and also operated a small business with his twin brother.

[3] Joe Maxwell is a military veteran who retired in 1995 with the rank of First Sergeant after twenty years in the Missouri National Guard.

He later became an attorney in private practice in Mexico, Missouri with the firm of Hagan, Hamlett and Maxwell and Council Member of Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future.

[5] Joe Maxwell was elected to statewide office in 2000, defeating Republican Wendell Bailey in the race for Missouri Lieutenant Governor.