Eric Johnson (Georgia politician)

Eric Johnson (born August 20, 1953) is an American politician that served in the Georgia State Senate representing the 1st District, comprising all of Bryan and Liberty counties and part of Chatham County. He resigned his seat in 2009, after years in the Georgia General Assembly. He was a candidate for Governor of Georgia, looking to succeed term-limited Sonny Perdue in 2010.

Eric Johnson
Member of the Georgia State Senate from the 1st district
In office 1994–2009
Preceded by	Tom Coleman, Jr.
Succeeded by	Buddy Carter
Personal details
Born	August 20, 1953 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Kathryn
Children	Righton (attorney), Marcus (minister)
Profession	Architect

A Republican, he was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1992, giving up his seat after one term to run for the state senate. He was reelected to the state senate in 1996. His colleagues voted him as the Minority Leader in 1998 and served until 2003. In 2003 following the 2002 election of the first Republican Governor in over 130 years, several Democrats changed parties and Republicans gained the state senate majority. Eric was elected as the Senate President Pro Tempore. The Republican majority stripped Democratic Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor of most of his powers, so for all intents and purposes, Johnson served as lieutenant governor.[1] The power of the lieutenant governor was restored back to current lieutenant governor Casey Cagle, a Republican, in 2007.

Background

He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is of the Christian faith. He makes his career as an architect.

Professional career

Architect, North Point Real Estate, 2006–present
Architect/vice president, Hussey, Gay, Bell and Deyoung International, 1986–present

Education

Senator Johnson graduated with a Bachelor's and master's degree in architecture from Tulane University in 1976.

Career

Johnson has always been involved in politics—from local to national:

Senator, Georgia State Senate, 1994–2009
Minority Leader, Georgia State Senate, 1999–2003
Minority Whip, Georgia State Senate, 1997–1998
Representative, Georgia House of Representatives, 1992–1994
Chair, Chatham County Republican Party, 1987–1989
Regional director, United States Senator Mack Mattingly, 1981–1983

Johnson is a Republican and served as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives from 1993 to 1995.[2] He represented the 1st District in the Georgia State Senate beginning in 1995, and became the institution's President Pro Tempore in 2005.

Over the years, his committee assignments have included Appropriations, Assignments, Banking & Financial Institutions, Consumer Affairs, Economic Development, Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Ethics, Finance & Public Utilities, Natural Resources and the Environment, Regulated Industries and Utilities, Rules and Transportations.

Election history

Year	District		Republican	Votes	Percent		Democrat	Votes	Percent
1998	1		Johnson	22,789	71.0%		Edenfield	9,324	29.0%
2000	1		Johnson	36,170	100%		–	–	–
2002	1		Johnson	39,083	100%		–	–	–
2004	1		Johnson	41,240	71.9%		Templeton	16,086	28.1%
2006	1		Johnson	30,811	100%		–	–	–
2008	1		Johnson	58,467	100%		–	–	–

Campaign for Governor

In 2009, Johnson filed paperwork with the Georgia State Ethics Commission to run for governor in 2010. He came up short in the Republican primary, finishing just short of the runoff to Karen Handel and Nathan Deal.

References

1. "New Georgia Encyclopedia: Lieutenant Governor". The New Georgia Encyclopedia. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
2. Charles S. Bullock, III, The Georgia Political Almanac, The General Assembly 1993–94

External links

• Johnson for Georgians Campaign Website
• Georgia Legislature – Senator Eric Johnson official government site
• Project Vote Smart – Senator Eric B. Johnson (GA) profile
• Follow the Money – Eric Johnson
  • 2006 2004 2002 2000 1998 1996 1994 Senate campaign contributions
• Eric Johnson as Senate President Pro Tem