Mike Johnson (Louisiana politician)

James Michael Johnson (born January 30, 1972) is an American attorney, politician, and former talk radio host serving as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 4th congressional district. First elected in 2016, he is also the chairman of the House Republican Study Committee, a coalition of socially- and fiscally-conservative members of the larger House Republican Conference.[1]

Mike Johnson
Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2021
Leader	Kevin McCarthy
Preceded by	Mark Walker
Chair of the Republican Study Committee
In office January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2021
Preceded by	Mark Walker
Succeeded by	Jim Banks
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 4th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2017
Preceded by	John Fleming
Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from the 8th district
In office February 22, 2015 – January 3, 2017
Preceded by	Jeff R. Thompson
Succeeded by	Raymond Crews
Personal details
Born	James Michael Johnson January 30, 1972 Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Kelly Lary
Children	4
Education	Louisiana State University (BA, JD)
Website	House website

From 2015 to 2017, Johnson served as a representative in the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 8 in Bossier Parish. During his tenure he proposed the Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act, a bill that was ultimately tabled.

Early life and education

Johnson was born in Shreveport,[2] the oldest of four children of Jeanne Johnson and the late James Patrick Johnson, a firefighter who founded the nonprofit organization, the Percy R. Johnson Burn Foundation, after having been critically burned and disabled in the line of duty. Johnson has two brothers, Chris and Josh, and a sister, Laura.[3]

During Johnson's high school time, he was a member of Louisiana Boys State. Johnson graduated from Captain Shreve High School in Shreveport. He received an undergraduate degree in business administration from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He holds a Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University Law Center,[4] and worked as constitutional attorney in Benton, in Bossier Parish seat of government located north of Bossier City, Louisiana.

Legal career

Prior to his election to Congress, Johnson was also a partner in the Kitchens Law Firm and a senior attorney and national media spokesman for the Alliance Defense Fund, now known as Alliance Defending Freedom, which describes itself as "a non-profit legal defense and advocacy organization dedicated to religious liberty, traditional family values, and the value and sanctity of life."[5] Johnson was also formerly chief counsel of the non-profit law firm Freedom Guard.[6]

Johnson served as co-counsel for the state defendants in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Louisiana state ban on same-sex marriage in both 2004 and again in 2015. He was driving home from a hearing on the matter before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans when he learned from a radio broadcast that he would run unopposed in his bid to succeed Thompson.[5]

Johnson served as a trustee of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission within the Southern Baptist Convention from 2004 to 2012.

Louisiana House of Representatives

Johnson ran unopposed in the special election called for February 21, 2015 to select a successor to Jeff R. Thompson, a Republican who had resigned to become a judge in Louisiana's 26th Judicial District Court. The election was cancelled when only Johnson filed for the seat.[5] Johnson was re-elected on October 24, 2015, again running without opposition.[7]

Johnson was endorsed by United States Senator David Vitter and United States Representative John Fleming,[8] as well as the political action committee of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.

Louisiana Marriage and Conscience Act

In April 2015, Johnson proposed a bill titled the Marriage and Conscience Act, similar in content to Indiana's controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act passed a few days earlier, though Johnson denied that his legislation was based on the Indiana law.[9]

Johnson's Marriage and Conscience Act would have eliminated the state of Louisiana's ability to withhold a "state license, certification, accreditation, employment, state contracts, state benefits, or tax deductions" from a person or entity based on their views on the institution of marriage.[10] Critics denounced the bill as an attempt to protect people who discriminate against same-sex married couples.[11]

Then-Governor Bobby Jindal pledged to sign Johnson's bill into law if it passed both houses of the legislature.[12] IBM and other employers in the region expressed their opposition to the bill, including concerns about the hiring difficulties it would likely produce.[13] Other politicians also objected, including fellow Republican, Baton Rouge Metro Councilman John Delgado, who described Johnson as a "despicable bigot of the highest order" for proposing the bill.[13]

On May 19, 2015, the House Civil Law and Procedure Committee voted 10–2 to table the bill, effectively ending its chances to become law.[14] Both Republicans and Democrats voted against the bill; other than Johnson, only Republican Ray Garofalo voted for it.[14] After the bill was tabled, Governor Jindal said that he would issue an executive order to enforce its intent.[15] Johnson planned to reintroduce his own bill in 2016.

Team Trump

During Trump's unsuccessful re-election campaign in 2020, Johnson, along with Senator Lindsey Graham were active members in the president's re-election campaign.

Other

In March 2016, Johnson opposed a one-penny increase in the state sales tax proposed to help address Louisiana's $940 million budget deficit. The one-penny increase was approved by a vote of 76 to 27, with one vacancy.[16] A House and Senate conference committee subsequently changed the duration of the tax from five years, as recommended by the state Senate to twenty-seven months, effective from April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018.

In 2015 and 2016 Johnson led an anti-abortion "Life March" in Shreveport-Bossier City.[17]

Johnson opposed the Common Core State Standards Initiative.[18]

United States House of Representatives

2016

On February 10, 2016, Johnson announced his candidacy for the 4th congressional district seat held for eight years by John Fleming, who was running, ultimately unsuccessfully, for the United States Senate seat vacated by David Vitter.

In a runoff election held on December 10, 2016, Johnson defeated the Shreveport Democratic attorney Marshall Jones, 87,369 votes (65 percent) to 46,578 (35 percent). He won all fifteen parishes in the district, with 78 percent in Bossier Parish but only 52 percent in his native neighboring Caddo Parish, also the home of opponent Jones.[19] Eliminated in the November 8 primary election were Republicans Trey Baucum, a Shreveport cardiologist,[20] former State Senator Elbert Guillory of Opelousas, Shreveport attorney Rick John,[21] Oliver Geoffrey Jenkins (born July 1966), a member of the Shreveport City Council.[22][23]

2018

In 2018, Johnson won his second term in the U.S. House, having led a three-candidate field with 139,307 votes (64 percent). Democrat Ryan Trundle trailed with 72,923 votes (34 percent).[24]

Tenure

Johnson was sworn into office on January 3, 2017. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee.[25]

Jeffrey Hayden Haynes, a great-grandson of the late Webster Parish Sheriff O. H. Haynes Jr.,[26] is Johnson's chief of staff. He was formerly an aide to former U.S. Senator David Vitter.[27] In 2018, Haynes was named campaign manager in Johnson's bid for re-election.

Johnson voted in favor of the American Health Care Act of 2017.[28]

In December 2017, Johnson voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.[29] After voting for the act, Johnson described the economy as "stunted" and as a "burden" on Americans. Additionally, "The importance of this moment cannot be overstated. With the first comprehensive tax reform in 31 years, we will dramatically strengthen the U.S. economy and restore economic mobility and opportunity for hardworking individuals and families all across this country."[30]

Committee assignments

• Committee on the Judiciary
  • Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations
  • Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security
  • Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (Ranking Member)
• Committee on Natural Resources
  • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (Vice Chair)
  • Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans

Caucus memberships

• Freedom Caucus[31]

Political positions

Johnson receiving the True Blue award from FRC President Tony Perkins in 2018

Immigration

Johnson supported President Donald Trump's 2017 executive order to prohibit immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries, stating "This is not an effort to ban any religion, but rather an effort to adequately protect our homeland. We live in a dangerous world, and this important measure will help us balance freedom and security."[32]

Abortion

Johnson opposes abortion and supports legislation to prohibit abortions after week 20 of a pregnancy.[33]

Cannabis

Johnson believes medical marijuana is a "gateway drug" for other drugs.[34]

Donald Trump

In 2019, Johnson claimed, "President Trump cooperated fully with the [Special Counsel Mueller] investigation."[35]

In December 2020, Johnson was one of 126 Republican members of the House of Representatives who signed an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election, in which Joe Biden prevailed[36] over incumbent Donald Trump. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case on the basis that Texas lacked standing under Article III of the Constitution to challenge the results of the election held by another state.[37][38][39]

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a statement that called signing the amicus brief an act of "election subversion." Additionally, Pelosi reprimanded Johnson and the other House members who supported the lawsuit: "The 126 Republican Members that signed onto this lawsuit brought dishonor to the House. Instead of upholding their oath to support and defend the Constitution, they chose to subvert the Constitution and undermine public trust in our sacred democratic institutions."[40][41] New Jersey Representative Bill Pascrell, citing section three of the 14th Amendment, called for Pelosi to not seat Johnson and the other Republicans who signed the brief supporting the suit. Pascrell argued that "the text of the 14th Amendment expressly forbids Members of Congress from engaging in rebellion against the United States. Trying to overturn a democratic election and install a dictator seems like a pretty clear example of that."[42]

LGBT rights

Johnson opposed the results of Obergefell vs. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage across the US. He believes the decision should be state by state, not made by the Supreme Court.[43]

School prayer

In April 2018, Johnson joined Republican state Attorney General Jeff Landry and Christian actor Kirk Cameron to argue under the First Amendment for student-led prayer and religious expression in public schools. Johnson and Landry appeared, with Cameron who spoke on a promotional video, at prayer rallies at the First Baptist Church of Minden and Bossier Parish Community College in Bossier City. The gatherings were organized by area pastors, including Brad Jurkovich of First Baptist Bossier, in response to a lawsuit filed in February against the Bossier Parish School Board and the superintendent, Scott Smith. The board and the superintendent are accused of permitting teachers to incorporate various aspects of Christianity in their class presentations.[44]

Personal life

Johnson is married to Kelly Lary (born October 1973). Lary is a teacher and lecturer on family-related issues.[4] They have two sons and two daughters. Johnson has formerly resided in Sibley in Webster Parish, and in Allen in Collin County, Texas.[45]

References

1. Greg Hilburn (November 16, 2018). "Mike Johnson wins post on GOP launching pad". The Monroe News-Star. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
2. "J. Michael Johnson - Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana (LA) Bossier County - legaldirectories.com". legaldirectories.com.
3. "James Patrick Johnson". The Shreveport Times. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
4. "About Mike". mikejohnsonlouisiana.com. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
5. Nancy Cook (January 10, 2015). "Conservative Republican walks into Louisiana Legislature's District 8 seat unopposed". KTAL-TV (NBC): arklatexhomepage.com. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
6. Alexandria Burris (January 16, 2015). "Looming session leaves little wiggle room for Johnson". The Shreveport Times. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
7. Associated Press (September 11, 2015). "A look at the La. lawmakers re-elected without opposition". The Washington Times.
8. "Mike Johnson announces bid for Louisiana House seat: Candidacy endorsed by U.S. Senator Vitter, Congressman John Fleming, others". mikejohnsonlouisiana.com. August 29, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
9. Maya Lau (April 1, 2015). "Bossier legislator mulls religious freedom bill". The Shreveport Times in The Monroe News-Star. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
10. "Rep. Mike Johnson Calls His Marriage and Conscience Act A Call For "Freedom and Tolerance"". KEEL (AM). Retrieved April 7, 2015.
11. Epps, Garrett. "What Will Bobby Jindal's 'Marriage and Conscience Order' Actually Do?". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2017-02-19.
12. "Bobby Jindal gives his take on gay marriage in New York Times editorial". The New York Times. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
13. "Louisiana religious freedom bill author a 'despicable bigot,' Baton Rouge council member says". NOLA.com. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
14. Emily Lane (May 19, 2015). "Louisiana's religious freedom bill effectively defeated in committee". New Orleans Times-Picayune. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
15. Emily Lane (May 19, 2015). "Bobby Jindal plans to issue an executive order enforcing intent of religious freedom bill". New Orleans Times-Picayune. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
16. "State House of Representatives Vote to Increase Sales Tax". KEEL. February 25, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
17. Greg Hilburn (January 6, 2016). "4th District field inches toward gate". The Shreveport Times. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
18. "Mike Johnson Grabs LABI's NORTHPAC Endorsement". thehayride.com. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
19. "Election Returns". Louisiana Secretary of State. December 10, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
20. "State Rep. Johnson to run for 4th Congressional seat". KALB-TV. Retrieved February 10, 2016.
21. Greg Hilburn (February 22, 2016). "Shreveport attorney enters 4th District race". The Shreveport Times. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
22. KEEL Radio, February 10, 2016
23. "Election Returns". Louisiana Secretary of State. November 8, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
24. "Election Returns". Louisiana Secretary of State. November 6, 2018. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
25. "Member List". Republican Study Committee. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
26. "Obituary of Stanton Allen Haynes (brother of Jeffrey Hayden Haynes)". genlookups.com. May 8, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
27. Greg Hilburn (December 22, 2016). "Hayden Haynes leads US Rep.-elect Johnson's congressional staff". The Monroe News-Star. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
28. "FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 256".
29. Almukhtar, Sarah (19 December 2017). "How Each House Member Voted on the Tax Bill". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
30. "Johnson on tax reform: 'Republicans have fulfilled our promise' - Bossier Press-Tribune". bossierpress.com. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
31. Chaitain, Daniel (March 15, 2017). "Why Rand Paul brought 'The Art of the Deal' to a meeting about Obamacare repeal". Washington Examiner. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
32. Blake, Aaron. "Coffman, Gardner join Republicans against President Trump's travel ban; here's where the rest stand". Denver Post. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
33. "La. Representatives give their take on abortion". KALB. Associated Press. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
34. "Medical marijuana bill gets approval from the House". Louisiana Radio Network. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
35. Crisp, Elizabeth (July 24, 2019). "Louisiana U.S. Reps. Cedric Richmond, Mike Johnson question special counsel Robert Mueller". NOLA. Retrieved Dec 19, 2019.
36. Blood, Michael R.; Riccardi, Nicholas (December 5, 2020). "Biden officially secures enough electors to become president". AP News. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
37. Liptak, Adam (2020-12-11). "Supreme Court Rejects Texas Suit Seeking to Subvert Election". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
38. "Order in Pending Case" (PDF). Supreme Court of the United States. 2020-12-11. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
39. Diaz, Daniella. "Brief from 126 Republicans supporting Texas lawsuit in Supreme Court". CNN. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
40. Smith, David (2020-12-12). "Supreme court rejects Trump-backed Texas lawsuit aiming to overturn election results". The Guardian. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
41. "Pelosi Statement on Supreme Court Rejecting GOP Election Sabotage Lawsuit" (Press release). Speaker Nancy Pelosi. December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
42. Williams, Jordan (2020-12-11). "Democrat asks Pelosi to refuse to seat lawmakers supporting Trump's election challenges". TheHill. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
43. Dickerson, Seth. "Mike Johnson: Wants to 'make government work again'". shreveporttimes.com. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
44. Nick Wooten (April 6, 2018). "Actor Kirk Cameron makes promo video for Bossier, Webster prayer rallies". The Shreveport Times. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
45. "James M. Johnson in Benton, Louisiana". intelius.com. Retrieved March 30, 2015.

External links

• Congressman Mike Johnson official U.S. House website
• Campaign website
• Mike Johnson at Curlie
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Profile at Vote Smart
• Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
• Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
• Appearances on C-SPAN