American politician
Chris Johnson (born 1978) is an American politician serving in the Mississippi State Senate from the 45th district since 2020.[1] He served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 87th district from 2016 to 2020.[2]
Early life and education
Johnson attended Forrest County Agricultural High School located in the outskirts of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.[1] He attended Pearl River Community College and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2001.[2][3]
Career
Johnson is an owner of multiple businesses, including a financial services firm operating in four states.[4]
In 2015, he ran as a Republican for election to the Mississippi House of Representatives for the 87th district, which covers Forrest and Lamar counties, to fill the seat of retiring Democrat Johnny Stringer.[5] He got 49.2% of the vote in the Republican primary and 80.2% of the vote in the general election; he assumed office on January 5, 2016.[5] In the house, he was vice-chairman for the Public Health and Human Services committee and was a member on the following others: Agriculture; Corrections; Education; Banking and Financial Services; Transportation; and Performance Based Budgeting.[2]
In 2019, incumbent, and friend of Johnson, Billy Hudson of the 45th district announced his retirement from the Mississippi State Senate, prompting Johnson to run for election to the seat within one day.[3][6] He responded to claims of dismay from Republican leadership in the House as "rumors."[7] He ran uncontested in the Republican primary and general election, securing 100% of the vote in both; he assumed office on January 7, 2020.[8] In the Senate, he chairs the Constitution committee and is vice-chair for the Medicaid committee.[1] He is a member on the following others: Appropriations; Business and Financial Institutions; Drug Policy; Education; Insurance; Public, Health, and Welfare; and Tourism.[1]
Personal life
Johnson is married to Wendi Burton and has two children.[1]
References