Robert Johnson III
Robert Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Minority Leader of the Mississippi House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office January 7, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | David Baria |
| Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 94th district | |
| Assumed office 2004 | |
| Preceded by | Phillip West |
| Member of the Mississippi Senate from the 38th district | |
| In office 1993–2003 | |
| Preceded by | Pat Welch |
| Succeeded by | Kelvin Butler |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert Lee Johnson III November 29, 1958 Natchez, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Evelyn Joiner (m. 1991) |
| Education | University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (BA, JD) |
Robert Lee Johnson III (born November 29, 1958) is an American politician. He first served as a state senator before becoming a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 94th District, being first elected in 2004. He has been the Minority Leader of the State House since 2020.
Early life
[edit]Robert L. Johnson III was born on November 29, 1958 in Natchez, Mississippi.[1] When he was young, Johnson would help his father, who was a bricklayer and cattle rancher, with work. Johnson's mother was a school teacher, later retiring as an assistant superintendent.[2]
Johnson graduated from North Natchez High School and got a scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis. He was there for three years and transferred to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, receiving a degree in political science and urban studies. He received a J.D. from the same school and interned during the summers at the attorney general's office in Mississippi.[2]
Career
[edit]In 1986, Johnson returned to Mississippi, where he worked for Edwin Pittman in the attorney general's office. He worked for Mike Moore before starting his own private practice in 1989.[2]
He is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association and the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association. He is President of the Adams County Voters League.[1]
Politics
[edit]Johnson ran for the State Senate in 1992 against incumbent Pat Welch, a two-term incumbent from McComb.[2] After an intense campaign, he was elected to the Mississippi Senate for the 38th district in 1993. He served till 2003, after losing election to Kelvin Butler following redistricting.[1][2]
When Philip West, a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives for the 94th district resigned to run for the mayor of Natchez and won, Johnson was encouraged to run.[2] He ran against four others in the special election on August 3, 2004, coming first with 35.4%. Making it to the run-off on August 17, 2004, he defeated his opponent 53.6% to 46.4% of the vote.[3] He assumed office in 2004.[1][2]
Johnson was elected Minority Leader for the Mississippi House of Representatives in 2020, winning it without opposition. A few weeks before his election, he had announched his retirement, but cancelled it as it was pending a decision.[4]
Johnson has been noted for his bipartisan spirit in the legislature.[5]
Personal life
[edit]He is married to Evelyn Joiner and is of African Methodist Episcopal faith.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Robert L. Johnson III". Mississippi State Legislature. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g III Johnson, Robert. Interview. Conducted by D'Andra Orey. Mississippi Oral History Program of The University of Southern Mississippi. February 5, 2009.
- ^ Clark, Eric (2008). Mississippi Official and Statistical Register Blue Book 2004-2008. Mississippi Secretary of State. p. 664.
- ^ Corder, Frank (January 21, 2020). "After retiring just weeks ago, MS House Democrats name Johnson leader". Magnolia Tribune. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
- ^ Harrison, Bobby (February 8, 2022). "Why Rep. Robert Johnson, a top Democratic leader, often works with Republicans". Mississippi Today. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
External links
[edit]Statewide political officials of Mississippi | ||
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| U.S. senators |  | |
| State government | ||
| Senate |
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| House |
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| Supreme Court |
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- 1958 births
- Living people
- Politicians from Natchez, Mississippi
- University of Illinois College of Law alumni
- African-American state legislators in Mississippi
- Democratic Party Mississippi state senators
- Democratic Party members of the Mississippi House of Representatives
- 21st-century members of the Mississippi Legislature
- Washington University in St. Louis alumni