Early Life and Education of Mike Johnson: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Mike Johnson. A timeline of key moments.

Mike Johnson is an American lawyer and politician who has served as the 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives since 2023. As a member of the Republican Party, he has represented Louisiana's 4th congressional district since 2017, marking his fifth term in the House.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 30, 1972: James Michael Johnson Born

On January 30, 1972, James Michael Johnson was born. He is currently the 56th speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Father Injured in Fire

In 1984, Mike Johnson's father, Pat Johnson, was severely injured and disabled in a fire while serving with the Shreveport Fire Department.

1995: Earned Bachelor of Science

In 1995, Mike Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Louisiana State University.

1998: Graduated with Juris Doctor Degree

In 1998, Mike Johnson graduated from Louisiana State's Paul M. Hebert Law Center with a Juris Doctor degree.

May 1, 1999: Johnson Married Kelly Renee Lary

On May 1, 1999, Mike Johnson married Kelly Renee Lary. Their primary residence is in Benton, Louisiana.

2005: Johnson Promotes Covenant Marriages on Good Morning America

In 2005, Mike Johnson appeared on ABC's Good Morning America to promote covenant marriages, emphasizing his support for marriage, fidelity, and traditional values.

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2015: Johnson Attends Purity Ball with Daughter

In 2015, Mike Johnson and his then 13-year-old daughter Hannah were featured in a German television story attending a purity ball.

2016: Father's Death

In 2016, James Patrick "Pat" Johnson, Mike Johnson's father, passed away.

November 2020: Johnson Urges Trump to Pursue Legal Remedies in 2020 Election

In early November 2020, after media outlets called the 2020 United States presidential election in favor of Joe Biden, Johnson stated that he had spoken to Trump twice and urged him to "exhaust every available legal remedy to restore Americans' trust in the fairness of our election system".

November 17, 2020: Johnson Alleges Voting Machine Irregularities

On November 17, 2020, Johnson claimed there was merit to allegations about voting machines being rigged with software by Dominion and that the election was rigged, citing software from Hugo Chávez's Venezuela as suspect. However, by October 2022, Johnson said that he had never supported claims that there was massive fraud in the 2020 election.

December 2020: Johnson Leads Amicus Brief Supporting Texas v. Pennsylvania

In December 2020, Mike Johnson led an effort in which 126 Republican U.S. representatives 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.

January 2021: Johnson Objects to Certifying 2020 Election Results

During the January 2021 United States Electoral College vote count, Mike Johnson objected to certifying the 2020 presidential election results from Arizona and Pennsylvania. Johnson argued that state officials had violated the Constitution by relaxing restrictions on mail-in voting or early voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic without consulting state legislatures.

May 19, 2021: Johnson Votes Against January 6 Commission

On May 19, 2021, Mike Johnson, along with other Republican House leaders, voted against establishing a national commission to investigate the January 6 United States Capitol attack.

March 2022: Co-hosting the Truth Be Told Podcast

In March 2022, Mike Johnson and his wife started co-hosting the "Truth Be Told" podcast, where they discuss public affairs and other issues from a Christian perspective.

2024: Republicans Maintain House Control, Win Senate and Presidency

In the 2024 elections, the Republican party maintained control of the House of Representatives, flipped control of the U.S. Senate, and also won the presidency, resulting in an undivided Republican government.