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 currently serving as the 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives since 2023. As a Republican, he has represented Louisiana's 4th congressional district in the House since 2017, marking his fifth term in Congress.

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 an American lawyer and politician.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Father Severely Injured in Fire

In 1984, Johnson's father, Pat, was severely injured in a Shreveport fire that also resulted in the death of a fellow firefighter.

1995: Earned Bachelor of Science Degree

In 1995, Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Louisiana State University, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college.

1998: Graduated with Juris Doctor Degree

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

May 1, 1999: Marriage to 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

In 2005, Johnson appeared on ABC's Good Morning America to promote covenant marriages, stating, "I'm a big proponent of marriage and fidelity and all the things that go with it".

2015: Johnson Blames Abortions and Family Breakup for School Shootings

In 2015, Johnson blamed abortions and the "breakup [of] the nuclear family" for school shootings, asserting that devaluing life leads to such incidents. In 2015, he also stated that Donald Trump ... lacks the character and the moral center we desperately need again in the White House.

2015: Johnson Criticizes Donald Trump

In 2015, Johnson wrote on Facebook that "Donald Trump ... lacks the character and the moral center we desperately need again in the White House", adding that Trump "is a hot head by nature" and lacks the demeanor to be President.

2015: Featured at a purity ball in a German television story

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

2016: Sermon linking evolution to mass shootings

In 2016, Johnson delivered a sermon linking the teaching of evolution to mass shootings, asserting that it promotes a lack of moral values and devalues human life.

2016: Johnson Leads Anti-Abortion "Life March"

In 2016, Johnson led an anti-abortion "Life March" in Shreveport-Bossier City.

2016: Opposition to the expansion of medical cannabis in Louisiana

In 2016, Mike Johnson opposed the expansion of medical cannabis in Louisiana, citing the American Epilepsy Society's studies that cannabis can worsen some conditions, specifically epilepsy, and cause "severe dystonic reactions and other movement disorders, developmental regression, intractable vomiting, and worsening seizures" in children with epilepsy.

2017: Johnson Questions Human Cause of Climate Change

During a town hall in 2017, Johnson said that he believed that Earth's climate was changing, but questioned the scientific consensus that humans cause climate change.

April 2018: Advocating for student-led school prayer

In April 2018, Mike Johnson joined Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and actor Kirk Cameron to argue for student-led school prayer and religious expression in public schools under the First Amendment.

2018: Became Adjunct Professor at Liberty University

In 2018, Johnson became an adjunct professor teaching online courses at Liberty University's Helms School of Government.

March 2022: Co-hosting the podcast Truth Be Told

Since March 2022, Mike Johnson and his wife have co-hosted the podcast Truth Be Told, discussing public affairs and other issues from a Christian perspective. On the podcast, Johnson stated that "the Word of God is, of course, the ultimate source of all truth", and attributed the success of the United States to its foundation upon a "religious statement of faith".

2022: Introduction of the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act

In 2022, Mike Johnson introduced the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act, which aimed to prevent federally funded institutions from mentioning sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill has been compared to Florida's Parental Rights in Education Act.

July 2023: Opposition to gender-affirming care for transgender youth

In July 2023, at a hearing on transgender youth, Mike Johnson spoke out against allowing children to receive gender-affirming care, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from abuse and physical harm. He has also co-sponsored legislation to criminalize providing opposite-sex hormones or gender-affirming surgeries to minors.

2023: Voted against the decriminalization of cannabis

As of 2023, Mike Johnson had twice voted against the decriminalization of cannabis.

November 2024: Announcement of new bathroom policy in the U.S. Capitol

In November 2024, Mike Johnson announced a new bathroom policy for the U.S. Capitol, stating that single-sex facilities are reserved for individuals of that biological sex, with unisex restrooms available throughout the Capitol. This policy was enacted shortly after the election of Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person elected to Congress.