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 politician and lawyer currently serving as the 56th Speaker of the House since 2023. A Republican, he has represented Louisiana's 4th congressional district since 2017. He is in his fifth term in the House.

Sections (6)

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

January 30, 1972: Mike Johnson's Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

1984: Father's Injury

In 1984, Mike Johnson's father, Pat Johnson, was severely injured and disabled in a fire while serving with the Shreveport Fire Department. A fellow firefighter died in the fire. Pat Johnson then became a HazMat consultant and co-founded the Percy R. Johnson Burn Foundation.

1995: Graduation from Louisiana State University

In 1995, Mike Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Louisiana State University, becoming a first-generation college graduate.

1998: Graduation from Louisiana State's Paul M. Hebert Law Center

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

May 1, 1999: Married Kelly Renee Lary

On May 1, 1999, Mike Johnson married Kelly Renee Lary. They reside in Benton, Louisiana.

2005: Johnson Promotes Covenant Marriages on Good Morning America

In 2005, Johnson appeared on ABC's Good Morning America to promote covenant marriages, which make divorce more difficult, emphasizing his support for marriage and fidelity.

2015: Johnson Blames Abortions for School Shootings

In 2015, Johnson blamed abortions and the "breakup [of] the nuclear family" for school shootings, arguing that devaluing life leads to such violence. He also led an anti-abortion "Life March" in Shreveport-Bossier City in both 2015 and 2016.

2015: Johnson Criticizes Donald Trump's Character

In 2015, Johnson wrote on Facebook that Donald Trump lacked the character and moral center needed in the White House, fearing he would break more things than he fixes and lacked the demeanor to be President.

September 2016: Summarized Legal Career

In September 2016, Mike Johnson summarized his legal career as "defending religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, and biblical values, including the defense of traditional marriage, and other ideals like these when they've been under assault".

2016: Johnson Leads Anti-Abortion "Life March"

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

2016: Delivered sermon linking evolution to mass shootings

In 2016, Mike Johnson delivered a sermon that connected the teaching of evolution to the causes of mass shootings, arguing that it devalues the sanctity of life.

2016: Father's Death

In 2016, Mike Johnson's father, James Patrick "Pat" Johnson, passed away. Johnson mentioned he was the product of an unplanned pregnancy and his parents were teenagers when he was born, later divorcing after 23 years of marriage.

2017: Johnson Questions Scientific Consensus on Climate Change

During a town hall in 2017, Johnson stated that he believed that Earth's climate was changing but questioned the scientific consensus that human activity causes climate change.

February 2020: Visited Israel with 12Tribe Films Foundation

In February 2020, Mike Johnson visited Israel with the 12Tribe Films Foundation.

March 2022: Podcast Launch

In March 2022, Mike Johnson and his wife launched the "Truth Be Told" podcast, where they discuss public affairs and other topics from a Christian viewpoint, emphasizing the role of faith in the United States' success.

2023: AIPAC was Johnson's largest financial donor

In 2023, AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbyist organization, was Mike Johnson's largest financial donor.

April 2024: Put forward $61 billion aid package for Ukraine

In April 2024, Mike Johnson put forward a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine without border-related provisions. This package received bipartisan support in Congress and was signed into law by President Biden.

March 2025: Criticized federal judges opposing Trump administration policies

In March 2025, Mike Johnson criticized federal judges for issuing injunctions against the Trump administration's policies, claiming it violated the separation of powers. He also suggested Congress had the power to eliminate district courts.