James Michael Johnson, a Republican politician and lawyer, has served as the 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives since October 25, 2023. He is currently in his fourth term representing Louisiana's 4th congressional district, a position he has held since 2017.
January 30, 1972: Birth of Mike Johnson
Mike Johnson was born on January 30, 1972.
1984: Pat Johnson Injured in Fire
In 1984, Pat Johnson was severely injured and disabled in a fire while working with the Shreveport Fire Department.
1995: Graduates from Louisiana State University
Mike Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Louisiana State University in 1995, becoming a first-generation college graduate.
1998: Graduates from Louisiana State's Paul M. Hebert Law Center
Mike Johnson graduated from Louisiana State's Paul M. Hebert Law Center with a Juris Doctor degree in 1998.
May 1, 1999: Marriage to Kelly Renee Lary
On May 1, 1999, Mike Johnson married Kelly Renee Lary. They reside primarily in Benton, Louisiana.
2003: Johnson opposes Lawrence v. Texas decision
In 2003, Johnson opposed the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas, which decriminalized private sexual conduct between consenting adults. He argued that states had legitimate grounds to proscribe same-sex intercourse.
2003: Johnson's anti-gay articles
In 2003, Johnson wrote articles stating that homosexuals do not meet the criteria for a suspect class under the equal protection clause, describing homosexuality as an 'abnormal lifestyle.' He also argued that same-sex marriage could jeopardize the country's democratic system and lead to 'sexual anarchy.'
2004: Begins Service on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
In 2004, Mike Johnson began serving on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.
2004: Defends Louisiana Amendment 1
Mike Johnson defended Louisiana Amendment 1, which defined marriage as between one man and one woman, against legal challenges in 2004.
2004: Begins Service on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Mike Johnson served on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2004 to 2012.
2005: Campaign Against Day of Silence
In 2005, Mike Johnson campaigned against GLSEN's annual anti-bullying Day of Silence, arguing that the event covertly promoted the acceptance of homosexuality in society.
2005: Johnson Publicly Advocates for Covenant Marriages
In the late 1990s, Johnson and his wife gained attention for their support of covenant marriages in Louisiana. He continued to promote them, appearing on Good Morning America in 2005 to advocate for this type of marital contract.
August 2010: Named Founding Dean of Pressler School of Law
Mike Johnson was named the "founding dean" of the newly established Pressler School of Law at Louisiana College in August 2010.
August 2012: Resigns from Pressler School of Law
Mike Johnson resigned from his position as dean of the Pressler School of Law at Louisiana College in August 2012.
2012: Concludes Service on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Mike Johnson concluded his service on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2012.
2012: Concludes Service on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Mike Johnson concluded his service on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2012.
April 2015: Proposes the Marriage and Conscience Act
Mike Johnson proposed the Marriage and Conscience Act in April 2015.
May 19, 2015: Marriage and Conscience Act Tabled
The House Civil Law and Procedure Committee voted to table the Marriage and Conscience Act on May 19, 2015.
2015: Begins Guest Hosting "Washington Watch"
Around 2015, Mike Johnson became an occasional guest host on Tony Perkins's radio talk show "Washington Watch".
2015: Johnson Links School Shootings to Abortion and Family Breakdown
In 2015, Johnson drew criticism for attributing school shootings to abortions and the decline of the traditional family structure. He argued that societal messages devaluing life contribute to such tragedies.
2015: Participation in Purity Ball
In 2015, Mike Johnson and his daughter Hannah were featured in a German television story about the purity movement, attending a purity ball together.
2015: Johnson Criticizes Trump's Character and Temperament
Johnson publicly questioned Donald Trump's suitability for the presidency in 2015, expressing concerns about his character, temperament, and ability to lead effectively.
2015: Founds Freedom Guard
Mike Johnson founded Freedom Guard, a nonprofit law firm that engaged in religious liberty litigation, in 2015.
2015: Runs for 8th District Seat in Louisiana House of Representatives
Mike Johnson ran unopposed for the 8th District seat of the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2015.
2015: Elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives
Mike Johnson was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2015.
February 10, 2016: Johnson Announces Candidacy for Congress
On February 10, 2016, Mike Johnson announced his candidacy for the 4th congressional district seat, challenging eight-year incumbent John Fleming, who was running for Senate.
September 2016: Summarizes His Legal Career
In September 2016, Mike Johnson summarized his legal career as one focused on "defending religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, and biblical values".
2016: Elected to Represent Louisiana's 4th Congressional District
Mike Johnson was first elected to represent Louisiana's 4th congressional district in 2016.
2016: Supports Movement to Amend the Constitution
In 2016, Mike Johnson was a strong proponent of a movement to amend the United States Constitution.
2016: Death of James Patrick "Pat" Johnson
James Patrick "Pat" Johnson, Mike Johnson's father, passed away in 2016.
2016: Johnson Leads Anti-Abortion March
Continuing his anti-abortion stance, Johnson led a 'Life March' in Shreveport-Bossier City in 2016, demonstrating his commitment to this cause.
2016: Opposition to Medical Marijuana Expansion
In 2016, Mike Johnson opposed the expansion of medical marijuana in Louisiana, arguing it could worsen conditions such as epilepsy based on studies by the American Epilepsy Society.
2016: Johnson rejects evolution and links it to social issues
In 2016, Johnson delivered a sermon where he rejected the scientific consensus on evolution, suggesting that teaching evolution was partly responsible for mass shootings. He argued that teaching evolution leads to a belief that life has no sacred value, as it promotes 'survival of the fittest.'
January 3, 2017: Johnson Sworn into Congress
Mike Johnson was sworn into office as a member of Congress on January 3, 2017.
December 2017: Johnson Votes in Favor of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Johnson voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017, emphasizing its potential to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for Americans.
2017: Johnson Links Abortion to Economic Strain
During a House Judiciary Committee meeting in 2017, Johnson asserted that Roe v. Wade indirectly necessitates cuts in social programs. He reasoned that abortion leads to a smaller workforce, negatively impacting the economy.
2017: Johnson supports Trump's immigration order
In 2017, Johnson supported Trump's executive order to prohibit immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries, arguing that it was necessary for national security and not a ban on any religion.
2017: Johnson votes for American Health Care Act
In 2017, Johnson voted for the American Health Care Act, which aimed to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), reflecting his stance on healthcare reform.
2017: Johnson and Trump Forge Political Alliance
Johnson and Trump developed a close political partnership beginning in 2017, marked by mutual support and collaboration.
2017: Begins Representing Louisiana's 4th Congressional District
Mike Johnson began representing Louisiana's 4th congressional district in 2017.
2017: Johnson Expresses Uncertainty on Human-Caused Climate Change
While acknowledging the reality of climate change, Johnson voiced skepticism about the scientific consensus on its anthropogenic causes during a 2017 town hall.
April 2018: Advocacy for Religious Expression in Schools
In April 2018, Mike Johnson joined efforts to support student-led prayer and religious expression in public schools, citing First Amendment rights.
2018: Johnson Prioritizes Entitlement Reform
Johnson identified entitlement reform as a critical issue in 2018, stressing the urgency of addressing it to ensure the long-term viability of these programs.
2018: Johnson Wins Second House Term
In 2018, Mike Johnson secured a second term in the House of Representatives, defeating Democratic nominee Ryan Trundle by a significant margin.
2019: Johnson Defends Trump During First Impeachment
During Trump's first impeachment inquiry in 2019, Johnson stood by the president and advised White House officials to disregard Congressional subpoenas, citing "legitimate executive privilege in legal immunity".
2019: Chairs the Republican Study Committee
From 2019 to 2021, Mike Johnson chaired the Republican Study Committee.
2019: Johnson Chairs Republican Study Committee
From 2019 to 2021, Mike Johnson chaired the Republican Study Committee.
2019: Johnson leads effort to replace ACA
In 2019, Johnson led an effort as chair of the Republican Study Committee to replace the ACA. The proposed plan included rescinding the Medicaid expansion under the ACA.
2019: Criticism of Amazon's Censorship
In 2019, while chairing the Republican Study Committee, Mike Johnson criticized Amazon for removing works by conversion therapy advocate Joseph Nicolosi, accusing the company of engaging in censorship.
2019: Johnson Defends Trump During Mueller Investigation
Johnson shifted his stance on Trump by 2019, defending him amidst the Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. He maintained that Trump had fully cooperated and committed no wrongdoing.
2019: Johnson Opposes Raising the Federal Minimum Wage
Johnson voiced strong opposition to the Raise the Wage Act in 2019, arguing that a $15 federal minimum wage would have detrimental effects on job creation.
February 2020: Johnson visits Israel
In February 2020, Johnson visited Israel with the 12Tribe Films Foundation, marking an important trip in his political career.
November 2020: Johnson Urges Trump to Pursue Legal Challenges
In early November 2020, as major media outlets projected Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump, Mike Johnson revealed he had spoken with Trump twice, urging him to pursue all legal options to address concerns about election fairness. Johnson expressed support for Trump's intention to investigate and prosecute any instances of fraud or illegal activity.
November 17, 2020: Johnson Makes Allegations About Voting Machines
On November 17, 2020, Johnson publicly questioned the integrity of voting machines, suggesting they were susceptible to rigging and manipulation. He implied support for then-President Trump's claims of election fraud.
December 2020: Johnson Supports Legal Challenge to Election Results
In December 2020, Johnson spearheaded an initiative involving 126 Republican representatives who signed an amicus brief supporting 'Texas v. Pennsylvania'. This lawsuit, which the Supreme Court ultimately rejected, contested the 2020 presidential election outcome.
2020: Johnson Deemed Key Architect of Electoral College Objections
The New York Times labeled Johnson as a pivotal figure in the efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. His argument of 'constitutional infirmity' reportedly swayed a significant number of representatives to join the objections.
2020: Johnson Wins Third House Term
Mike Johnson won a third term in the House of Representatives in 2020, defeating Democratic nominee Kenny Houston.
2020: Johnson Votes to Overturn 2020 Election Results
Mike Johnson was among 147 Republicans who voted to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
2020: Contests the 2020 Presidential Election Results
Mike Johnson contested the results of the 2020 presidential election.
January 6, 2021: Storming of the United States Capitol
On January 6, 2021, a mob of Trump supporters attacked the United States Capitol Building in an attempt to overturn his defeat in the 2020 presidential election.
January 2021: Johnson Objects to Electoral College Vote Certification
Johnson was prominent among the 120 U.S. Representatives who challenged the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. His argument, citing 'constitutional infirmity', claimed some state officials violated the Constitution by altering voting procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic without consulting legislatures.
May 19, 2021: Johnson Votes Against January 6th Commission
On May 19, 2021, Johnson, along with other House Republican leaders, opposed the formation of a national commission tasked with investigating the January 6th Capitol breach.
2021: Johnson Maintains Opposition to Minimum Wage Increase
Johnson's stance on the minimum wage remained consistent in 2021 as he continued to oppose efforts to raise it.
2021: Johnson Serves on Trump's Legal Team During Impeachment Trials
Johnson's support for Trump extended to actively participating as a member of his legal defense team during both the 2019 and 2021 Senate impeachment trials, both of which ended in acquittals.
2021: Becomes Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference
Mike Johnson served as the vice chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2023.
2021: Johnson Serves as Vice Chair of House Republican Conference
Mike Johnson served as vice chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2023.
2021: Johnson Supports Bills for Nationwide Abortion Ban
Johnson has consistently supported legislation aiming to ban abortion across the nation. These bills, if enacted, would carry criminal penalties for doctors who perform abortions.
March 2022: Launch of Podcast Truth Be Told
Since March 2022, Mike Johnson and his wife have co-hosted the podcast Truth Be Told, where they discuss public affairs from a Christian perspective, emphasizing the importance of faith.
April 2022: Johnson votes for Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act
In April 2022, Johnson voted in favor of the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022, which aimed to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
October 2022: Johnson Backtracks on Election Fraud Claims
By October 2022, Johnson reversed his previous stance, stating he never supported allegations of widespread fraud in the 2020 election.
2022: Johnson Proposed as Compromise Speaker Candidate
Following the 2022 midterm elections, Representative Andy Biggs put forward Mike Johnson's name as a potential compromise candidate for Speaker of the House, as some members of the House Freedom Caucus opposed Kevin McCarthy's bid.
2022: Introduction of Stop the Sexualization of Children Act
In 2022, Mike Johnson introduced the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act to prohibit federally funded institutions from mentioning sexual orientation or gender identity, a bill similar to Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law.
2022: Johnson Wins Reelection Unopposed
In 2022, Mike Johnson was re-elected to the House of Representatives unopposed.
2022: Concludes Guest Hosting "Washington Watch"
Mike Johnson concluded his role as an occasional guest host on Tony Perkins's radio talk show "Washington Watch" around 2022.
January 2023: Johnson Introduces Resolution Condemning Attacks on Pro-Life Facilities
In January 2023, the House passed Johnson's resolution denouncing violence and destruction targeting pro-life institutions. The resolution emphasized the sanctity of life and the support these organizations provide to families.
February 2023: Johnson questions Ukraine aid transparency
In February 2023, Johnson expressed concerns about the transparency of Ukrainian government in using the over $100 billion in aid provided by American taxpayers over the past year.
July 2023: Opposition to Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
In July 2023, Mike Johnson spoke against allowing gender-affirming care for minors, citing the need to protect children from abuse. He co-sponsored legislation to make providing such care a felony.
October 3, 2023: Johnson Considered as Potential Speaker Replacement
After Kevin McCarthy's removal as Speaker of the House on October 3, 2023, Representative Matt Gaetz suggested Mike Johnson as a possible replacement. Although Johnson initially declined and endorsed Jim Jordan, NBC News reported he might consider running if Jordan withdrew.
October 2023: Johnson's Campaign Receives Funding from Oil and Gas Industry
By October 2023, Johnson's congressional campaigns had received significant financial contributions from the oil and gas sector, totaling $338,125.
October 25, 2023: Elected as Speaker of the House
On October 25, 2023, Mike Johnson was elected as the 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
October 26, 2023: Johnson Meets with World Leaders
On October 26, 2023, during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's state visit, Mike Johnson met with him. Later that day, he met President Joe Biden for the first time as Speaker and attended a White House briefing on funding requests for Ukraine and Israel aid. On October 30, Johnson proposed using funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel.
December 2023: Johnson ties Ukraine aid to border security
In December 2023, Johnson stated that further aid to Ukraine would depend on new border-security measures, signaling a shift in his stance on foreign assistance.
2023: AIPAC becomes Johnson's largest donor
In 2023, AIPAC, a major pro-Israel lobbying organization, was Johnson's largest financial donor, highlighting his strong ties with pro-Israel groups.
2023: Votes Against Marijuana Decriminalization
As of 2023, Mike Johnson had twice voted against the decriminalization of marijuana, maintaining his stance on the issue.
2023: Johnson introduces legislation to tighten asylum system
As of 2023, Johnson had introduced legislation three times aimed at tightening the asylum system, including raising the bar for undocumented immigrants to establish their claim of fear of persecution.
2023: Johnson Becomes Chair of House Judiciary Subcommittee
In 2023, Mike Johnson assumed the role of chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government.
2023: Johnson co-sponsors personhood legislation
In 2023, Johnson co-sponsored legislation declaring that human life and personhood begin at conception, without exceptions for in-vitro fertilization treatments involving embryos or embryonic stem-cell research.
2023: CNN reports Johnson's history of anti-gay language
In 2023, CNN's Andrew Kaczynski reported on Johnson's history of harsh anti-gay language from his time as an attorney for a socially conservative legal group in the mid-2000s. Johnson defended his past actions by emphasizing his role as a litigator and his belief in the Bible.
2023: Concludes Role as Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference
In 2023, Mike Johnson concluded his role as vice chair of the House Republican Conference.
January 7, 2024: Johnson Navigates Spending Deal
On January 7, 2024, congressional appropriators, including Mike Johnson, agreed on spending levels for 2024, similar to McCarthy's negotiated deal. Despite pressure from hardliners to abandon the deal, Johnson clarified his support while conservatives urged him to back a full-year continuing resolution, potentially triggering automatic spending cuts.
January 2024: Johnson opposes bipartisan border security package
In January 2024, Johnson opposed a bipartisan Senate Republican-backed border security and immigration bill that included aid for Ukraine and other U.S. allies. The bill ultimately failed to pass the Senate.
February 13, 2024: House Impeaches Mayorkas
On February 13, 2024, the House of Representatives, led by Mike Johnson, impeached Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas by a vote of 214-213. The impeachment resolution had previously failed on February 6 due to opposition from a small group of Republicans.
March 6, 2024: House Passes Minibus Spending Package
On March 6, 2024, the House passed a $459 billion spending package, encompassing six appropriations bills and funding various departments and agencies. Despite facing strong opposition from the rightmost faction of the Republican conference who criticized the lack of conservative policy wins, the bill was passed.
March 7, 2024: Johnson clarifies stance on IVF legislation
On March 7, 2024, Johnson clarified that he does not support federal legislation to protect legal access to IVF, stating it should be a state issue. He expressed support for IVF but faced backlash due to an Alabama Supreme Court decision involving embryo personhood.
April 2024: Johnson criticizes pro-Palestinian protests
In April 2024, Johnson criticized pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. university campuses, expressing concern for the safety of Jewish students and pledging that Congress would not remain silent.
April 2024: Johnson's $61 billion aid package for Ukraine passes
In April 2024, Johnson successfully put forward a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, which passed in Congress with bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Biden. Johnson stated that classified briefings influenced his decision.
April 2024: Johnson Advances Aid and Security Measures
In April 2024, over two months after the Senate's approval, Mike Johnson introduced a legislative package providing separate funding for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. The package, passed with bipartisan support, was signed into law by President Biden. It included a bill compelling TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, and the REPO for Ukrainians Act, enabling the U.S. government to fund the Ukrainian war effort using seized assets from Russian oligarchs.
May 8, 2024: House Votes to Table Motion to Vacate Johnson's Speakership
On May 8, 2024, a motion to remove Mike Johnson from his position as Speaker of the House, introduced by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene who opposed Johnson's stance on Ukraine aid, was brought to a vote. The House voted 359-43 to table the motion, with 196 Republicans and 163 Democrats supporting Johnson, allowing him to retain his speakership. While some Democrats justified their support based on Johnson's role in securing funding for the government and Ukraine, Greene hinted at the possibility of future attempts to oust him.
May 2024: Politico Highlights Johnson's Political Acumen
In May 2024, Politico published an article describing Mike Johnson's political approach, characterizing him as aligned with former President Trump while maintaining independence and solidifying his reputation as a genuine conservative. The article highlighted Johnson's effectiveness in handling House members, keeping his promises, and engaging with Democrats respectfully.
May 2024: Johnson States He Won't Pursue Nationwide Abortion Ban
Following the Dobbs decision, Johnson acknowledged that abortion policy falls under the jurisdiction of individual states. In May 2024, he affirmed he would not seek to implement a nationwide abortion ban.
May 2024: Thiessen Lauds Johnson's Speakership
Conservative commentator Marc Thiessen, in a May 2024 Washington Post column, praised Mike Johnson's transformation from an "accidental House speaker" to a highly consequential figure. Despite leading with a historically small majority, Thiessen lauded Johnson's effectiveness as one of the most successful House speakers.
July 2024: Wall Street Journal Recognizes Johnson's Leadership
In July 2024, The Wall Street Journal published an editorial titled "Mike Johnson, Leader of the Free World," praising his speech at the Hudson Institute. The editorial commended Johnson for outlining a GOP vision that rejects U.S. decline abroad and for pushing his party towards a Reaganite approach, deemed fitting for the current global situation and politically popular.
2024: Passes Bill for Ukraine Military Aid
In 2024, Mike Johnson helped pass a bill to provide Ukraine with $60 billion of U.S. military aid.
2024: Johnson supports FISA reauthorization
In 2024, Johnson opposed a new warrant requirement for the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). After attending classified briefings, he stated that FISA reauthorization was crucial for national security.
2024: Johnson Endorses Trump for 2024 Presidential Run
Further solidifying their alliance, Johnson endorsed Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, reciprocating Trump's endorsement of Johnson. They are widely regarded as close allies.