Chris Johnson (Mississippi politician)

Johnson is an owner of multiple businesses, including a financial services firm operating in four states.^[4]

In 2015, he ran as a Republican for election to the Mississippi House of Representatives for the 87th district, which covers Forrest and Lamar counties, to fill the seat of retiring Democrat Johnny Stringer.^[5] He got 49.2% of the vote in the Republican primary and 80.2% of the vote in the general election; he assumed office on January 5, 2016.^[5] In the house, he was vice-chairman for the Public Health and Human Services committee and was a member on the following others: Agriculture; Corrections; Education; Banking and Financial Services; Transportation; and Performance Based Budgeting.^[2]

In 2019, incumbent, and friend of Johnson, Billy Hudson of the 45th district announced his retirement from the Mississippi State Senate, prompting Johnson to run for election to the seat within one day.^[3][6] He responded to claims of dismay from Republican leadership in the House as "rumors."^[7] He ran uncontested in the Republican primary and general election, securing 100% of the vote in both; he assumed office on January 7, 2020.^[8] In the Senate, he chairs the Constitution committee and is vice-chair for the Medicaid committee.^[1] He is a member on the following others: Appropriations; Business and Financial Institutions; Drug Policy; Education; Insurance; Public, Health, and Welfare; and Tourism.^[1]

Johnson was redistricted out of his old seat to run for District 44. He defeated the Democratic candidate Shakita Taylor for his new seat.^[9]

Johnson is married to Wendi Burton and has two children.^[1]