Ann Johnson

Johnson was born in Houston, Texas. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas in 1988 and her law degree from South Texas College of Law in 2001. Johnson's professional experience includes working as a human trafficking prosecutor, a teacher, a small business owner, and an attorney. She has been affiliated with the State Bar of Texas, the Houston LGBTQ Political Caucus, Meyerland Area Democrats Club, Bayou Blue Democrats, and St. Paul's United Methodist Church.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a former chief human trafficking prosecutor, current teacher and small business owner who works in our criminal justice system as an attorney for many who cannot afford a lawyer. I have a long history of standing up for the most vulnerable in our community - I stood up to the worst human traffickers and won, protecting child victims of exploitation. I am a cancer survivor who will be a relentless advocate in the legislature to expand health care, restore a woman's right to choose, pass common-sense gun safety reforms, improve public education and fight for our kids.

I am a founding member of the CARE Court (Creating Advocacy, Recovery, and Empowerment), which utilizes a comprehensive strength-based approach in working with youth who are actively engaged in or at risk of becoming involved in commercial sexual exploitation. I was instrumental in the creation of SAFE Court, a program designed to help those charged with prostitution, between ages 17-25, to escape the revolving door of criminal justice. My work led to the establishment of the Human Trafficking Section where she served as the Chief until 2017. I am now in private practice handling juvenile law, criminal law and human trafficking related matters. I am also an adjunct professor of law at South Texas College of Law.

I married my wife Sonya as soon as the law allowed. We have 3 rescue dogs and lots of wonderful nieces and nephews.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I will advance legislation that will protect women's health, including reproductive rights, and fully fund the community-based clinics and providers who are on the front lines in providing the care women and their families need and deserve.I will fight to pass sensible gun legislation including stronger background checks, extreme protection orders and prohibitions on guns in schools. I stand with Moms Demand Action.Texans have an opportunity this cycle to flip the state house to Democratic control, and HD 134, where I am running, is a target district. I will champion reforms to end partisan gerrymandering so voters choose their representatives instead of representatives choosing their voters.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Health care, public education, gun safety, climate change (including flood prevention), and fair districts

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My mom and dad. I am the youngest child of former State Representative Jake Johnson and Judge Carolyn Marks Johnson. Growing up around my family's law firm, I learned from my parents the honor and awesome responsibility of standing in a courtroom and speaking for those who are unable to speak for themselves. My parents represented labor unions and union members who had been injured or wronged. I saw first-hand how important it was to have someone fighting for the rights and benefits their clients deserved and it made me feel proud to see people getting the help they needed. My parents dedicated their lives to public service and I think of them often as I pursue my career in public service.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

In the political environment we face in Texas, our elected officials must be strong, principled fighters. Republicans have gerrymandered districts to disenfranchise voters. They've blocked Medicaid expansion, denying more than a million Texans access to health care. They have gutted public education. They have used every trick in the book to drive the priorities of their corporate donors and far right supporters like the NRA. We need strong fighters to stand up to their policies and their tactics.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have a long history of standing up for the most vulnerable in our community - I stood up to the worst human traffickers and won, protecting child victims of exploitation. I am a cancer survivor who will be a relentless advocate in the legislature to expand health care, restore a woman's right to choose, pass common-sense gun safety reforms, improve public education and fight for our kids.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Bugs Bunny!

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

As in the federal government, the Texas House of Representatives is closer to the people. There are more districts and they are smaller. As big changes happen in the electorate, as they are now, the house is affected sooner than the Senate.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, but it must be the right kind of experience. My opponent has experience pushing the priorities of the NRA, denying climate change, and gutting funding for public education. She is out of step with the values of the people in our district, and, I believe all Texans.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Texas has the highest number of uninsured residents in America, and consistently ranks lowest in public education spending. We need to re-order our priorities and let the needs of Texans drive public policy, not partisan politics.

Johnson seeks to restore cuts that have been made to education, and argues that it is cheaper to invest in educating youth than it is to incarcerate them; she supports the use of Rainy Day Funds so that further cuts do not have to be made. Johnson also states that she will be women's "voice in Austin."[3]