Chad Johnson

Chad Johnson was born in Gainesville, Florida. He earned a high school diploma from P.K. Yonge High School. He earned an associate degree from Santa Fe Community College in 1991 and a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in 1993. His career experience includes working in agriculture and as an auctioneer.[1][2]

Johnson has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Florida Farm Bureau

Florida Cattlemen Association

National Cattlemen's Beef Association

Florida Auctioneers Association

National Auctioneers Association

Levy County Farm Bureau

Levy County Cattlemen's Association

National Rifle Association

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Alachua County, with roots in Gilchrist and Marion

counties. Levy County has been home since 1994, when I married Angela

Quincey 30 years ago, and where we raised our four children.

I attended Alachua County Schools and Graduated from PK Yonge in 1988. I am the son of a REA Lineman/High School football coach (Coach OJ) and an insurance commercial account manager.

I am a 1993 graduate of the University of Florida, College of Ag, with a

degree in Food & Resource Economics. I was appointed to the Levy County

Commission in 2009, then re-elected to the County Commission in 2010

and served through 2014. I am past president of the Levy County Farm

Bureau and the Florida Auctioneers Association. I have served on various

boards and committees including the National Auctioneers Association

political Advocacy Committee, Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Florida

Board of Realtors and the Dixie Gilchrist Levy Board of Realtors. I have

actively supported numerous associations and groups throughout the

district and the state with time and talents through our auction business. I hold a State of Fl. Auctioneers License, and a State of Fl Brookers Associate License. I am a the pro-business candidate that has always lived in this district.

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 am a firm believer in American Capitalism, limited

government, and fiscal responsibility. I am an advocate for private property rights and individual liberty, and a proponent of Parental Rights in

all aspects from healthcare to education. I have been endorsed by the Associated Industries of Florida, Americans for Prosperity, Fl. Chamber of Commerce, Fraternal Order of Police, Gainesville Fire & Rescue, and the Florida Association of Nurses.I believe agriculture is part of Florida's DNA and that Agriculture is part of our National Security. Americas ability to provide a safe reliable food source is paramount to our future and this nation owes its success to agriculture.

Prior to Bidenomics, the American family, on average, spend less than 12% of their gross disposable income on food and this has allowed us to invest in advanced medicines, and technologies to improve our quality of life. Florida's greenspaces, environment and natural resources are dependent on the positive conservation obtained through agriculture.As an economist, I understand the trials of sporadic growth, increased burden of regulations, and margins of diminishing returns. I know the challenges of increasing governmental service demands with the desire of reduced taxes, while inflation runs rampant. It is imperative that our approach be sound in judgment, with fiscal diligence, and proven leadership.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Insurance, Regulatory Reform,

Education and Creative Funding for Fiscally Constrained Counties

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

I have always looked up to my dad Owen Johnson who was a REA Lineman and football coach and just a likeable person. He had a great work ethic and provided for his family and always willing to help others. My

grandfather was my hero, a Florida Cattleman, WWII vet and well respected in his community.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Federalist Papers by James Madison; Capitalism & Freedom by Milton Friedmon; More Liberty Means Less Government by Walter Williams, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

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

Believes in and follows the U.S. Constitution and the Florida Constitution.

Honest and transparent.

Listens to and protects the interests and well being of constituents.

Works with other elected officials and government agencies for the betterment of all.

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

I like people and want to help people pursue their passion. I am analytical and understands numbers and enjoy research and data analysis. I love this state and its unique history and will work to protect that history from being lost.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility is to represent the constituents by understanding the issues, needs and concerns of the district and advocating on their behalf.

Creating, amending and passing laws by working with other legislators to achieve the best policies.

Florida legislators must pass a balanced budget every year.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A good legislator who represented the people of his district and advocated for their quality of lifestyle. A Representative who is willing to tell you what

you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. Most importantly I fought for Florida Agriculture and left the state of Florida and the Agriculture industry better than when I started.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the Iran hostage crisis of 1979 and the images of them with their heads rapped and covered and the nightly reporting of the number of days in captivity. I remember the stirring messages of Ronald Reagan and his landslide election of 1980 and the release of the remaining hostages shortly there after.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a "Trouble Shooter" for Clay Electric helping my dad restore power

during storms and power outages from the early age of 8, and helped him, as was the accepted practice of the time, through my college years working the storm of the century in 1993. I started a neighborhood lawn service at age of 12 through my senior year of High School and through that experience attained my first official payroll job with Tom Glikes at Garden Service and Sales in the Greenery Square in Gainesville starting at age 15-17

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Yearling, by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, a Florida writer who wrote of the life and times of early Florida settlers and their struggles. My dads family homesteaded in the rural communities she often wrote about. She lived in Cross Creek and my grandpa had a cattle lease that adjoined her property and he knew her personally. The nostalgia of him knowing the author, the theme and just writing style.

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

Jody Baxter from The Yearling, James Bond, Pecos Bill

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Runnin Down a Dream, Tom Petty the guitar lick entrance just catches me and i like the whole ideal of running down dreams and achieving goals

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Change, I can be a creature of habit if I'm not careful, and seeing my heroes and mentors pass as we age.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Professional working relationship, advocating for policy and agenda issues to move the state in a direction supported by rules which allow the citizens the freedoms and liberties to pursue their passion and provide for their families.

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

Continued population growth, creating a strain on current infrastructures, energy grids, transportation, schools and natural resources. Florida and it's

representatives will need to be forward focused to build solutions today for tomorrows problems. We must ensure we are educating our children and preparing them to enter the workforce. A renewed focus on CTE (Career & Technical Education) and a continued emphasis on Human Health services

to ensure we have qualified individuals to help provide citizens with viable options to needed services and care. Our ever expansion of energy consumption must be met with aggressive measures to ensure we have

energy for industry and everyday life. Our infrastructure and road system must be able to support commerce and the shipping/trucking of freight of needed raw materials and finished goods throughout the state. We must continue to fund and protect rural and family lands that not only provides habitat to support Florida wildlife but offers valuable water recharge areas

to ensure Florida's aquifer continues to provide a safe clean water source for the state.

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

I believe a strong understanding of the district the state legislator is representing is extremely important. That said, previous experience in government can be beneficial but not necessary. District 22 contains two

fiscally constrained counties and experience and first hand knowledge is absolutely beneficial when reviewing, debating and voting on policy measures that adversely affect them.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, each legislator will come with their own experience, skill sets, and specific industry knowledge that can help you to understand issues you may not have encountered before. Having a relationship with other legislators provides opportunities to learn from their experience and either agree on policy or agree not to agree while not allowing it to affect the relationship.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I have always admired Commissioner Doyle Connor, he was past

president of Alachua County 4H, youngest Commissioner of Ag who held the position for 30 years. I was fortunate to know Commissioner Connor and

continue to maintain a friendship with his son, Doyle Jr. He was a great supporter of AG and worked tirelessly for the state of Florida, building the department know today as the FDACS, Florida Department of Ag. and

Consumer Services.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

As a senior in college I had a tremendous respect and admiration for Commissioner of Ag Doyle Connor. I thought I wanted to be commissioner one day; however as I aged and matured it no longer was a dream or goal. I was a county commissioner in a small rural county and enjoyed it but did not miss it when I was done. I was not planning to run for this office 18 months ago; however, time and circumstances changed and there was a strong push by several friends and community leaders asking me to consider representing this district. I am content with representing the people of District 22

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Sheriff Bobby Schultz handling of the fatal shootings of two Gilchrist County Deputies and his refusal to publicly name the killer not wanting to have the assassin infamously remembered. Sheriff Schultz's choose to honor his slain officers by only speaking their names in public press reports and paid honor to their memory by reminding his county citizens that the sheriffs

office would continue to put on their badge and gun and protect the people

Tell us your favorite joke.

Jerry Clower "Knock him out John

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

I believe in checks and balances. I think the use of emergency powers should not require the legislature to grant as they are only in session 2 months out of the year, and the governor needs latitude to act quickly and

decisively in times of emergencies and natural disasters. I believe there is oversight in that the legislature may terminate a state of emergency by

concurrent resolution if they deem necessary

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I am not going into the Legislature with my own agenda. I will fight to protect parental rights, agriculture, natural resources, and enhancing our business climate.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Associated Industries of Florida, Florida Chamber, Americans For Prosperity, Gainesville Fire & Rescue, Fraternal Order of Police, Florida Nurses Association, Florida Realtors Association, Fl. Right to Life; Congresswoman Kat Cammack, Rep. Chuck Clemons, Senator Dennis Baxley, Commissioner of

Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Rep. Stan McClain, Rep. Ryan Chamberlain, Rep. Bobby Payne, Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Gilchrist County Clerk of Court Todd Newton

What committees interest you?

Ag & Natural Resources, Appropriations, Insurance & Banking subcommittee, State Affairs

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I think the government should be completely accountable to the people, it's

the people's government. I believe financial transparency in government

spending is important to convey trust to the people and ensure Floridians

have accessible means to review, and scrutinize state budgets, payments,

and contracts to hold their government accountable.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I am not a large fan of ballot initiatives. I believe we live in a constitutional republic made up of elected officials to represent our interest. I would like to remove ballot amendments or see the rules change to require a 66% super majority vote to pass .

Note: Johnson submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on October 7, 2024.

Show past responsesHide past responses

September 24 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Alachua County, with roots in Gilchrist and Marion counties. Levy County has been home since 1994, when I married Angela Quincey and where we raised our four children.

I am a 1993 graduate of the University of Florida, College of Ag, with a degree in Food & Resource Economics. I was appointed to the Levy County Commission in 2009, then re-elected to the County Commission in 2010 and served through 2014. I am past president of the Levy County Farm Bureau and the Florida Auctioneers Association. I have served on various boards and committees including the National Auctioneers Association political Advocacy Committee, Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Board of Realtors and the Dixie Gilchrist Levy Board of Realtors. I have actively supported numerous associations and groups throughout the district and the state with time and talents through our auction business.

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 am unapologetically, America First, Free State of Florida, conservative constitutionalist. I am a firm believer in American Capitalism, limited government, and fiscal responsibility. I am an advocate for the private property rights and individual liberty, and a proponent of Parental Rights in all aspects from healthcare to education.I believe agriculture is part of Florida's DNA and that Agriculture is part of our National Security. Americas ability to provide a safe reliable food source is paramount to our future and this nation owes its success to agriculture. Prior to Bidenomics, the American family, on average, spend less than 12% of their gross disposable income on food and this has allowed us to invest in advanced medicines, and technologies to improve our quality of life.As an economist, I understand the trials of sporadic growth, increased burden of regulations, and margins of diminishing returns. I know the challenges of increasing service demands with the desire of reduced taxes, while inflation runs rampant. It is imperative that our approach be sound in judgment, with fiscal diligence, and proven leadership.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Insurance, Regulatory Reform, Education and Creative Funding for Fiscally Constrained Counties

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

I have always looked up to my dad Owen Johnson who was a REA Lineman and football coach and just a likeable person. He had a great work ethic and provided for his family and always willing to help others. My grandfather was my hero, a Florida Cattleman, WWII vet and well respected in his community.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Federalist Papers by James Madison; Capitalism & Freedom by Milton Friedmon; More Liberty Means Less Government by Walter Williams;

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

Believes in and follows the U.S. Constitution and the Florida Constitution.

Honest and transparent.

Listens to and protects the interests and well being of constituents.

Works with other elected officials and government agencies for the betterment of all.

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

I like people and want to help people pursue their passion. I am analytical and understands numbers and enjoy research and data analysis. I love this state and its unique history and will work to protect that history from being lost.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility is to represent the constituents by understanding the issues, needs and concerns of the district and advocating on their behalf.

Creating, amending and passing laws by working with other legislators to achieve the best policies.

Florida legislators must pass a balanced budget every year.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A good legislator who represented the people of his district and advocated for their quality of lifestyle. A Representative who is willing to tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. Most importantly I fought for Florida Agriculture and left the state of Florida and the Agriculture industry better than when I started.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the Iran hostage crisis of 1979 and the images of them with their heads rapped and covered and the nightly reporting of the number of days in captivity. I remember the stirring messages of Ronald Reagan and his landslide election of 1980 and the release of the remaining hostages shortly there after.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a "Trouble Shooter" for Clay Electric helping my dad restore power during storms and power outages from the early age of 8, and helped him, as was the accepted practice of the time, through my college years working the storm of the century in 1993. I started a neighborhood lawn service at age of 12 through my senior year of High School and through that experience attained my first official payroll job with Tom Glikes at Garden Service and Sales in the Greenery Square in Gainesville starting at age 15-17.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Yearling, by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, a Florida writer who wrote of the life and times of early Florida settlers and their struggles. My dads family homesteaded in the rural communities she often wrote about. She lived in Cross Creek and my grandpa had a cattle lease that adjoined her property and he knew her personally. The nostalgia of him knowing the author, the theme and just writing style.

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

Pecos Bill

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Change, I can be a creature of habit if I'm not careful, and seeing my heroes and mentors pass as we age.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Professional working relationship, advocating for policy and agenda issues to move the state in a direction supported by rules which allow the citizens the freedoms and liberties to pursue their passion and provide for their families.

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

Continued population growth, creating a strain on current infrastructures, energy grids, transportation, schools and natural resources. Florida and it's representatives will need to be forward focused to build solutions today for tomorrows problems. We must ensure we are educating our children and preparing them to enter the workforce. A renewed focus on CTE (Career & Technical Education) and a continued emphasis on Human Health services to ensure we have qualified individuals to help provide citizens with viable options to needed services and care. Our ever expansion of energy consumption must be met with aggressive measures to ensure we have energy for industry and everyday life. Our infrastructure and road system must be able to support commerce and the shipping/trucking of freight of needed raw materials and finished goods throughout the state. We must continue to fund and protect rural and family lands that not only provides habitat to support Florida wildlife but offers valuable water recharge areas to ensure Florida's aquifer continues to provide a safe clean water source for the state.

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

I believe a strong understanding of the district the state legislator is representing is extremely important. That said, previous experience in government can be beneficial but not necessary. District 22 contains two fiscally constrained counties and experience and first hand knowledge is absolutely beneficial when reviewing, debating and voting on policy measures that adversely affect them. I believe

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, each legislator will come with their own experience, skill sets, and specific industry knowledge that can help you to understand issues you may not have encountered before. Having a relationship with other legislators provides opportunities to learn from their experience and either agree on policy or agree not to agree while not allowing it to affect the relationship.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I have always admired Commissioner Doyle Connor, he was past president of Alachua County 4H, youngest Commissioner of Ag who held the position for 30 years. I was fortunate to know Commissioner Connor and continue to maintain a friendship with his son, Doyle Jr. He was a great supporter of AG and worked tirelessly for the state of Florida, building the department know today as the FDACS, Florida Department of Ag. and Consumer Services.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

As a senior in college I had a tremendous respect and admiration for Commissioner of Ag Doyle Connor. I thought I wanted to be commissioner one day; however as I aged and matured it no longer was a dream or goal. I was a county commissioner in a small rural county and enjoyed it but did not miss it when I was done. I was not planning to run for this office 18 months ago; however, time and circumstances changed and there was a strong push by several friends and community leaders asking me to consider representing this district. I am content with representing the people of District 22.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Sheriff Bobby Schultz hadling of the fatal shootings of two Gilchrist County Deputies and his refusal to publicly name the killer not wanting to have the assassin infamoulsy remembered. Sheriff Schultz's choose to honor his slain officers by only speaking their names in public press reports and paid honor to their memory by reminding his county citizens that the sheriffs office would continue to put on their badge and gun and protect the people.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Jerry Clower "Knock him out John"

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

I believe in checks and balances. I think the use of emergency powers should not require the legislature to grant as they are only in session 2 months out of the year, and the governor needs latitude to act quickly and decisively in times of emergencies and natural disasters. I believe there is oversight in that the legislature may terminate a state of emergency by concurrent resolution if they deem necessary.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I am not going into the Legislature with my own agenda. I will fight to protect parental rights, agriculture, natural resources, and our constitutional rights. If I was to introduce a bill, it would be to require Ballot Initiatives to have at least a 2/3 majority to pass.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Rep. Chuck Clemons, Senator Dennis Baxley, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Rep. Stan McClain, Rep. Ryan Chamberlain, Rep. Bobby Payne, Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Gilchrist County Clerk of Court Todd Newton, AIF, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Association of Realtors, Gainesville Fire & Rescue, Fraternal Order of Police

What committees interest you?

Ag & Natural Resources, Appropriations, Insurance & Banking subcommittee, State Affairs

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I think the government should be completely accountable to the people, it's the people's government. I believe financial transparency in government spending is important to convey trust to the people and ensure Floridians have accessible means to review, and scrutinize state budgets, payments, and contracts to hold their government accountable.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I am not a large fan of ballot initiatives. I believe we live in a constitutional republic made up of elected officials to represent our interest. I would like to see the rules change to require a 66% super majority vote to pass .