Constance Johnson

Constance Johnson was born in Holdenville, Oklahoma. Johnson earned her B.A. in French from the University of Pennsylvania in 1975, a graduate degree from Langston University in 2010, and a Ph.D. from Larry Love University in 2019. Her professional experience includes working as a consultant and advocate.[1] Johnson has been affiliated with the NAACP, OK Coalition To Abolish The Death Penalty, Amnesty International, Democratic Socialists of America, Oklahoma Democratic Party Veterans Federation, and Oklahoma Democratic Party Disability Federation.[2]

Constance Johnson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Constance Johnson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a life-long Democrat, a 33+ year veteran of the legislative process, and Oklahoma's first African American/Indigenous woman US Senate nominee, I am running to be the 29th Governor of Oklahoma based on my proven track record of making a difference in the lives of everyday Oklahomans in the areas of education, good paying infrastructure jobs, health and mental health care delivery, criminal legal system reform and voter engagement. Born the daughter of educators, I am a University of Pennsylvania undergraduate and Masters of Rehabilitation Counseling Langston University graduate. Numerous issues that I championed during my legislative tenure, including several criminal legal system reform proposals and legalization of medical cannabis, have been approved by a vote of the people. As Governor I will continue using my knowledge to fix our broken systems and push forward toward the path of progress for all Oklahomans, but especially our children.

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 ensure sustainable funding in order to provide an educational system that enables each child to achieve to their highest potential. Equal access to a quality higher education is essential to our state's future, and we must discontinue the practice of saddling college graduates with insurmountable student loan debt.Our states' economy can benefit from current federal infrastructure funding streams by creating good paying jobs related to roads and bridges construction, increased broadband access, improving waterways and systems, and providing funding equally throughout the state.,Health and mental health are basic human rights. Broken delivery systems must be reevaluated for cultural competency and new programmatic features such as community health workers and community-based systems of care that also evaluate conditions in communities that hinder care such as food deserts, a lack of sidewalks and other physical activity outlets..

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am an ardent death penalty abolitionist. I have advocated against it based on cost, discrimination, ineffectiveness and the possibility of wrongful convictions. As a family member of a murder victim, I of ten speak about and promote forgiveness as the way to move on.

I successfully defended a woman's right to control her reproductive health choices via a 2012 Jon Stuart Daily Show skit entitled "Bro. Choice," a satirical highlighting of the duplicity of Oklahoma's policies that focus solely on the female's body and not the male's.

In 2014, following an election in which only 29% of the people voted, I developed a pop-up program called VEST (Voter Education Strategy Tips) to ensure that voters know who can vote, the strategy of applying to vote by mail, the usefulness of creating a plan to go vote, and creating a plan to take others to the polls. My team presents this program to dispensaries and other groups by request.

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

It is most important that an elected official listen to constituents, utilize her experience, wisdom and vision to create solutions that best meet the needs of all people.

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

TRUSTWORTHY

DEPENDABLE - WILL SAY WHAT I MEAN AND DO WHAT I SAY

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

An elected official's core responsibility is to represent and genuinely act on constituent interests and concerns.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A LEGACY OF PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST OVER PROFIT AND SPECIAL INTERESTS.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"THE MOTHER" PROVIDES AN IN DEPTH LOOK INTO THE PSYCHE AND COMMITMENT OF A MOTHER TO HER CHILDREN AND FAMILY.

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

HE'S PREPARING ME

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

NAIVE TRUST

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you?

Being governor means using authority to ensure service to all Oklahomans equally and fairly, with particular emphasis on inclusion and diversity.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

Providing leadership in policy and funding decisions that support the issues addressed in the campaign platform.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

I believe the governor's budget/work program is a contract with the people who voted to elect the governor. I will be found engaging in collaborative ways with the legislature to negotiate best possible outcomes for all Oklahomans.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

I would use the power to ensure that funds are appropriately apportioned based on the governor's budget work program.

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

The ideal relationship is one of open, honest and respectful communication.

What do you love most about your state?

Oklahomans' "can do," pioneering and resilient spirit.

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

Transitioning from fossil fuel to clean energy sources.

Repairing the broken and corrupt criminal legal system.

Racial harmony.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

The governor should be able to use emergency powers to protect the public health and safety