Cynthia Johnson

Cynthia Johnson earned a high school diploma from Crisp County High School, a bachelor's degree from Georgia Southwestern State University, and a graduate degree from Thomas University. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Cynthia Johnson, I’m a lifelong resident of Cordele, GA in rural Southwest Georgia, located within Georgia's 8th congressional district. It is also part of Crisp County, in which the city of Cordele serves as the county seat. I am a Retired Educator, Faith Leader, Community Leader, wife, mother of three adult daughters and two grandchildren. My husband and I have been married for 45 years and have served as the Pastors and founders of our church for over 21 years. I am an Associate Pastor, ordained in 2003 and have served my community for over 46 years. My commitment to social justice and equality is reflected through my membership and involvement in causes that assist women and children, such as (WFP) The Working Families Party of Georgia; MoveOn.org, Mobilize, and the Democratic Party of Georgia, as well as those that encourage educational support for students, families and educators, such as PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators), GAE (Georgia Association of Educators), GAE-Retired, for Retired Educators, and NEA-Retired, which is the National Association of Retired Educators. Likewise, I serve on the local Ministerial Council, in which I volunteer with other members of our local clergy in various acts of service in the community. I also serve as a Youth Volunteer, providing early morning devotion to elementary students and am a member of the Patient Advisory Committee for Phoebe Hospital.

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 honored to advocate for democracy, while igniting hope in my community and throughout the state with action and not idle dialogue. My campaign focuses on essential constituent needs, such as expansion of affordable healthcare and housing: expanding home ownership programs for low-income families; economic stability: implementation of a living wage to offset the cost of living; education, along with senior wellness and financial incentives. I aim to bring lasting change to the communities I represent, while directing state resources to those historically left behind. I pledge to lead with integrity, compassion, and transparency, serving as a visible spokesperson for the average citizen whose concerns are often overlooked or ignored.Affordable Healthcare is my second key message; especially for working families, single mothers, and seniors, who are often forgotten and left to advocate for themselves. Many find themselves having to make the critical choice between remaining active in the workforce, just to keep insurance for themselves or their families, while often dealing with declining health or after receiving a life-altering diagnosis. Many also cannot afford necessary prescriptions. I will work to reduce out-of-pocket prescription costs, while protecting insurance access for seniors and their spouses. I also aim to ensure affordable healthcare coverage for more Georgians by advocating to fully expand Medicaid and invest in vital mental health services.Education and Student support is my third key message. As a retired Educator, I know first hand that strong schools are the backbone of every community. Students succeed when we invest not only in classrooms, but in the support systems around them. I will work to expand after-school tutoring and counseling to boost student outcomes; fund summer enrichment programs, including STEM and STEAM opportunities, as well as provide support and education for parents and caregivers to reinforce learning at home. I will also continue to advocate for teachers and fight for pay increases, while supporting ongoing professional development opportunities, protect and preserve teacher planning periods, and champion teacher retention incentives.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The areas of public policy that I am most passionate about are Education, Healthcare, Economic Development & Job Growth, along with Environmental Protection, which includes air quality and safe drinking water; Agricultural water use and irrigation policy, which can directly affect farm income, land value, and crop production; Energy & Data Center Growth, Public Safety, and Rural Development, to include Broadband expansion, specifically, reliable high-speed internet access for farms and rural homes. Each of these public policy areas resonate locally in that they represent practical, day to day issues directly affecting rural communities that I will represent.