Taylor Johnson

Taylor Johnson earned a high school diploma from Century High School, a bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University in 2021, and a graduate degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2022. Johnson's career experience includes working as a data analyst.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in North Dakota and raised in Bismarck, where I graduated from Century High School and went on to earn a BA in Public Health Studies from Johns Hopkins University and an MHS in Mental Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

I now work as a Health Care Data Analyst at the Human Services Research Institute, a mission-driven nonprofit that works to improve social service and public health systems. My work focuses on developing healthcare cost transparency dashboards and creating analytic datasets for researchers.

Outside of work, I'm a volunteer organizer with the Bismarck Human Rights Coalition. I enjoy trying to keep my houseplants alive, watching baseball, and going for runs.

I live in Bismarck with my partner, Dan, and our cat, Penny.

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?

Working families are worth investing in. Guaranteed paid family and medical leave, reigning in childcare costs, and strengthening public education are essential.No one should have to skip the doctor's office because they can't afford it, or go bankrupt because of a diagnosis. We need to aggressively tackle this problem by subsidizing unaffordable health insurance premiums while also reigning in skyrocketing costs of services through regulation.North Dakotans deserve transparent and accountable government. The ND Ethics Commission needs to be fully funded and empowered to investigate the increasing number of misconduct complaints it receives.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm personally passionate about paid family and medical leave because I was raised by a single mother. The young families in my life are dealing with so many affordability challenges right now, and the legislature has a responsibility to address them and not be distracted by partisanship and culture war debates.

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

I look up to my mom. She taught me so much, but importantly she taught me the weight of words. She taught me to be intentional and honest, because we have to be able to trust each other at our word. We shouldn't use our words to manipulate, hurt, or extract something from our neighbors. I think this is essential for both being a good neighbor and being a good representative.

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

Transparency, integrity, and empathy.

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

Listening to constituents, staying informed on local issues, and defending the rights of North Dakotans from power grabs.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I'd like to leave things better than I found them.

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

I worked at Schlotzsky's in Bismarck from Sophomore year of high school through graduation.

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

There should be a healthy sense of checks and balances.

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

Healthcare affordability, ensuring tax dollars are properly used to benefit residents, and preventing government overreach.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

It's often a necessity and desirable if it is in line with what your constituents are asking for.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

3.14 Action Fund