Mike Johnson is an American lawyer and politician serving as the 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives since October 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he represents Louisiana’s 4th congressional district, encompassing the northwest and western regions of the state. Johnson has served in Congress since 2017.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 30, 1972, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Johnson earned both his bachelor’s and law degrees from Louisiana State University. Before entering politics, he practiced law privately and worked with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal advocacy group.
Political Career
- Louisiana House of Representatives (2015–2017): Johnson served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 2015 to 2017.
- U.S. House of Representatives (2017–Present): Elected in 2016, Johnson has represented Louisiana’s 4th congressional district since 2017. He has held several leadership positions, including Chair of the Republican Study Committee (2019–2021) and Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference (2021–2023).
- Speaker of the House (2023–Present): Following the removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October 2023, Johnson was elected as the 56th Speaker of the House. He was reelected in January 2025 after Republicans maintained control of the House in the 2024 elections.
Recent Actions
- Judicial Authority Remarks: On March 25, 2025, Speaker Johnson suggested that Congress has the authority to eliminate federal district courts in response to judicial decisions blocking President Donald Trump’s policies.
- Proxy Voting Dispute: The House is experiencing conflict over a proposal to allow new parents to vote by proxy for three months. Johnson and some conservatives are opposing the measure, citing concerns over proxy voting.
- Targeting Democratic Districts: Johnson and House Republicans are aiming to expand their majority by targeting districts that voted for both Trump and Democratic House candidates in the past.
Personal Life
Johnson is married with five children. He is active on social media, sharing personal and professional updates with his followers.