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Brian Johnson (Georgia)
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Brian Johnson (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Georgia's 13th Congressional District. He lost in the Democratic primary on May 21, 2024.
Johnson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Brian Johnson was born in Neptune City, New Jersey. He earned a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University in 2000 and a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2018. His career experience includes working as a lawyer. He has also worked in media, entertainment, technology, and sports management. Johnson has been affiliated with the American Bar Association and the National Action Network.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Georgia's 13th Congressional District election, 2024
Georgia's 13th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 21 Democratic primary)
Georgia's 13th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 21 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Georgia District 13
Incumbent David Scott defeated Jonathan Chavez in the general election for U.S. House Georgia District 13 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | David Scott (D) | 71.8 | 256,902 |
 | Jonathan Chavez (R) | 28.2 | 100,730 | |
| Total votes: 357,632 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Georgia District 13
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Georgia District 13 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | David Scott | 57.6 | 37,135 |
 | Mark Baker | 11.6 | 7,480 | |
 | Marcus Flowers | 10.0 | 6,439 | |
 | Karen Rene | 9.1 | 5,859 | |
 | Brian Johnson | 5.0 | 3,201 | |
 | Rashid Malik | 4.8 | 3,073 | |
 | Uloma Ekpete Kama | 2.0 | 1,274 | |
| Total votes: 64,461 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Octavia Coleman (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Georgia District 13
Jonathan Chavez defeated Johsie Cruz Fletcher in the Republican primary for U.S. House Georgia District 13 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jonathan Chavez | 68.8 | 10,344 |
 | Johsie Cruz Fletcher | 31.2 | 4,699 | |
| Total votes: 15,043 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Johnson in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Brian Johnson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Johnson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I'm running to make a generational change Georgia's 13th Congressional District. With our democracy under threat for the first time in over 160 years the district needs strong bold and new leadership that is capable of taking the fight to Republicans. My campaign is built on the backs of working families and traditional Democratic voters, and not the corporate elite.
I am running for Congress as a Progressive Democrat committed to fighting for the rights, dignity, and prosperity of all our community members. My campaign is fueled by the belief that together, we can confront the challenges of our times with bold, compassionate, and innovative solutions.
- I understand the crucial role that unions play in advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and a strong middle class. My platform includes several key policies designed to strengthen labor rights.
- Economic Equality: My campaign is focused on working to reduce income inequality, support living wages, and protect workers' rights in an ever-changing economy.
- Civil Rights and Liberties: I am committed to defending and advancing the rights of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or background.
One of the key reasons I'm running as a Democrat is because I believe in the party's commitment to social justice and equality. Democrats have historically championed issues such as healthcare access, education reform, environmental protection, and civil rights. These are causes that resonate with me on a personal level and align with my vision for a more just and inclusive society.
As a Christian, my example is Jesus Christ. I try to live my life according to biblical teachings as best as I can.
Our revolution: A Future to Believe In by Bernie Sanders. It is a compelling call to arms for progressive change in America. Through impassioned rhetoric and concrete policy proposals, "Our Revolution" serves as a rallying cry for grassroots mobilization and collective action to transform the political landscape and build a future that works for all, not just the wealthy few.
Elected officials must adhere to high ethical standards, demonstrating honesty and strong moral principles in all their actions. Integrity builds trust with the electorate and ensures that decisions are made in the public's best interest, not for personal gain.
Transparency in decision-making processes helps to build public trust and ensures accountability. Elected officials should be open about their policies, decisions, and the reasons behind them, allowing for public scrutiny and feedback.
I believe that my integrity and empathy are the two of my best qualities. Integrity forms the bedrock of trust between elected officials and their constituents and I believe that a successful officeholder can't be successful without it.
I also believe that empathy is a fundamental trait that enables effective representation and responsive governance. I possess the ability to understand and empathize with people with diverse experiences, and perspectives, and I am good at actively listening to, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with people, and prioritizing the concerns of all individuals, regardless of background or ideology.
I also believe that empathy is a fundamental trait that enables effective representation and responsive governance. I possess the ability to understand and empathize with people with diverse experiences, and perspectives, and I am good at actively listening to, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with people, and prioritizing the concerns of all individuals, regardless of background or ideology.
Overall, the core responsibilities of a member of Congress revolve around representing their constituents effectively, participating in the legislative process, providing genuine oversight of the executive branch, and serving as advocates for the public good. By fulfilling these duties, members of Congress contribute to the functioning of American democracy and the well-being of the nation.
I would like to leave a legacy that is defined by the positive impact I've had on the lives of others and the world around me; a legacy of compassion and empathy, of treating others with respect, dignity, and understanding, and striving to make a difference in their lives, no matter how small.
The first historical memory that I can remember is the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980. I was in the first grade and I recall my teacher explaining the election to us a day after election day.
At 14 years old, I flipped burgers at Burger King. Most exciting time of my life. I learned to develop a strong work ethic and a love for hard work.
March by John Lewis. It's a compelling and thought-provoking intro to the history of the civil rights t and its ongoing relevance to contemporary struggles for justice and equality.
Shake It Off, by Taylor Swift
Healthcare until the Affordable Act went into effect in 2010.
The U.S. House of Representatives holds a unique and special place within the framework of American democracy as the legislative body closest to the people. With members elected every two years from specific geographic districts, the House is designed to be directly responsive to the needs and concerns of constituents. This close connection to the electorate provides the House with a sense of immediacy and accountability, as representatives must continually justify their actions and decisions to the voters they serve. Moreover, the House's large membership, relative to the Senate, ensures a greater diversity of viewpoints and experiences, enriching the legislative process and fostering robust debate on a wide range of issues.
While experience can certainly be beneficial for members of Congress, it is not an absolute necessity for effective governance. The founders envisioned Congress as a body comprised of citizen legislators, individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions who bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the legislative process. This diversity of experience ensures that legislation reflects a wide range of perspectives and considerations.
Experience does not guarantee competency or effectiveness in the office. The ability to communicate, collaborate, and make sound judgments is often more important than experience in shaping legislative outcomes.
Experience does not guarantee competency or effectiveness in the office. The ability to communicate, collaborate, and make sound judgments is often more important than experience in shaping legislative outcomes.
The biggest threat to our nation will over the next decade will come from within. Cynicism and apathy pose a significant threat to the fabric of American society by eroding trust in democratic institutions and undermining the fundamental principles of civic engagement. When individuals become cynical about the efficacy of government and the integrity of elected officials, they are less likely to participate in the democratic process, leading to apathy and disengagement. This disillusionment can create a self-reinforcing cycle, where lack of participation further exacerbates the perception of government ineffectiveness, ultimately weakening the democratic foundation upon which America is built.
Both apathy and cynicism foster polarization and divisiveness within society, as individuals retreat into echo chambers and reject alternative perspectives. When cynicism prevails, it becomes increasingly difficult to bridge ideological divides and find common ground on pressing issues facing the nation. This breakdown in communication and cooperation hampers the ability of government and civil society to address complex challenges effectively. To counteract the corrosive effects of cynicism, it is imperative to cultivate a culture of civic trust, promote transparency and accountability in government, and actively work to restore faith in democratic institutions. Only by confronting cynicism head-on can America safeguard the principles of democracy and ensure a more inclusive and resilient society for future generations.
Both apathy and cynicism foster polarization and divisiveness within society, as individuals retreat into echo chambers and reject alternative perspectives. When cynicism prevails, it becomes increasingly difficult to bridge ideological divides and find common ground on pressing issues facing the nation. This breakdown in communication and cooperation hampers the ability of government and civil society to address complex challenges effectively. To counteract the corrosive effects of cynicism, it is imperative to cultivate a culture of civic trust, promote transparency and accountability in government, and actively work to restore faith in democratic institutions. Only by confronting cynicism head-on can America safeguard the principles of democracy and ensure a more inclusive and resilient society for future generations.
The two-year term for members of Congress strikes the perfect balance between ensuring accountability to the electorate and providing stability for effective governance. It gives voters the opportunity to regularly evaluate their performance and hold them accountable for their actions. It promotes responsiveness to the needs and concerns of constituents, as representatives must continually justify their actions and decisions to the voters they serve, prevents the entrenchment of incumbents and fosters competition, as challengers have regular opportunities to vie for office, injecting new ideas and perspectives into the political arena.
Term limits encourage greater citizen participation and engagement in the political process. When incumbents are limited in their time in office, it creates opportunities for new candidates to emerge, fostering competition and diversifying the pool of elected representatives. This dynamic encourages a more responsive and representative government, as elected officials are incentivized to prioritize the needs and concerns of their constituents in order to secure reelection. Term limits also promote greater democratic participation by reducing the barriers to entry for aspiring politicians, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue public service and contribute to the democratic process. Term limits are essential for promoting accountability, preventing the concentration of power, and fostering a vibrant and inclusive democracy.
John Lewis. Lewis was a powerful voice for marginalized communities, speaking out against systemic racism and injustice. He was known for his moral clarity, his willingness to speak truth to power, and his unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance. To me he was a beacon of hope and inspiration to all Americans, but especially black Americans, embodying the principles of courage, integrity, and perseverance.
Congressman Joe Neguse's life story is quite remarkable. Hearing him talk about his Eritrean immigrant parents who fled war seeking refuge in the United States, and how his upbringing was marked by the struggles and sacrifices of his parents inspires me. Hearing Neguse talk about how his family instilled in him the values of hard work, resilience, and service to others sounds a lot like my story.
Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!
Compromise is essential for effective policymaking. At its core, compromise involves finding common ground among individuals with differing perspectives and interests in order to advance the collective good. In the realm of policymaking, where competing priorities and values often collide, compromise serves as a mechanism for reconciliation and progress. By negotiating and reaching consensus, policymakers can craft solutions that balance competing interests, mitigate conflicts, and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Compromise fosters legitimacy and buy-in for the policies enacted. When stakeholders from various backgrounds are involved in the decision-making process and their concerns are taken into account, it enhances the perceived fairness and legitimacy of the resulting policies. This, in turn, promotes greater compliance and cooperation from affected parties, facilitating smoother implementation and enforcement of the policies.
Compromise fosters legitimacy and buy-in for the policies enacted. When stakeholders from various backgrounds are involved in the decision-making process and their concerns are taken into account, it enhances the perceived fairness and legitimacy of the resulting policies. This, in turn, promotes greater compliance and cooperation from affected parties, facilitating smoother implementation and enforcement of the policies.
The power of the purse provides Congress with a potent tool for driving change and shaping policy outcomes. By judiciously exercising its authority over the federal budget, Congress can promote accountability, influence policy decisions, and advance the interests of the American people. If elected I can conduct oversight and investigations into the use of federal funds, holding agencies accountable for their spending decisions and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. Through hearings, audits, and reports, I can uncover waste, fraud, or abuse of funds, leading to reforms and improvements in government programs and operations.
The most beneficial way that the House can use its investigative powers is by conducting thorough and impartial oversight of the executive branch and other government agencies. By scrutinizing the actions and decisions of government officials, the House can play a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law at a time when those pillars of government are under attack. Through hearings, subpoenas, and requests for information, congressional committees can uncover expose corruption, and identify areas in need of reform.
So far I have no active endorsements but I am actively engaged in discussions with a number of organizations
Judiciary, Agriculture, Homeland Security and Ways & means
Financial transparency fosters trust between the government and its citizens, as it allows for scrutiny and oversight of government actions. Additionally, financial transparency promotes accountability, as it holds government officials responsible for their decisions and actions. By making government finances accessible and understandable to the public, transparency helps to prevent corruption, misuse of funds, and unethical behavior. Ultimately, financial transparency and government accountability are essential for upholding the principles of democracy, ensuring that governments serve the interests of the people they represent and operate in a manner that is ethical, responsible, and accountable.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 29, 2024
Senators
Jon Ossoff (D)
Raphael Warnock (D)
Representatives
District 1
Earl Carter (R)
District 2
Sanford Bishop (D)
District 3
Brian Jack (R)
District 4
Hank Johnson (D)
District 5
Nikema Williams (D)
District 6
Lucy McBath (D)
District 7
Rich McCormick (R)
District 8
Austin Scott (R)
District 9
Andrew Clyde (R)
District 10
Mike Collins (R)
District 11
Barry Loudermilk (R)
District 12
Rick Allen (R)
District 13
David Scott (D)
District 14
Marjorie Greene (R)
Republican Party (9)
Democratic Party (7)
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