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Toya Johnson
Toya S. Johnson (Libertarian Party) ran for election to the Iowa House of Representatives to represent District 33. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Biography
ToyA S. Johnson graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1993. Johnson’s career experience includes working as a paralegal, consultant, and family law reform advocate. She has worked with Families United Action Network and Iowa Citizens for Justice.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Iowa House of Representatives District 33
Incumbent Ruth Ann Gaines defeated Toya S. Johnson in the general election for Iowa House of Representatives District 33 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Ruth Ann Gaines (D) | 75.1 | 7,058 |
 | Toya S. Johnson (L) | 23.2 | 2,181 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.7 | 156 | ||
| Total votes: 9,395 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 33
Incumbent Ruth Ann Gaines advanced from the Democratic primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 33 on June 4, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Ruth Ann Gaines | 99.2 | 621 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.8 | 5 | ||
| Total votes: 626 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Johnson in this election.
2022
See also: Iowa State Senate elections, 2022
General election
General election for Iowa State Senate District 17
Izaah Knox defeated Toya S. Johnson and Alejandro Murguia-Ortiz in the general election for Iowa State Senate District 17 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Izaah Knox (D) | 76.6 | 10,286 |
| Toya S. Johnson (L) | 12.6 | 1,690 | |
 | Alejandro Murguia-Ortiz (Independent) | 9.7 | 1,297 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.2 | 162 | ||
| Total votes: 13,435 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Iowa State Senate District 17
Izaah Knox defeated Grace Van Cleave in the Democratic primary for Iowa State Senate District 17 on June 7, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Izaah Knox | 67.0 | 2,726 |
| Grace Van Cleave | 32.8 | 1,336 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 7 | ||
| Total votes: 4,069 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
2020
See also: Iowa State Senate elections, 2020
General election
General election for Iowa State Senate District 16
Incumbent Nate Boulton defeated Toya S. Johnson in the general election for Iowa State Senate District 16 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Nate Boulton (D) | 75.7 | 16,868 |
| Toya S. Johnson (L) | 22.9 | 5,097 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.4 | 320 | ||
| Total votes: 22,285 | |||
| = 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 Iowa State Senate District 16
Incumbent Nate Boulton advanced from the Democratic primary for Iowa State Senate District 16 on June 2, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Nate Boulton | 98.7 | 5,223 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 1.3 | 71 | ||
| Total votes: 5,294 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
2018
General election
General election for Iowa House of Representatives District 32
Incumbent Ruth Ann Gaines defeated William Charlier and Toya S. Johnson in the general election for Iowa House of Representatives District 32 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Ruth Ann Gaines (D) | 70.2 | 6,250 |
 | William Charlier (R) | 26.8 | 2,388 | |
| Toya S. Johnson (L) | 2.8 | 250 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 13 | ||
| Total votes: 8,901 | |||
| = 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 Iowa House of Representatives District 32
Incumbent Ruth Ann Gaines advanced from the Democratic primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 32 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Ruth Ann Gaines | 100.0 | 1,642 |
| Total votes: 1,642 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 32
William Charlier advanced from the Republican primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 32 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | William Charlier | 100.0 | 216 |
| Total votes: 216 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Toya S. Johnson did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
2022
Toya S. Johnson did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2020
Toya S. Johnson did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Toya S. Johnson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Johnson's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Criminal justice and family law reform Prioritizing the budget and Legalization of Hemp and Cannabis Bodily Autonomy and Protection of Inaleinable Rights
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Addressing laws that allow the opportunity for harassment and discrimination. Addressing laws that inhibit making one's own medical decisions Increasing opportunities for revenue by changing the law to allow for new product streams. I want to maximize personal and economic freedoms as well as be socially conscience. I also want to minimize government's infringement upon the exercise of those rights. I want to remove and reduce barriers to self sufficiency.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
My family!
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
My political philosophy has been shaped by experience. However The Libertarian party's simple yet powerful messages of "Live your life as you see fit and don't try to force others to live like you" and "Don't hurt others on purpose or take their stuff." really sat well with me.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Someone who: (not in any particular order) Trustworthy, transparent, shows empathy and symphathy, listens to the needs of the people. actively works on solutions to the issues faced by the people. able to understand and collaborate with those who have a difference of opinion or approach. Respectful, Passionate, an advocate, accountable, responsible, willing to learn and be smart working, understands their strengths and weaknesses and seeks to create balance by bringing others in to achieve that balance, being mindful of the peoples resources and how they are used, good communication, and dedication.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I believe I possess all the qualities listed in the previous question and more. I believe I bring to the table. Tax Solutions, Opposition to oppression, Youthful Innovation and Advocacy. My approach to addressing the issues facing the people of Iowa is to include them in the process and always trying to be mindful of peoples individuals rights weighed against the rights of others. I am wiling to propose legislation that makes changes to the laws that promote systemic discrimination and intimidation as well as seeking restoration of rights to thousands of people. I think its time for action, and this seat needs an active advocate.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To protect the rights of the individual people. To represent the views of those in their districts and do their best to address the issues facing the people in their community.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I would like to leave a legacy of "Our Liberties she prized and our rights she maintained." Meaning that I fought for the people to decide for themselves how they would live their lives when they weren't hurting others rights to do the same. That I fought to uphold the rights that the constitution secures. That I sought to make this an Iowa that all people could love and feel welcomed in.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
Rodney King Beating, around 14 years old.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
Burger King and I worked there about a year.
What happened on your most awkward date?
Ran into my dates ex girlfriend.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
My Wedding Anniversary! It symbolizes the creation of my own branch of my family tree and life as I know it today.
What is your favorite book? Why?
I don't have a favorite book and to try to pick one out of all the great titles I have read would be unfair!
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
I don't know, maybe Mrs. Incredible
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My family, everything else can be replaced.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Boo'd Up - Ella Mai
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
My weight, I've always had a love hate relationship with food! On a more serious note, learning to live life with a young family, a husband with disabilities and with my own limitations after a car accident has been an experience.
Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
Although their legal definitions say they are different. To me there really is no difference at all. As it stands they both obstruct the people's ability to experience their rights
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
Experience not necessary, however I do believe that adequate exposure and up to date knowledge of the political scene and a willingness to serve the needs of the people will be a great start.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
Addressing racial inequality, Prioritizing our budget, Increasing Revenue and Revitalizing communities
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
I believe there should be a healthy respect even when there are disagreements. I believe they both should focus on the areas they agree and work from there. I think in areas where there are disagreements they should be seeking to collaborate in order to provide the best solutions for as many people as possible. At the end of the day the must also both hold each other accountable on behalf of the people they were elected to serve.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Yes, I think in order to address the needs of as many people possible we must value and respect opinions that are different from our own. In my experience when we take into account the needs of a diverse community it is important to build relationships to foster understanding and collaboration.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
I believe the redistricting should be done by an independent non-partisan agency.
If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
Judicial, Government Oversight, Budget, Appropriations
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
Not Sure, this is the first year with Major party status so I am not sure what to expect.
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
Yes, just not sure what office.
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
I have heard stories of abuse by government officials in all forms against the people of Iowa. Some of the most heart breaking ones have included children ripped away from their loving families and end up abused or dead in the foster care system. I've met people abused by those who are supposed to protect and serve. I've seen young bright business people struggle due to lack of access to resources. I've heard the stories of children who want a better future. I have heard from parents who believe their children were injured by mandated medical procedures. I have seen people being taxed without representation and without the ability to fight or opt out. The one thing they all had in common was they had all had enough and wanted to put someone in office willing to address their issues and advocate on their behalf. I believe I am the best candidate for the job.
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.
Ballotpedia biographical submission form
The candidate completed Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form:
| “ | What is your political philosophy?
My name is ToyA but my friends call me Toya. I've recently accepted the Libertarian party nomination for Iowa House District 32, the reasons I accepted were: 1. While I highly respect my opponent and her years of service both as a teacher and in the legislative body I know that it's time for a change. I know that I can be that change! 2. Why the Libertarian party? Because something about a policy of maximum economic and personal freedoms with minimal government interference sits well with me. 3. I believe the community needs to see a more active leader. One who creates and takes part in opportunities that build bridges in our community, a leader who advocates on behalf of the people they were chosen to represent 4. I believe we need a leader who puts forth meaningful legislation that creates and provides solutions to situations Iowans face everyday. 5. Overall I think we can all agree no matter where you fall on the political spectrum that it's time for us to come together for sensible ideas to create a future our children and grandchildren can thrive in. 6. If you'll have me, I know and believe I can do the job! I am a hard worker, a fast learner and a an advocate for the people. Is there anything you would like to add? Since the Party has received "Major Party: Status in Iowa. I am the first black person to be nominated by the Libertarian Party of Iowa, who will appear on the general general ballot, I am the only black person nominated by the Libertarian Party of Iowa on the general ballot. And the first and only black woman on top of that. My election would be a first as well. [2] |
” |
| —ToyA S. Johnson[1] | ||
Campaign finance summary
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See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Footnotes
