Gordon M. Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gordon Johnson
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| Member of the New Jersey Senate from the 37th district |
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| Assumed office January 11, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Loretta Weinberg |
| Speaker pro tempore of the New Jersey General Assembly | |
| In office May 24, 2018 – January 11, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Jerry Green |
| Succeeded by | Benjie E. Wimberly |
| Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 37th district |
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| In office January 8, 2002 – January 11, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Ken Zisa |
| Succeeded by |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | December 16, 1949 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jacqueline |
| Children | 3 |
| Education |
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| Website | Legislative webpage |
Gordon M. Johnson (born December 16, 1949) is a politician from the Democratic Party in the United States. He has been a New Jersey State Senator for the 37th Legislative District since 2022. Before that, he served in the New Jersey General Assembly for the same district from 2002 to 2022. Since 2022, he has also been the Assistant Majority Leader in the Senate.
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About Gordon Johnson
Gordon Johnson grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, where he still lives today. His mother worked as a nurse, and his father was a United States Customs Agent.
Education and Military Service
Johnson went to St. Cecilia High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College. His studies focused on Social Science and Criminal Justice. Later, he received a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree from Seton Hall University. This degree was in Administration and Supervision.
He also served in the United States Army Reserve. He reached the rank of Major. Johnson took part in Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991. He also served in Operation Joint Endeavor in 1996. He retired from the Army Reserve in 2000. Johnson has received many awards for his service. These include the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Law Enforcement Career
Johnson worked for the Englewood Police Department for 24 years. He became a patrol sergeant there. He also gained experience in labor relations. He served as president of the State P.B.A. Supervisory Officers Association-Local #216.
From 1999 to 2005, Johnson worked for the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department. He was the Bergen County Sheriff from 2001 to 2002. He was the first African-American to hold a county-wide office in Bergen County. He was also the first African-American Sheriff in Bergen County. After the September 11, 2001, attacks, Sheriff Johnson led the response at the George Washington Bridge.
Englewood City Council
In 2006, Gordon Johnson won a seat on the Englewood City Council. He won the election on November 7, 2006. In 2008, Johnson decided to step down from his City Council seat. He wanted to focus on his role in the State Assembly.
Serving in the New Jersey General Assembly
Gordon Johnson started his first term as a State Assemblyman in 2002. He ran for office with Senator Byron Baer and Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg.
Key Laws and Leadership Roles
During his time in the Assembly, he helped create important laws. One law expanded the collection of DNA from violent offenders. Another law required towing companies to accept cash and credit card payments.
From 2006 to 2011, Johnson chaired the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee. This committee worked on important issues. They discussed ending the death penalty. They also expanded the use of DNA evidence for police and legal cases. Johnson also supported a law to limit rent increases for some seniors. He helped pass the "DREAMer's Act," which helps more New Jersey students get an education. He also worked on laws for rail safety and veterans' issues. Recently, he sponsored a law to help New Jersey's film and digital media industry. This aims to create more jobs and income for the state.
Johnson held several leadership positions in the Assembly. He was Deputy Conference Leader from 2010 to 2011. He then became Majority Conference Leader from 2012 to 2013. From 2014 to 2018, he served as Deputy Speaker. Finally, he was Speaker Pro Tempore from 2018 to 2021.
Serving in the New Jersey Senate
In 2021, Senator Loretta Weinberg announced her retirement. Gordon Johnson then decided to run for her Senate seat in District 37. Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Weinberg supported his campaign. The Bergen County Democratic party also backed him. Johnson won the Democratic Primary election against fellow Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri-Huttle. He won by a large margin.
Since 2022, Johnson has been serving in the Senate. He holds the position of Assistant Majority Leader.
Senate Committees
For the 2024—2025 Legislative Session, Senator Johnson is on these committees:
- Military and Veterans' Affairs (as chair)
- Budget and Appropriations
- Commerce
District 37 Representatives
New Jersey has 40 legislative districts. Each district has one State Senator and two members in the General Assembly. For the 2024—2025 Legislative Session, the representatives for the 37th District are:
- Senator Gordon M. Johnson (D)
- Assemblywoman Shama Haider (D)
- Assemblywoman Ellen Park (D)
