Gordon M. Johnson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gordon Johnson
Member of the New Jersey Senate from the 37th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 11, 2022
Preceded by	Loretta Weinberg
Speaker pro tempore of the New Jersey General Assembly
In office May 24, 2018 – January 11, 2022
Preceded by	Jerry Green
Succeeded by	Benjie E. Wimberly
Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 37th district
In office January 8, 2002 – January 11, 2022
Preceded by	Ken Zisa
Succeeded by	Shama Haider Ellen Park
Personal details
Born	(1949-12-16) December 16, 1949 (age 75) New York City, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Jacqueline
Children	3
Education	St. Thomas Aquinas College (BA) Seton Hall University (MA)
Website	Legislative webpage

Gordon M. Johnson (born December 16, 1949) is an American politician for the Democratic Party. He represents the 37th Legislative District in the New Jersey Senate. A state's legislative branch is like its own mini-Congress, with a Senate and a General Assembly that work together to make laws.

Before becoming a senator in 2022, Johnson served in the New Jersey General Assembly for the same district from 2002 to 2022. He currently serves as the Assistant Majority Leader in the Senate.

Early Life and Education

Gordon Johnson grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, where he lives today. His mother was a nurse, and his father worked as a United States Customs Agent. He went to St. Cecilia High School.

For college, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Science and Criminal Justice from St. Thomas Aquinas College. He later received a Master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University.

Military and Police Career

Service in the Army

Johnson served in the United States Army Reserve for many years, reaching the rank of Major. He was part of important missions, including Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991 and Operation Joint Endeavor in 1996. He retired from the Army Reserve in 2000.

For his service, he received many awards, such as the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Law Enforcement Work

Johnson also had a long career in law enforcement. He worked for the Englewood Police Department for 24 years. He started as an officer and rose to the rank of patrol sergeant.

From 2001 to 2002, he was the Sheriff of Bergen County. He was the first African-American to be elected to a county-wide office and to serve as Sheriff in Bergen County. After the September 11, 2001, attacks, Sheriff Johnson was put in charge of the George Washington Bridge to help keep the area safe.

Political Career

Johnson's career in politics began on the Englewood City Council. In 2006, he won a seat on the council and served until 2008.

New Jersey General Assembly (2002-2022)

In 2002, Gordon Johnson was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. The General Assembly is one of the two parts of the New Jersey Legislature. During his time there, he helped pass many important laws.

Some of the laws he sponsored included:

• Expanding the use of DNA evidence to help solve crimes.
• Requiring towing companies to accept both cash and credit cards.
• Improving the Crime Victim's Bill of Rights.
• Creating a law to help some students who grew up in New Jersey get access to education.
• Supporting veterans and improving transportation safety.

He held several leadership roles in the Assembly, including Speaker Pro Tempore from 2018 to 2021. This is a high-ranking position that helps lead the Assembly's meetings.

New Jersey Senate (2022-Present)

In 2021, longtime Senator Loretta Weinberg announced her retirement. Johnson decided to run for her seat in the New Jersey Senate. He won the election and took office in January 2022.

As a senator, he continues to work on laws for the people of New Jersey. He is the Assistant Majority Leader, which means he helps lead the Democratic senators.

Committee Work

For the 2024–2025 legislative session, Senator Johnson is a member of these committees:

• Military and Veterans' Affairs (as Chair)
• Budget and Appropriations
• Commerce

Representing District 37

New Jersey is divided into 40 legislative districts. Each district elects one senator and two assembly members. The representatives for the 37th District are:

• Senator Gordon M. Johnson
• Assemblywoman Shama Haider
• Assemblywoman Ellen Park

Election Results

Politicians are chosen by voters in elections. Here is a look at some of Gordon Johnson's election results.

Senate Elections

General Assembly Election