Jeff Johnson (Ohio politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jeff Johnson
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| Member of Cleveland City Council from Ward 10 |
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| In office January 1, 2014 – January 1, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Eugene Miller |
| Succeeded by | Anthony Hairston |
| Member of Cleveland City Council from Ward 8 |
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| In office January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Shari Cloud |
| Succeeded by | Michael Polensek |
| In office August 1984 – December 31, 1989 |
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| Preceded by | Michael R. White |
| Succeeded by | Bill Patmon |
| Member of the Ohio Senate from the 21st district |
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| In office January 3, 1990 – December 31, 1998 |
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| Preceded by | Michael R. White |
| Succeeded by | C. J. Prentiss |
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| Born | April 10, 1958 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residences | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Education | Kent State University (BA) Case Western Reserve University (MA, JD) |
Jeffrey D. Johnson (born April 10, 1958) is an American politician and lawyer. He is currently serving as an elected Judge for the Cleveland Municipal Court. Before this, he was a member of the Cleveland City Council for Ward 10 from 2014 to 2018. Johnson also served as a councilman for Ward 8 from 1984 to 1990. He was also a member of the Ohio Senate from 1990 to 1998.
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Early Life and Education
Johnson grew up in the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland. He graduated from Collinwood High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Kent State University. Later, he received a law degree (called a Juris Doctor) and a master's degree in political science from Case Western Reserve University.
Political Career
Johnson has had a long career in public service. He has worked in different roles for the city of Cleveland and the state of Ohio.
Early City Council Years
In 1984, Johnson became a Councilman for Ward 8. This happened when the previous councilman, Michael White, moved to the Ohio State Senate. Johnson was then elected by voters and re-elected in 1985 and 1989.
As a councilman, Johnson helped create Cleveland's first Fair Housing Law. He also worked to set up a special unit in the Cleveland Police Department. This unit focused on investigating crimes against children. During his time, the Glenville neighborhood in Ward 8 saw new buildings and projects. These included the Glenville Plaza and new housing for senior citizens.
Serving in the Ohio Senate
In January 1990, Johnson became an Ohio State Senator. He was appointed after Senator White became Mayor of Cleveland. During his nine years as a Senator, Johnson worked on many important laws.
He sponsored a law that created the Ohio Infant Health Commission. This group helps improve the health of babies. He also helped create laws about workplace fairness, education, and community growth. Johnson also led efforts to keep Central State University open in 1997. At that time, he was the President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC).
After his time in the Senate, Johnson worked for Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell. He later became a director for the city's Department of Community Relations. In this role, he helped with police and community programs. He also worked on solving neighborhood problems and making sure housing was fair for everyone.
Return to Cleveland City Council
Johnson ran for the Cleveland Ward 8 City Council position again in 2009. He was elected in November of that year. In 2013, he won re-election for a new area, Ward 10. This happened because the city's wards were redrawn.
Running for Mayor
In 2017, Johnson decided to run for Mayor of Cleveland. He announced his campaign in January 2017. In the primary election, where many candidates run, Johnson finished third.
Congressional Election
In 2021, a special election was held for Ohio's 11th congressional district. This was to replace Marcia Fudge, who became a cabinet member for the President. Johnson ran in this election and finished third among the candidates.
Becoming a Judge
On November 7, 2023, Johnson was elected as a Judge for the Cleveland Municipal Court. He won against two other candidates. He is one of 12 judges in the General Division of the court. His term as a judge began in 2024 and will last for six years, until 2030.
Personal Life
Johnson married Felicia in 2015. He is a step-father to her two daughters. In 2017, Felicia and her daughters moved to the East Side of Cleveland. Their marriage ended in January 2021.
