Jeff Johnson (Ohio politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jeff Johnson
Member of Cleveland City Council from Ward 10
In office January 1, 2014 – January 1, 2018
Preceded by	Eugene Miller
Succeeded by	Anthony Hairston
Member of Cleveland City Council from Ward 8
In office January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2013
Preceded by	Shari Cloud
Succeeded by	Michael Polensek
In office August 1984 – December 31, 1989
Preceded by	Michael R. White
Succeeded by	Bill Patmon
Member of the Ohio Senate from the 21st district
In office January 3, 1990 – December 31, 1998
Preceded by	Michael R. White
Succeeded by	C. J. Prentiss
Personal details
Born	(1958-04-10) April 10, 1958 (age 67) 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 has served as a member of the Cleveland City Council, which helps run the city of Cleveland. He also served as a member of the Ohio Senate, which is part of the state government.

Early Life and Education

Jeff Johnson grew up in the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland. He went to Collinwood High School. After high school, he studied communications at Kent State University. He earned a bachelor's degree there. Later, he attended Case Western Reserve University. He earned a master's degree in political science. He also earned a law degree from the university.

Political Career

Jeff Johnson has had a long career in public service. He has worked to improve his community and state.

Serving on Cleveland City Council

In 1984, Johnson became a Councilman for Ward 8 in Cleveland. He was appointed to the role. This happened when the previous councilman, Michael White, moved to the Ohio State Senate. Soon after, Johnson was elected by the people of Ward 8. He was re-elected several times.

During his time as Councilman, he helped bring new projects to the Glenville neighborhood. These projects included new businesses and homes. Examples are the Glenville Plaza and Eastside Market. He also helped create Abyssinia Towers. This is an apartment building for senior citizens. Community groups recognized him for his work.

Serving in the Ohio Senate

In January 1990, Johnson became an Ohio State Senator. He was appointed after Senator White became Mayor of Cleveland. As a Senator, Johnson worked on many important issues. He helped create a law for the Ohio Infant Health Commission. This group helps babies stay healthy.

He also supported laws about workplace fairness. He worked on education improvements. He helped with economic growth and changes to the justice system. In 1997, he played a key role in keeping Central State University open. He was the President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) at that time.

After his time as a Senator, Johnson worked for the city of Cleveland again. In 2002, he became an assistant to Mayor Jane Campbell. A year later, he was promoted. He became the Director of the Department of Community Relations. In this role, he helped connect the police with the community. He also helped solve neighborhood problems. He worked on the city's Fair Housing program. This program helps ensure everyone has fair access to housing. Community groups praised his leadership.

After Mayor Campbell left office in 2005, Johnson started his own company. It was called Prime Strategy Group. This company helped people running for political office. In 2008, the Ohio Supreme Court gave him back his law license. This meant he could practice law again.

Returning to Cleveland City Council

In 2009, Jeff Johnson decided to run for Cleveland City Council again. He ran for the Ward 8 position. He won the election that November. In 2013, he was re-elected. This time, he ran in a new area called Ward 10. This happened because the city's ward boundaries changed.

Running for Mayor of Cleveland

In 2017, Johnson announced he would run for Mayor of Cleveland. He was one of many candidates. In the first round of voting, he placed third. After the election, Johnson began a new role. He became the Chief Housing Specialist at the Cleveland Housing Court.

Running for U.S. Congress

In 2021, a special election was held for Ohio's 11th congressional district. This happened when Marcia Fudge became a cabinet member for the President. Johnson announced he would run for this position.

Personal Life

Jeff 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.