State Representative Chris Johnson (R-Hattiesburg) announced today that he will seek the Mississippi State Senate seat of retiring State Senator Billy Hudson, (R-Hattiesburg). Hudson announced Monday he will not seek reelection in 2019.
Johnson praised Hudson for his distinguished record of public service, including more than a decade as District 45 Senator serving Forrest and Perry Counties.
“Senator Billy Hudson has been an exemplary public servant for our area,” Johnson said. “My intention is to build upon the foundation that Senator Hudson has laid, working diligently to ensure that the voice of our area remains strong as the Pine Belt grows and that the needs of my constituents are met,” Johnson said.
Johnson, a small business owner, was first elected to the Mississippi House in 2015, serving District 87, which includes Forrest and Lamar counties.
“My experience in the Mississippi House of Representatives serving much of the same Pine Belt area as Senator Hudson provides me with a distinct advantage as a Senate candidate,” Johnson continued. “I’ve built vital relationships with key colleagues in both the House and Senate, and as a Senator, I can leverage that experience immediately for the people of Forrest and Perry counties.”
In the House, Johnson has served on the Agriculture, Banking and Financial Services, Corrections, Education, Performance Based Budgeting and Transportation committees, and he serves as Vice-Chairman of the Public Health and Human Services Committee.
Johnson believes his background as the owner of multiple businesses, including a financial services firm, based in Mississippi and operating in three other states, will enable him to further apply conservative, business principals to state government.
“Government is different from business, but Mississippians remain overwhelmingly supportive of applying common sense, conservative, private sector principles to government,” Johnson concluded.
“My goal is to methodically move our public policy and discourse closer to the will of the people, always working to ensure our legislative decisions reflect the values of hard-working Mississippians.”
Johnson, 40, and his wife, Wendi and two children; Brennan, 13, and Kathryn,10, live in Hattiesburg. A graduate of Forrest County Agricultural High School and Pearl River Community College, Johnson received his BS in Accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Press Release
Chris Johnson
10/2/2018
Courtney Ingle
