Ann Johnson (politician)

Annette Elizabeth Johnson (born August 13, 1974)[1] is an American attorney and politician. She has represented the 134th District in the Texas House of Representatives since 2021. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Johnson is also an adjunct professor of law at South Texas College of Law Houston.[2]

Ann Johnson
Member of the Texas House of Representatives
from the 134th district
Assumed office
January 12, 2021
Preceded bySarah Davis
Personal details
Born (1974-08-13) August 13, 1974 (age 50)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseSonya Cuellar
Residence(s)Houston, Texas, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Texas at Austin (BA)
South Texas College of Law Houston (JD)
OccupationAttorney
Websitehttps://www.annjohnson.com/

Career

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Early in her legal career, Johnson worked as an attorney for politicians Mike Martin, Craig Eiland, and Jack Brooks. Johnson also worked in the Legislative Affairs Office during the Clinton administration and in the Harris County District Attorney's Office.[3]

Johnson successfully argued the case of a minor charged with prostitution in the 2010 case In re B.W, in which the Texas Supreme Court found that Johnson's client had not committed a crime because she could not legally consent to sex.[4]

In 2020, she was elected to represent District 134 in the Texas House of Representatives, succeeding Republican incumbent Sarah Davis.[5][6] She supports investments in public education, abortion rights, Medicaid expansion, and gun regulation.[7]

During the 2022–2023 session, Johnson was vice-chair of the House Committee on General Investigating, which directed two high-profile investigations that session, first against state representative Bryan Slaton, who resigned and was later expelled from the House on May 9, 2023 for providing alcohol to and having sexual relations with a 19-year old legislative aide,[8] and then against Texas Attorney General Kenneth Paxton, who was impeached by the House on May 27, 2023, on twenty articles involving securities fraud, abuse of office, and retaliation against whistleblowers.[9] Johnson was named one of twelve House members who will serve as managers during Paxton's impeachment trial in the Texas Senate.[10]

Personal life

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Johnson is the daughter of former State Representative Jake Johnson and former Judge Carolyn Marks Johnson.[11] Johnson married artist Sonya Cuellar in 2015 after the legalization of same-sex marriage. They have 3 rescue dogs.[3]

Electoral history

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Texas general election, 2020: House District 134
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Ann Johnson 56,895 52.3% 5.47%
Republican Sarah Davis (incumbent) 51,960 47.7% −5.47%
Majority 4,935 4.6% −1.74%
Turnout 108,855 100% +22.4%
Democratic gain from Republican Swing +10.94%

References

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  1. ^ "Ann Johnson's Biography". votesmart.org. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  2. ^ "Adjunct Faculty and Fellows – South Texas College of Law Houston". Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Ann Johnson Runs for Texas House District 134". OutSmart Magazine. February 3, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  4. ^ Aguilar, Julián (November 11, 2010). "Traffic Patterns". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  5. ^ Goldenstein, Taylor (November 3, 2020). "Democrat Ann Johnson ousts state Rep. Sarah Davis in District 134". HoustonChronicle.com. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  6. ^ "Rep. Sarah Davis Loses to Ann Johnson in Only Seat Gain for Texas House Democrats". The Texan. November 4, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  7. ^ "Meet Ann". Ann Johnson for State Rep. District 134. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  8. ^ Downen, Robert (May 9, 2023). "Texas House expels Bryan Slaton, first member ousted since 1927". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  9. ^ Staff, Texas Tribune (May 27, 2023). "Live updates: Now impeached, Ken Paxton blasts House vote". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  10. ^ Downey, Patrick Svitek and Renzo (May 29, 2023). "Texas House names Ken Paxton impeachment managers; Senate trial will start by Aug. 28". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  11. ^ "Filing report: Who is Ann Johnson? – Off the Kuff". Retrieved June 6, 2021.
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Texas House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the
Texas House of Representatives
from the 134th district

2021–present
Incumbent