Rob Johnson (Iowa politician)
Rob Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 34th district | |
| Assumed office January 13, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Ako Abdul-Samad |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 21, 1988 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence(s) | Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. |
| Occupation | Insurance agent |
| Website | Official website |
Robert James Johnson (born January 21, 1988) is an American politician. He was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in November 2024, succeeding Ako Abdul-Samad in District 34.
Personal life and education
Johnson was raised in Chicago by his mother Janice.[1] At the age of six, he and two of his sisters were placed in the care of their godparents before an aunt assumed guardianship.[2] Johnson moved to Des Moines, Iowa, in 2006,[1] and graduated from Drake University in 2010 with a bachelor of arts in politics.[3][4] While attending Drake, Johnson co-hosted The Young Legends Not Yet but Soon to Be on KDRA-LP.[2] He also served on the Student Senate.[4]
Outside of politics, he works for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield,[3] is an associate minister at Corinthian Baptist Church,[1] and hosts the Fueling Hope Annual Gas Giveaway in Des Moines.[5] The event began in 2022,[6] as a way for Johnson to celebrate his birthday.[7][8]
Political career
Johnson served as a deputy campaign manager for Ako Abdul-Samad in 2014[3][9] and was responsible for religious outreach on behalf of the Democratic ticket in Iowa during the 2018 Iowa Secretary of State election,[1] the 2020 United States presidential election and the 2022 Iowa gubernatorial election.[3][9] After Abdul-Samad announced his retirement from the Iowa House of Representatives in 2024, Johnson announced his candidacy, and received endorsements from Abdul-Samad and Rob Sand.[10] Johnson won a Democratic Party primary for District 34 against three other candidates,[11] and defeated the Republican candidate Danielle Duggan in the general election.[9]
References
- ^ a b c d Davis, Tyler J. (28 December 2019). "Des Moines pastor uses religion to increase mental health awareness, political engagement in black community". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- ^ a b "Student to speak to legislators at Washington, D.C., forum". Drake University. 6 March 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- ^ a b c d Gruber-Miller, Stephen (3 October 2024). "Who are Rob Johnson and Danielle Duggan? Meet the candidates in Iowa House District 34". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- ^ a b Harrington, Jack (18 September 2010). "Rob Johnson campaigns on improving mental health services". The Times-Delphic. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- ^ Trautmann, Mike (19 January 2025). "Fueling Hope is giving away gas today at this Des Moines Kwik Star. What to know:". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- ^ Surrency, Justin (19 January 2024). "Des Moines community activist plans $40k gas giveaway". WHO-DT. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- ^ Tam, Nicole (19 January 2025). "Hundreds of Iowans get free gas in annual birthday giveaway". KCCI. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- ^ Tugade, F. Amanda (11 January 2025). "How to get a tank of free gas through Rob Johnson's annual birthday giveaway". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- ^ a b c Lathers, Addison (5 November 2024). "Rob Johnson takes Iowa House District 34 seat opened by Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad's retirement". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- ^ Tugade, F. Amanda (19 February 2024). "Retiring Iowa Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad of Des Moines endorses Rob Johnson as successor". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- ^ Gruber-Miller, Stephen (4 June 2024). "Democrat Rob Johnson wins primary for Ako Abdul-Samad's seat. Metro legislative results:". Des Moines Register. Retrieved 20 January 2025.