Ron Johnson Then and Now

Ron Johnson Then

Ron Johnson, born on April 8, 1955, in Mankato, Minnesota, is a businessman and politician known for his role in founding and leading a successful manufacturing company as well as his service as a U.S. Senator. 

He exhibited academic prowess early on, gaining admission to the University of Minnesota where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1977. 

His education laid a solid foundation for his future career in business, although he left a master’s program in business administration to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.

In the late 1970s, Johnson relocated to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he partnered with his brother-in-law to start a company manufacturing plastic sheeting used for packaging. 

This venture marked the beginning of his business success. As the company grew, it became a key player in the manufacturing sector. 

Even after the company was sold in the mid-1980s, Johnson stayed on as chief executive officer, demonstrating his commitment to the business. 

A decade later, he reacquired the firm, underscoring his leadership and deep connection to the company he helped build.

Throughout his career, Johnson’s focus on business development and manufacturing has been a defining characteristic. 

His journey from an accountant to an entrepreneur highlights his adaptability and forward-thinking approach. 

This business acumen eventually translated into his political career when he entered the U.S. Senate, representing Wisconsin, where he applied his business-oriented mindset to legislative matters, often advocating for fiscal conservatism and policies supporting free-market principles.

Related Article: Bill de Blasio Then and Now

Ron Johnson’s Political Career

Ron Johnson’s political career began in 2010 when he made his first foray into politics by running for the U.S. Senate, despite having no prior experience in elected office. 

As a businessman, Johnson’s message resonated with voters who were concerned about government overreach and economic policies such as the federal stimulus programs implemented in response to the Great Recession. 

His involvement with the Tea Party movement, which emphasized limited government and fiscal conservatism, helped bolster his campaign. 

With the support of Wisconsin’s Republican Party, Johnson won the Senate seat, garnering nearly 52 percent of the vote.

Related Article: Marjorie Taylor Greene Then and Now

After taking office in 2011, Johnson aligned himself with conservative policies and became known for his strong stance against what he perceived as federal overreach. 

He consistently voted in ways that reflected his conservative values, focusing on national security and limiting government intervention. 

He introduced legislation to strengthen the Department of Homeland Security and advocated for transparency in U.S. contributions to international organizations like the United Nations. 

Johnson also became a leading critic of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), repeatedly sponsoring bills to repeal or weaken the healthcare law.

Related Article: John Lewis Then and Now

In a controversial move, Johnson filed a lawsuit in 2014 against the federal government, arguing that the PPACA granted members of Congress certain benefits that were unavailable to their constituents. 

He claimed this harmed his reputation, but the lawsuit was dismissed by a federal appeals court in 2015. 

Despite this legal setback, Johnson won reelection to the Senate in 2016, defeating his Democratic opponent for a second term.

During the 2016 presidential election, Johnson supported Donald Trump, although he stopped short of formally endorsing him. 

Related Article: Rashida Tlaib Then and Now

After Trump’s victory, Johnson became one of his staunchest defenders, especially during the investigation into Russian interference in the election and Trump’s impeachment proceedings. 

When the House of Representatives impeached Trump in 2019 over allegations of withholding aid to Ukraine to pressure the country into investigating political rival Joe Biden, Johnson criticized the process and denied any wrongdoing by Trump. 

In early 2020, Trump was acquitted by the Senate, with Johnson voting in favor of acquittal. 

Following this, Johnson led a Senate investigation into possible corruption involving Biden and his son Hunter, but no misconduct was found.

Related Article: Josh Hawley Then and Now

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson gained attention for promoting false or misleading information about the virus, including claims that mouthwash could kill the virus. 

Despite growing controversy surrounding his stance on the pandemic, Johnson continued to be a prominent figure in conservative politics.

After Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election, Johnson amplified unproven claims of widespread voter fraud. 

Related Article: Susan Collins Then and Now

He convened a Senate committee hearing to discuss these allegations, even though no substantial evidence of fraud was found. 

On January 6, 2021, Johnson was in Congress as Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol, disrupting the certification of Biden’s election victory. 

Though Johnson condemned the violence, he voted not to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial, which charged the former president with inciting the insurrection.

Related Article: Jim Jordan Then and Now

Despite earlier promises to serve only two terms, Johnson announced his bid for reelection in 2022, citing concerns over the direction of the country. 

He also praised the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed abortion rights.

In a closely contested race, Johnson narrowly won his third term in the Senate, defeating Democratic candidate Mandela Barnes in the 2022 midterm elections.

Related Article: Ayanna Pressley Then and Now

Ron Johnson’s Wife and Children

Ron Johnson and his wife, Jane, reside in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where they have built their family life. Married since 1977, they have raised three children together. 

Johnson’s personal and family values are deeply rooted in his faith, as he is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, a Christian denomination known for its conservative theological views. 

Related Article: Devin Nunes Then and Now

His religious beliefs play an important role in shaping his personal life and political viewpoints, particularly on issues related to family, morality, and social policies. 

The Johnsons’ long-standing presence in Wisconsin has contributed to his strong connection with the community he represents in the U.S. Senate.

Related Article: Ilhan Omar Then and Now

Ron Johnson Now

Ron Johnson, currently 69 years old, is an influential American politician who has served as the senior United States senator from Wisconsin since 2011. 

A member of the Republican Party, Johnson entered the political arena in 2010, running for the Senate against Democratic incumbent Russ Feingold. 

In a race driven by anti-establishment sentiment and concerns over government spending, Johnson, a businessman with no prior political experience, managed to secure a significant victory, defeating Feingold and marking the beginning of his career in national politics.

Related Article: Ilhan Omar Then and Now

Johnson’s success in the 2010 election set the stage for a contentious rematch in 2016 when Feingold challenged him for the Senate seat once again. In another closely watched race, Johnson was reelected, once more defeating Feingold. 

This victory solidified his position as a key conservative voice in the Senate, where he has consistently advocated for limited government, fiscal conservatism, and free-market principles.

In 2022, Johnson sought a third term despite previously indicating he would retire after two terms. 

Related Article: Chuck Grassley Then and Now

His decision to run again reflected his belief that the country was facing significant challenges and that his leadership was needed. 

The 2022 election proved to be one of Johnson’s most competitive races, as he narrowly defeated the Democratic challenger, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes. 

Johnson’s ability to secure reelection in a tight race underscored his enduring influence in Wisconsin politics and his continued relevance on the national stage.

Related Article: Rand Paul Then and Now