Johnson, who has spent decades litigating civil rights and criminal justice cases in Mississippi, said the decision to enter politics was not one he expected to make. But he framed the current political moment as too urgent to sit out.
“This isn’t politics as usual in the United States and the effects on Mississippi have been profound,” Johnson said.
Johnson said his campaign will focus on the economic struggles many families are facing in the district. He pointed to stagnant wages, higher housing and grocery costs, and limited opportunities for young people.
“Corporations are posting record profits, billionaires are getting tax cuts, but working folks are struggling to buy the second bag of groceries and our young people are having to leave Mississippi to find opportunity,” he said.
He also criticized the Trump administration’s fiscal policy, saying the “Big Beautiful Bill” would drive up health care costs and put rural hospitals at risk.
“The only way we avoid the negative impacts of this ill-formed piece of legislation is if we elect people who will go to Washington and say no,” he said.
Mississippi’s First District has been reliably conservative for years and is currently represented by Republican Rep. Trent Kelly, who has held the seat since 2015. Johnson acknowledged he faces long odds in trying to unseat a well-funded incumbent in a district that leans heavily Republican.
“This campaign really isn’t about Congressman Kelly being evil. It’s about the fact that he is a hundred percent dedicated to President Trump,” Johnson said. “I think people are looking for something more independent than that,” Johnson said.
Kelly’s office did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Johnson’s announcement came as the Democratic National Committee pledged a six-figure investment in Mississippi ahead of special legislative elections set for Nov. 4.
Federal judges earlier this year ordered the special elections in 14 state legislative districts after ruling that maps drawn by the Republican-controlled legislature violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting Black voting power.
DNC Chair Ken Martin said the party is trying to build long-term infrastructure in red states, not just focusing on battlegrounds.
“There’s no such thing as a permanent red state,” Martin said in a statement. “With this major investment, the DNC is turbocharging Mississippi Democrats’ organizing efforts to win crucial legislative races this November and continue us on the road to a blue Mississippi.”
Mississippi Democratic Party Chair Cheikh Taylor welcomed the investment, saying it ensures the state is “not forgotten” and gives Democrats the resources needed to compete
Johnson said he has not had contact with national Democrats about support for his run and expects to rely heavily on grassroots fundraising.
“Nobody's called us yet. I don't know if that call will come,” Johnson said. “We're just going to work really hard and rely on local folks as best we can to fund a grassroots campaign.”
Johnson said his campaign will also prioritize young voters, whom he sees as essential to Democratic gains in Mississippi. He added that his campaign has already recruited teenagers and college students to play active roles in outreach and messaging, not just advisory positions.
“If we can’t energize young folks, we’re going to lose. I mean, that’s the bottom line,” Johnson said.
