Get To Know Mark 

Greetings Senate District 1 Constituents. I am Mark Johnson and I am seeking your vote on November 8th to become the SD1 State Senator. Why? Because we need an advocate for SD1 who is able to fight for the unique interests of Northwestern Minnesotans. We have an opportunity in the Minnesota Senate that hasn’t existed since 1982 – to be heard in St. Paul!

Northwest Minnesota has many concerns that need immediate attention:

-Our rights as property owners are being threatened by jurisdictional grabs by the federal and state governments. This may have little impact in Minneapolis or St. Paul, but in Northwest Minnesota, it has DISASTROUS consequences. I’ll fight for our property rights.

-Our children deserve the same level of resources their peers in the metro area schools enjoy. I’ll advocate for our children and their futures.

-Our energy costs have skyrocketed. I will work to create innovative energy solutions, in order to keep our utility costs down.

-Our businesses are in desperate need of help. We need to retain and train those in our community, reduce the regulatory burden, and create tax policy that encourages our businesses to stay in this community.

-Our elderly population is projected to double between now and 2030. I intend to create legislation focused on providing adequate care for our aging fellow Minnesotans.

-Our traditional, conservative values are under attack. In an era of extreme political correctness and attacks on religious liberty, I am not afraid to stand up for preserving these values.

EDUCATION:

  • Bethel University: B.A. Finance and Economics
  • UND School of Law: J.D. with Distinction
    • President of Federalist Society
    • Member of Law Review
    • Energy Tax Policy Thesis

ASSOCIATIONS AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS:

  • Polk County Republican BPOU: VP
  • Forx Builders Association
    • Government Affairs Committee
  • MN & ND Bar Association
  • EGF Rod & Gun Club

WORK HISTORY:

  • Sage Legal: Co-Owner
  • Johnson Concrete Construction: Co-Owner
  • Buehler Law: Attorney
  • IBM: Financial Analyst
  • Community Reinvestment Fund: Finance Intern

FUN FACTS:

  • Met U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas
  • Raced motorcycles for several years
  • Outdoor Enthusiast

BIO

I grew up on the shores of Maple Lake, near Mentor, and graduated from Fertile-Beltrami High School. I then graduated from college and worked in southern MN before beginning law school in Grand Forks.

My wife, Skyler, our three children (Archer, Livley, and Cullen) and I live in East Grand Forks. We are active members of Grace Baptist Church. I am a third generation concrete construction company co-owner with my father and an attorney who co-owns a small law firm in East Grand Forks.