Christine J. Johnson


Christine J. Johnson is a former Republican member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 35th legislative district in Boone, DeKalb, Ogle, LaSalle and Winnebago counties from 2011 to 2013. She currently serves as the Minority Spokesperson on the Higher Education Committee.

Early life, education and career

Johnson grew up on a farm and was educated in the DeKalb area. She received a B.A. in Journalism and Public Relations from Northern Illinois University, which is now part of the district she represents.
Johnson was elected for five terms as the DeKalb County Treasurer where she served from 1994 until she was appointed to the Senate in February, 2011. Prior to serving as Treasurer, Johnson worked as the Shabbona Lake State Park Office Coordinator and assisted with her family farm operations in Shabbona.

Illinois Senate

Johnson serves on the following Senate Committees: Higher Education, Education, Licensed Activities, and Public Health. Johnson was also appointed to the P-20 Council on Education and Advisory Committee on Medicaid.

2012 election

Following the 2011 redistricting, parts of Johnson's district were combined fellow Republican district. As a result, she faced a contested primary for the 35th district Republican nomination on March 20, 2012.

Personal life

Johnson resides in Shabbona with her husband Jim. They have one adult son. She has received numerous awards throughout her civic career including the Illinois Country Treasurer Association's Treasurer of the Year Award in 2003 and is the co-founder of the Indian Creek Education Foundation.