Jarvis Johnson

Early years and professional career

Johnson grew up in Fifth Ward, Houston historical political district (ward) and a community of Houston, Texas, United States, northeast of Downtown. It is bounded by the Buffalo Bayou, Jensen Drive, Liberty Road, and Lockwood Drive.

During his early teens, Johnson and his sister Velika became two of the founding members of the Mickey Leland Youth Task Forces (MLYTF). This was one of the few programs that allowed all of the youth to develop character, inspire understanding, train the mind “how to think” rather than what to think; and provided guidance in helping youth on how to be active participants in life rather than mere spectators.

He graduated with a Bachelors from the Texas Southern University, and while attending Texas Southern University at the age of 22, Johnson accepted the responsibility to become Executive Director of Phoenix Outreach Youth Center (POYC) in 1995. Council Member Johnson resigned his position as executive director in 2008 to focus his efforts on District B as a full-time city council member.

Johnson currently is owner of Aunt Bea’s Restaurant, a historic eatery that serves District 139, co-owner of two daycares in Houston and President of Commagere International Consultant Group that coordinates trade missions to African countries.

Houston City Council (2005–2009)

In 2005, Johnson ran for Houston City Council District B, a seat held by term limited Carol M. Galloway. In an eight candidate District B race, Johnson received nearly 4,000 votes, solidifying a spot in the December run off election. In December 2005, Johnson won the Houston City Council District B race by over 60% of the vote, and was re-elected to a second and third term.

Since 2005, Johnson has adopted the internal and external mantra of “Leading By Example.” The mantra compliments the District’s goals that have been outlined by both Johnson and the constituents of District B. Specifically, Johnson had committed himself to the development of sustainable mixed-income communities, comfortable and stable living for senior citizens, more green space for parks, and better commercialism for urban communities.

To improve quality of life in District, Johnson served as chair of the City of Houston’s Human Services and Technology Access Committee. As Chair of this committee, Johnson considered strategies to achieve digital inclusion for all Houstonians as well as methods to improve access to human services throughout the community, with a specific focus on serving youth and senior citizens.

Johnson also served on the Houston City Council Flooding and Drainage, Housing and Community Development, International Liaison and Protocol, M/WBE, Small Contractor Development and Contract Compliance, Pension Review, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Regulation, Development, Neighborhood Protection and Transportation, Infrastructure & Aviation committees.

Johnson has a continuing goal to empower our young people through education and community service so that they may prosper and be exceptional examples. To achieve this goal, Johnson has hosted several youth-oriented community events designed to empower and equip young adults for future success. In addition, Johnson celebrates the Christmas season by giving away over 1600 toys and providing a cultural experience to underprivileged youth during his annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Christmas party. Council Member Johnson also reaches out to District B seniors through programs such as the District B Senior Citizen Christmas Party, Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, and Senior Citizen City Hall and Downtown Tours.

2010 U.S. House of Representatives campaign

On Tuesday, January 5, 2010 Johnson stood outside the historic George "Mickey" Leland building to announce that he is officially running for Houston's 18th Congressional District seat, a seat held by incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee.

Jackson Lee was in her third term on the Houston City Council in 1994 when she beat incumbent U.S. Rep. Craig Washington on the theme that he was out of touch with his district. Johnson, 38, just won his third term to his council seat that's within the 18th Congressional District. The congressional district takes in much of urban Houston, is about 40 percent black with the remainder split between whites and Hispanics. It accounts for about a quarter of the city's more than 2 million residents.

Texas Legislature (2016–2017)

Johnson ran in March 1 primary election, advanced to runoff, won Special Election called to determine interim representative for 2016 and won the primary election runoff. Since he is unopposed in November, Johnson winning the special election and runoff means he is the District 139 state representative who will succeed Sylvester Turner. After 26 years, Turner stepped down from his state seat to assume role as Houston mayor.

Johnson won the May 7 Special Election, with 85% of vote, to finish out remainder of Turner’s term as state representative of District 139. Turner swore him in, allowing Johnson to serve through December and immediately, fully assume former Rep. Sylvester Turner’s seniority status and his roles that include Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.