Bob Johnson (politician)

Bob Johnson (born October 23, 1962) is a Democratic former member of the Arkansas State Senate and of the Arkansas House of Representatives. He was President Pro Tempore of the Senate for the 87th General Assembly (2009-2011).

Early life and education

Johnson was born October 23, 1962 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a graduate of Bigelow High School and has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock.

Political career

He served three terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives, from 1995 through 2000. He was Speaker of the House in 1999 and 2000. He was 35 when he was elected Speaker, and at that time he was the youngest man in Arkansas history to ever serve as Speaker of the House. Johnson is one of a handful of Arkansas legislators who have served both as Speaker of the House and as President Pro Tem of the Senate.

Johnson served in the Senate from 2001 to 2011, when he retired due to term limits. He represented Senate District 18, which comprises Conway, Perry and Van Buren Counties and parts of Cleburne, Faulkner, Pope and Saline Counties. As President Pro Tem, he was in line to be acting governor when both the governor and the lieutenant governor are out of the state. He was a member of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs, as well as the Joint Budget Committee, the Joint Performance Review Committee and the Senate Efficiency Committee.

Personal life

He lives in Bigelow, Arkansas with his wife and three children. He is a partner with his two brothers in several family businesses including construction. His church affiliation is Baptist.