Kentucky House of Representatives District 13 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Kentucky, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 13 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 13

Incumbent D.J. Johnson defeated Michael Johnson in the general election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 13 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		D.J. Johnson (R)	63.3	8,387
		Michael Johnson (D)	36.7	4,870

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 13,257
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Michael Johnson (D)

I am an ordinary citizen who will listen to the people.

I have an unrelenting work ethic that motivates me to stay the course of the task at hand until the job is done!

I Love Kentucky and I Love the People of Kentucky and I just want Owensboro and Daviess County and the State of Kentucky to be the best it can be!

D.J. Johnson (R)

I will do everything possible to make Daviess County the best place in the United States to live, earn a living, and raise a family. To achieve this goal we must protect our God-given, constitutionally-ensured freedoms; provide a safe and secure community in which to live; create the best possible economic environment for personal financial success; and provide our children with the highest quality educational program in the nation. I have always worked for and will continue to work for these critical goals. For a more complete discussion of my issues, please go to DJforKentucky.com.

Of the brief list of priorities i noted above, one of the most critical areas is education. And when we say education, we are talking about everything from pre-K through ongoing adult education opportunities. I am on the Greater Owensboro Partnership for Early Childhood Development. I work closely with the Superintendents of both the DCPS and OPS school systems. I am working closely with the Owensboro Community Technical college on projects such as GOFAME and the Commonwealth West Healthcare Workforce Innovation Center. The Workforce Innovation Center will be based in Owensboro, and will revolutionize healthcare training. I also teach Government at Grace Christian Academy in Owensboro.

We have made great strides in improving Kentucky since I first became your Representative in 2017. We have lowered your personal income taxes. We have balanced our state budget. We have begun the methodical process of modernizing our ancient tax code. We have strengthened our individual protections from an overly intrusive state government. We have begun the critical process of modernizing our education system. We have created a business environment that has resulted in an unprecedented wave of economic growth, and high-paying jobs. In short, we have put Kentucky on the course to achieving that goal of being the best place to live in America. I intend to continue that work for as long as I am your Representative.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Michael Johnson (D)

Healthcare

Education

Judicial Reform

Economy

Workforce Development

Agriculture

D.J. Johnson (R)

I believe that the United States of America is the greatest country in the history of humankind. I believe that Kentucky is the best place to live in America. And I believe that the foundational laws and principles of our country must be protected. The Kentucky House of Representatives has suffered from almost a century of mis-management. In 2017, I joined with others to begin correcting the problems that the previous lack of care for Kentuckians caused. Below are some of my priorities:

I am passionate about giving every Kentucky citizen the opportunity to reach the highest levels of achievement that they want. This starts with eliminating every state law, rule and regulation that hinders people from succeeding. Reducing government interference in our lives will be a key priority for me in the next term.

I am passionate about allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned money. I will stand firm on no tax increases, and will hold fast to the plan to reduce the personal state income tax rate to 0% in the next 8 years.

I am passionate about providing each of us a safe and secure community in which to live. I have always supported our law-enforcers and first-responders, and always will. I am currently working with local prosecutors, attorneys, and law enforcement personnel to review any changes to state law that will improve our safety.

I am passionate about education. As detailed above, I will always work to improve education from childhood to adulthood.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Michael Johnson (D)

Jesse Owens. I would like to follow Jesse Owens example because he was a person who had a mission and purpose in his life. He was able to inspire generations of people to work hard and achieve their dreams and aspirations.

D.J. Johnson (R)

I am a Christian, so first and foremost, Jesus Christ. I have had many mentors and role models over the years. That would start with my parents. They taught me about honesty, integrity, and self-sacrifice. I owe them everything. I swam competitively from age 6 thru college. My first coach was Adrian Hayes. He taught me about passion, teamwork, and goal setting. I consider every officer I served with in my first military unit, the 1st Battalion/509th Airborne Battalion Combat Team as role models. They were an incredible cadre of officers. I wish I could be more like President Abraham Lincoln. He mastered his weaknesses and fears in order to lead our country through the most turbulent times in our nation's history. He never looked for the easy path, but the right path, in all that he did. I strive to do the same.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

D.J. Johnson (R)

It's not about politics, but I recommend everyone read "Man's Search for Meaning", by Viktor Frankl. It was a major source of inspiration for me at a time when I was doing just that.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

D.J. Johnson (R)

Integrity, compassion and commitment. A servant's heart. The ability to listen. A respect for the Constitution.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Michael Johnson (D)

I am a good listener and I will represent all people and I believe in team work and unity to be able to accomplish the goals of Kentucky.

D.J. Johnson (R)

Integrity, compassion. A servant's heart. The ability to listen. A respect for our country and our Constitution.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Michael Johnson (D)

I believe the core responsibilities for this office is you have to hold yourself accountable to the people and the office by being transparent and willing to listen to constituents and their concerns. The responsibility of up holding the constitution of Kentucky is paramount in staying in the lanes of good legislative processes.

D.J. Johnson (R)

We are elected by our constituents, so we must listen to and respond to those constituents. We represent our individual districts, but serve every resident of Kentucky. Those two dynamics should drive a Representative's actions. A Representative's core responsibility is to make good law, period. Probably the most critical law we make is passing the biennial budget. It sets the priorities for the entire state for the next two years.

What legacy would you like to leave?

D.J. Johnson (R)

To have Kentucky recognized as the best place in America to live, work, and raise a family.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Michael Johnson (D)

The first historical event that happened to me in my life was when I flew for the first time in an airplane to Puerto Rico. I was 9 years old.

D.J. Johnson (R)

The assassination of JFK. I was six years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Michael Johnson (D)

My very first job i had in my life was as a teenager in the 1980's I was working at the concession stand at the Owensboro Sports Center and worked there for 2yrs.

D.J. Johnson (R)

Not counting delivering papers, shoveling snow, and mowing yards, my first official job was working at McDonalds. I started when I was 16, and worked there while I was in college. Approximately 3 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

D.J. Johnson (R)

Other than the Bible, "The Past Through Tomorrow", by Robert Heinlein.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

D.J. Johnson (R)

Lazarus Long in the "Future History" series of books by Robert Heinlein.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Michael Johnson (D)

Everything I Need! By Evangelist Michael Johnson

D.J. Johnson (R)

Stranglehold by Ted Nugent.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

D.J. Johnson (R)

Pancakes. I love Cracker Barrell pancakes. My level of exercise no longer supports my pancake intake. The pounds add up.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Michael Johnson (D)

The relationship between the two branches is critical in accomplishing the priorities of a State. The Governor and Legislature must work together in harmony.

D.J. Johnson (R)

The proper relationship between the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch is clearly defined in both our federal and state constitutions. The General Assembly is responsible for enacting state laws, and the Governor, supported by the Executive Branch, implements the laws. The ideal relationship between the two branches exist when both branches understand what they are responsible for, and more important, what they are not responsible for. Sometimes there is agreement between the two branches on how to serve the commonwealth, sometimes not. This is not only true, but necessary. It is that separation of powers and the need to compromise that provides the checks and balances critical to a thriving democracy. And the judiciary keeps an eye on both of the other branches.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Michael Johnson (D)

Mental Health

Drug Addiction Gun Violence Homelessness Aging Population

D.J. Johnson (R)

1. Funding our pension systems. Decades of underfunding have created a crisis in our pension systems. Since 2015, we have begun to not only fully fund the pensions, but have also provided additional funding. We must stay the course to save our pensions. It will take several years to get our funds healthy, but if we stay the current course, it will happen,

2. As I have said multiple times above, safety and security will always be a priority. We must continue to strive for a balance between personal freedom and community safety. It will never be easy, but it must be done.

3. Effective education policies must be developed. For decades, Kentucky has lagged behind other states in this area. We must review how we do education and modernize our procedures with the best interest of each and every student as the very top priority.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Michael Johnson (D)

The benefits of unicameral is no filibuster, Provides room for faster process of law making and is applicable in moments of emergency. Easier to maintain and would be cheaper to run financially since there is only one legislature chamber. The disadvantages is there may not be adequate representation, Bills will probably not be properly debated before they pass. One chamber does all the work and no assistance from the second chamber.

D.J. Johnson (R)

We have a bicameral legislature for a reason. The Senate focuses more on broad-reaching policy issues, while the House members are the most closely connected state-level elected officials. It is their job to keep in close touch with their constituents, and represent them as well as local governments. I see no benefit to a unicameral legislature.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Michael Johnson (D)

No, This is what makes a government a democracy, the ability of the people to elect a person who will work for the people and have their interest at heart.

D.J. Johnson (R)

It can be a benefit, but is certainly not necessary. I didn't.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Michael Johnson (D)

Yes, I believe it important to have those relationships because we should always work together for good of the people we serve.

D.J. Johnson (R)

Of course. We do not live in a static environment, Having trusted relationships allows for real and honest discussion of the issues without judging each other. Good communications in all levels lead to good laws.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Michael Johnson (D)

I believe the process should be transparent and fair.

D.J. Johnson (R)

The current process actually works. When the majority party actually follows the guidelines as stated in our constitution, the process works. The majority party does the bulk of the work, but they listen to the concerns of the minority party and others. And the judiciary provides oversite. This combination of communication, cooperation and oversight works. It did in Kentucky this year.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Michael Johnson (D)

Health And Family Services

Economic Development and Workforce Investment

House Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection

D.J. Johnson (R)

N/A

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

D.J. Johnson (R)

I'm on four committees: State Government; Local Government; Economic Development and Workforce Investment; and Energy and Natural Resources.

I picked State Government because it deals with the widest spectrum of issues across the Commonwealth. I picked Local Government because I felt it would best allow me to interact with our city and county governments. I picked Economic Development because I consider that one of the most critical aspects of state government's involvement in our daily lives.

I picked Energy and Natural Resources because of the large presence of both in our region.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

D.J. Johnson (R)

I look for admirable traits in all of our legislators. Nobody is perfect, so I don't limit myself to just one person.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

D.J. Johnson (R)

Not at this time.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Michael Johnson (D)

I talk to people all the time but one particular story stands out to me. I talked to a family that was really struggling and they needed assistance in food insecurity. She said the government had reduced her food assistance funds with no warning and she has 4 children to take care of and trying to work and provide but she still couldn't get ahead. This should not happen in Kentucky but it's a reality for so many families. We need a living wage in this State so people can simply live and take care their families.

D.J. Johnson (R)

There have been so many it's hard to pick just one. It is the most gratifying and enjoyable part of this job. I'll describe one story from the most recent legislative session, which will also describe my philosophy with respect to sponsoring legislative bills. Last winter, Jeremy Camron, the principal for our local alternative high school program, came to me with a situation. He had high school seniors who had a history of not progressing towards a high school diploma, but, too late, recognized how important that degree would be in adult life. The problem was that even though they had no chance to graduate, they had to stay in school until they were 18 years old. Additionally, they could not start the process to get their GED until they were out of high school. The classic Catch-22. Working with Principal Camron, the Kentucky Association of School Administrators and others, I sponsored a bill to correct this problem. The bill allows for these students, with the approval of the local School Superintendent, to begin the process of obtaining their GED while still in high school, rather than just mark time until they turn 18. This allows them to enter the adult job market with that all-important GED when they finish school. This will affect a small number of students, but for those students, it will prove to be life-changing. This is the process I use when considering bills to sponsor. Be available to my constituents; listen to their problems; and where possible and appropriate, fight for the legislative changes needed to improve the lives of my constituents.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Michael Johnson (D)

No, We should leave certain emergency powers to the Governor and work with the executive branch collectively.

D.J. Johnson (R)

This goes back to the principle of constitutional checks and balances between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. The Governor must have, and does have, the authority to act during emergency situations in the commonwealth. The perfect example is the tragic flooding now happening in Eastern Kentucky. The Governor can not be expected to ask for approval of the General Assembly to act in these emergency situations. The problem comes when a Governor uses an emergency, or simply declares an emergency, to enact laws of his or her own. An example would be when our current Governor unilaterally began creating laws under the auspices of the Covid-19 outbreak. He unilaterally declared that some businesses and institutions could stay open (for example, big box stores, groceries, abortion centers, and liquor stores), but demanded that other entities (cancer treatment centers, churches, restaurants, etc.) must close until he deems it safe to open. This crossed the line from responding to short-term emergency situations to creating laws while bypassing the legislative process. The final check and balance occurred when the Kentucky Supreme Court repeatedly ruled that the Governor overstepped his authority when he made these unilateral laws. This is a perfect example of our constitutional process working properly.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Michael Johnson (D)

Yes we have to be able to work together as a collective body in order to come to a desired result for the people we represent.

D.J. Johnson (R)

Yes. Government without compromise (or simply working for the common good) is dictatorship. While I will not sacrifice my core values, I can and do work with anyone who will work with me, regardless of political leanings or station in life.

See also

More about these elections:

• Kentucky House of Representatives elections, 2022

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