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Republican (1854-present)

Ron Johnson

Both of Ron’s parents were born and raised on farms. Their work ethic and small-town values were naturally passed along to their own children. As a result, Ron has worked hard all his life. As a boy, he mowed lawns, shoveled snow, delivered papers, and caddied for a few extra bucks. At the age of 15, he obtained his first tax-paying job as a dishwasher in a Walgreens grill. He rose through the ranks as a soda jerk, fry cook, and finally night manager before reaching the age of 16.

He gained early acceptance to the University of Minnesota, so he skipped his senior year of High School and worked full time while obtaining his degree in business and accounting. In 1977, after graduating with a BSB-Accounting degree, he married his wife Jane, and started working as an accountant at Jostens. He also continued his education by enrolling in an MBA night program.

VETERANS

We owe our respect and our support to the men and women who have volunteered to serve this great nation. Since joining the Senate in 2011, Senator Johnson has pushed for needed reforms in multiple areas to ensure that our veterans, the finest among us, receive the quality care they deserve.

Investigating Abuses at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

In January 2015, Senator Johnson was troubled to hear allegations that some doctors were “dispensing drugs like candy” at the Tomah VA Medical Center in Wisconsin. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC), Senator Johnson immediately launched an investigation.

Over the course of the investigation:

  • Senator Johnson’s staff spoke with countless whistleblowers and victims of the Tomah tragedies, and conducted formal interviews of witnesses with knowledge of the tragedies.
  • Senator Johnson chaired multiple hearings related to the tragedies at the Tomah VA, including a bipartisan field hearing in Tomah to hear the testimony of whistleblowers, family members, VA officials and VA Inspector General officials.
  • Senator Johnson’s inquiries of the VA Office of the Inspector General led to greater transparency, including the publication of previously unreleased reports dating back to 2006.
  • Senator Johnson released an interim report on the Tomah VA investigation on June 25, 2015.
  • Senator Johnson released the final report on the investigation on May 31, 2016. 

In addition to uncovering abuses at the VA via the HSGAC investigation, Senator Johnson has authored and cosponsored numerous pieces of legislation aimed at bringing accountability to federal agencies, protecting whistleblowers and improving veterans’ health care.