Content Article

“The voters in the 4th Congressional district were in tune with the electorate throughout the nation on November 7th,” said the serene and sophisticated Johnson, a longtime Buddhist, during an exclusive interview. “They elected me with 76 percent of the vote - a resounding victory. I think the people of the 4th were ready for change, ready for positive change, ready for solutions and not politics and that’s what this Congress is all about.”

His first ceremonial act as a Congressman was to walk the gauntlet of glad-handing CBC well-wishers as he took the last seat in the last row.

“It feels good to have good relations with my learned colleagues in the CBC as I learn the ropes,” said Johnson, who is being feverishly lobbied to align himself with the competing “Blue Dog” or conservative Democrats or the so-called “New Democrats” who represent the liberal wing of the party. “I’ve been talking about the politics of divisiveness and polarization for over a year, and that’s something that resonated with the voters of the 4th district and seemingly a theme that captivated the American electorate as well.”

Indisputably, Johnson’s political message, movement and perspective were in tune with the political pulse of the nation.

“These are the freshman who will enhance and invigorate the Congress and take us into the future,” said Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the nation’s first female Speaker of the House, arguably America’s third most powerful political position. “All of this vitality, all of this new leadership experience rooted in tradition, but not captives of the past shapers of the future challengers of the conscience of our nation that is what we see seated here before you. They will make the changes necessary to take our country in a new direction for all the people, not just a privileged few.”

The Georgia rookie, whose upset election is credited by a plethora of political pundits for igniting the Democrat revolt and rebirth, had arrived and his timing was seemed perfectly prophetic. Capitol Hill was abuzz and emboldened with the advent of the first Democrat majority in the House and Senate in 12 years. Democrats are once again back in control. The poignant political power shift and what it portends was palpable.

“We made history today and I wanted to be present in this major event,” said DeKalb socialite and entrepreneur, Tracy Jackson, following a picture-taking tour of the Congressman’s #1133 Longworth building office. “Mr. Johnson is phenomenal. I campaigned for him from beginning to end. I’m so happy for him. He’s a man of character.”

Throngs of energized and expectant African-American Democrats packed the streets and jammed the halls of Congress, as well as the three adjoining House member office buildings. Johnson’s entourage of family, friends, business interests, politicos and supporters numbered close to 200 – an impressive and telling turnout.

“Hank is a leader who listens to the people’s heart and genuinely represents their interests,” said Richard Brown, who proudly claims to be a 25-year-long friend of Johnson’s. “He’s always evaluated things from the people’s perspective and that’s bound to serve him well in this 110th Congress.”

“He has worked at the local level for such a long time as a Commissioner, and the fact that he has practiced law in DeKalb as a criminal attorney, he understands the needs and concerns of the people in DeKalb,” opines Comcast government affairs director, Stacy Cole.


Johnson suspects that his stunning election is a significant signal for our nation’s political fortunes.

“My fellow Democrats who have served longer have been toiling in the vineyards and the desert for the last 12 years. There is a sense of joyful expectation about the great things that are about to happen in this country,” the silver-haired Congressman muses. “My timing was real good and my hat is off to the voters of the 4th District for affording me this heady and historic opportunity to serve. I am humbled and honored.”

Johnson admits his “heart clinched up a little bit” when he raised his hand to be sworn in. “It was a sobering, solemn thought that now we are here this is it. Taking the oath of office was a tremendous moment that I will never forget.”