Steve Johnson, a longtime public policy professional and small business owner, has officially announced his candidacy for Owensboro City Commissioner. His campaign centers around the message “Embracing the Future While Honoring the Past,” a phrase he says reflects his deep commitment to the community that raised him.
“Owensboro is the community that shaped me and gave me every opportunity to serve,” Johnson said. “I am running because I believe in our people and in the promise of this city. Leadership matters, and I want to help build a community where every family feels supported and hopeful about the future.”
Though Johnson has never held elected office, he said his background includes work with the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. He later served as Assistant County Administrator for Daviess County and has worked in both the public and private sectors to secure more than $130 million in support for jobs, innovation, and healthcare.
In Owensboro, he has been involved with organizations including the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, Visit Owensboro, and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, where he served as a trustee.
Johnson said he decided to run following months of prayer, reflection, and conversations with community members. He views his candidacy as an act of stewardship rather than personal ambition.
“I’m in it not for myself, but strictly for stewardship, to try and elevate what we’re doing as a community,” he said. “It’s about getting stuff done.”
He said his campaign will focus on four pillars: economic development, neighborhood connectivity, trustworthy leadership, and building a future for families.
Johnson said he’s especially passionate about helping Owensboro grow its local economy through support for small businesses, job creation, tourism, and strategic investment.
“I learned a lot through my work with the Bluegrass Music Initiative,” Johnson said. “It showed me how important it is to bring new investment here while also supporting the businesses that have been here for decades.”
Johnson also emphasized the importance of neighborhood infrastructure, walkability, clean environments, and public safety partnerships. He believes that building strong communities starts at the block level, and he plans to prioritize projects that enhance quality of life across Owensboro.
Another key focus for Johnson is accessibility. He plans to launch a “listening tour” in early January, holding public forums to hear directly from residents about their needs and concerns.
“I’ve always believed that leadership starts with listening,” he said. “This campaign is just the beginning. I want to hear from people about housing, youth opportunities, neighborhood safety, and infrastructure. We need to make sure this is a vibrant, connected city where the next generation sees a future.”
Though his resume includes work in both Republican and Democratic administrations, Johnson said he does not plan to campaign on party affiliation.
“I don’t think it matters, particularly at the local level,” he said. “We need to go after what it is we need to do and get it done. Period.”
Johnson said his decision-making style is rooted in transparency and collaboration. He acknowledged that progress sometimes requires compromise or even complete pivots, but said he will always work to build consensus and prioritize public input.
“I want to be available to people,” he said. “If someone takes the time to call or text, I’ll get back to them. I may not always agree, but I’ll always listen. That’s how we move forward together.”
Johnson, 62, is a graduate of Owensboro High School and has worked across Kentucky and Washington, D.C. He currently owns two businesses and remains active in civic and cultural initiatives. He said his mother, a former Owensboro City Commissioner, was one of the first women elected to that role in the late 1970s.
“She did a lot of great things for this city,” Johnson said. “I want to continue that legacy — by listening, by learning, and by getting things done.”
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