After withdrawing his election challenge in the 13th District Legislative race, DJ Johnson said he was looking for a way to continue serving Kentucky, but didn’t know what that looked like — until he received a call from the governor’s office.
Now a week into his new full-time position as a liaison between the Governor Matt Bevin’s office and the General Assembly, Johnson said he is enjoying the work.
“I am working on legislation, improving communications and making the process flow smoother,” Johnson said.
Last week was the deadline for filing bills in the Kentucky General Assembly. According to Johnson, that meant a lot of communications back and forth regarding priorities of the Senate and House delegations.
“When hundreds of bills are being filed, the more communication you can get between all parties is important,” Johnson said. “The sheer volume of different bills — it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks. My job is to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
The position means Johnson spends his weeks in Frankfort, but he returns to Owensboro on the weekends. Johnson said he is unsure of how long his position in the governor’s office.
“I am serving at the pleasure of the Governor,” Johnson said. “The position is there until he says differently.”
Johnson announced earlier this month that he will run for the 13th District seat again in 2020. Johnson said when he files for reelection in January of 2020, he will not be able to continue with his job in the governor’s office.
Johnson said that he believes this position will offer him a unique perspective should he be elected representative in 2020.
“I know I will gain a lot of valuable knowledge,” Johnson said. “This job will make me a better legislator.”
