Ron Johnson

On November 2, 2010, Ron Johnson, a businessman with no prior political experience, was elected to the U.S. Senate representing the state of Wisconsin. He defeated Democratic incumbent Russ Feingold in a bid that was heavily influenced by the Tea Party movement, which supported policies advocating for lower taxes and reduced government spending. Johnson ran his campaign emphasizing his business acumen, his opposition to the Affordable Care Act, and concerns about the growing federal debt. The election was part of a wider Republican wave during the 2010 midterm elections that saw significant gains for the party in both congressional houses.

Ron Johnson officially took office as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin on December 31, 2010. As a new member of the Senate, he joined several committees, including the Committee on Budget and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. He also became known for his outspoken criticism of the federal government's fiscal policies, advocating for reduced government spending and tax cuts. Johnson's entry into the Senate marked the beginning of his political career, having previously been a businessman with no prior elected political experience.

In May 2015, Ron Johnson became the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. This position gave him significant influence over issues related to national security, including immigration and cybersecurity. As chair, Johnson prioritized border security measures, emphasized the importance of securing digital infrastructure, and scrutinized governmental waste. His leadership role in this committee was marked by a focus on strengthening the United States' defenses against various threats, both domestic and foreign.

Ron Johnson won re-election to the U.S. Senate from Wisconsin on November 8, 2016, defeating former senator Russ Feingold for the second time. Johnson's victory was part of a surprising series of Republican wins in a year that also saw Donald Trump win the presidency. Johnson's campaign focused on economic growth, national security, and his opposition to the Affordable Care Act. He continued to emphasize his background in business and fiscal conservatism, appealing to the state's voters and securing a victory in what was considered a competitive race.

Ron Johnson started his second term as the U.S. Senator from Wisconsin on January 10, 2017. Having been re-elected in the 2016 elections after defeating Russ Feingold again, Johnson continued to focus on issues such as national security, fiscal responsibility, and government transparency. During this term, he became the chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where he sought to address issues related to national security, immigration, and governmental accountability.

On September 25, 2019, Senator Ron Johnson became involved in the congressional inquiry into the Trump administration's dealings with Ukraine. His role grew as a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee when reports emerged that President Trump had asked the Ukrainian president to investigate Joe Biden, a political rival. Johnson was one of the Republicans asked to provide information about these dealings, and he found himself amidst discussions over whether the president's actions constituted an abuse of power. This involvement in the Ukraine investigation highlighted the tensions and political battles surrounding the impeachment inquiry at the time.

On December 11, 2020, Senator Ron Johnson held a controversial Senate hearing focusing on alleged election irregularities in the 2020 presidential election. The hearing was part of ongoing claims regarding election integrity following the victory of Joe Biden. Johnson, who chaired the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, invited witnesses who supported the claims of election fraud as well as those who disputed them. The hearing was met with criticism for promoting unsubstantiated claims, but Johnson defended it as necessary to address concerns among Americans about the election process.

On March 23, 2021, Senator Ron Johnson faced backlash for remarks made about the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Johnson stated in a radio interview that he did not feel threatened during the insurrection because he believed those storming the Capitol were not going to cause harm, referencing the attackers as 'people that love this country.' His comments were widely criticized as downplaying the severity of the events and the threats to lawmakers and law enforcement officers present at the Capitol during the attack.

On May 14, 2021, Senator Ron Johnson was among the Republicans who blocked the formation of a bipartisan congressional committee to investigate the January 6 Capitol riot. Johnson argued that existing investigations by federal agencies such as the FBI were sufficient, and he expressed concerns that a new committee would be politically motivated. This decision was part of a broader debate within Congress about how to address the events of January 6 and the security failures that allowed the breach of the Capitol. Johnson's position drew criticism from those who believed a comprehensive investigation was necessary.

On November 8, 2022, Ron Johnson won a third term as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, defeating Democratic candidate Mandela Barnes. Johnson's campaign focused on issues such as inflation, crime, and border security, striking a chord with voters concerned about economic and safety issues. Despite facing a strong challenge from Barnes and being considered one of the more vulnerable incumbent senators, Johnson managed to secure victory. The race was closely watched nationally as it was seen as critical for determining control of the Senate.