Born in LeRoy, Osceola County, Johnson was an honors graduate of Pine River High School.
He was also owner and operator of the family dairy and tree farm, on the board of the Rose Lake Youth Camp, and is active in the Osceola County Community Foundation.
In 2015, Johnson signed an amicus brief asking the United States Supreme Court to make same-sex marriage legal nationwide.
[4] On April 6, 2023, the FBI and U.S. Attorney's office announced that a plea agreement had been made with Johnson and three others as part of a medical marijuana bribery scheme.
Marijuana company owners stated they had paid Johnson over $110,000 in cash and services for licensing approval.