Ron Johnson

Ron Johnson, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin.

Official Biography

Both of Ron’s parents were born and raised on farms. Their work ethic and small-town values were naturally passed along to their own children. As a result, Ron has worked hard all his life. As a boy, he mowed lawns, shoveled snow, delivered papers, and caddied for a few extra bucks. At the age of 15, he obtained his first tax-paying job as a dishwasher in a Walgreens grill. He rose through the ranks as a soda jerk, fry cook, and finally night manager before reaching the age of 16.

He gained early acceptance to the University of Minnesota, so he skipped his senior year of High School and worked full time while obtaining his degree in business and accounting. In 1977, after graduating with a BSB-Accounting degree, he married his wife Jane, and started working as an accountant at Jostens. He also continued his education by enrolling in an MBA night program.

In July of 1979, Ron and Jane moved to Oshkosh to start a business with Jane’s brother. The company -PACUR- began producing plastic sheet for packaging and printing applications. Ron has been building the same business for the last 31 years. From operating the equipment, to keeping the company books, and selling its products, Ron has been involved in every function of the business. It is this body of experience and private sector perspective that he now brings to the Senate.

Ron came to Washington because the federal government is bankrupting America. He thinks it is important for citizen legislators to ally with those who are seriously facing that reality. Ron’s manufacturing background has taught him to attack the root cause of a problem, not mere symptoms. He believes huge deficits, slow economic activity, high unemployment and woefully inadequate job creation are severe symptoms of the problem – but not the root cause. The ever expanding size, scope and cost of government is.

Ron serves on the committees on the Budget, Commerce, Science and Transportation, Foreign Relations, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Small Business and Entrepreneurship. He resides in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with his wife Jane. They have three children.

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Wisconsin Congressional Delegation Reacts to Attack on Iran

Wisconsin Congressional Delegation Reacts to Attack on Iran

Democrats call Trump's decision to wage war illegal, Republicans defend president.

Hong, Barnes Lead Democratic Primary for Governor In New Poll

Hong, Barnes Lead Democratic Primary for Governor In New Poll

Marquette poll shows most voters undecided, with Taylor leading Lazar for high court.

Murphy’s Law: Bryan Steil Becomes Leading Election Denier
Murphy’s Law

Bryan Steil Becomes Leading Election Denier

The Republican congressman voted to uphold Trump’s 2020 defeat. What happened?

The State of Politics: Small Set of Counties Could Pick Democratic Candidate for Governor
The State of Politics

Small Set of Counties Could Pick Democratic Candidate for Governor

Tony Evers won just 16 of 72 counties in November 2022 election.

ICE Hearing Boils Over as Ron Johnson Accuses Minnesota AG of Endangering Protesters

ICE Hearing Boils Over as Ron Johnson Accuses Minnesota AG of Endangering Protesters

Johnson links Keith Ellison to the fatal shooting of two people by ICE agents; Ellison calls the performance theatrical.

Wisconsin US Sen. Tammy Baldwin Opposes GOP Bill to Restrict Voting

Wisconsin US Sen. Tammy Baldwin Opposes GOP Bill to Restrict Voting

Democrat said she's 'highly suspicious' of laws making it harder to vote

Ron Johnson Opposes Trump’s Call to ‘Nationalize’ Elections

Ron Johnson Opposes Trump’s Call to ‘Nationalize’ Elections

But GOP senator backs new limits on absentee voting, proof of citizenship.

Sen. Baldwin Demands End to ICE ‘Roving Patrols,’ Masked Agents

Sen. Baldwin Demands End to ICE ‘Roving Patrols,’ Masked Agents

Or will oppose DHS funding bill to continue ICE operations.

Milwaukee Protesters Rally Against ICE

Milwaukee Protesters Rally Against ICE

More than 1,000 protesters demand accountability following high-profile killings in Minneapolis.

Ron Johnson Won’t Negotiate DHS Funding, Heaps Blame on Democrats

Ron Johnson Won’t Negotiate DHS Funding, Heaps Blame on Democrats

Opposes calls for reform of Homeland Security, wants investigation of Pretti's killing.

Sen. Baldwin Demands Secretary Kristi Noem’s Resignation

Sen. Baldwin Demands Secretary Kristi Noem’s Resignation

Says Homeland Security leader 'lying,' causing 'total chaos.' Johnson blames Democrats.

Murphy’s Law: GOP Silence Is Deafening on Shooting of Alex Pretti
Murphy’s Law

GOP Silence Is Deafening on Shooting of Alex Pretti

Wisconsin members of Congress afraid to address ICE killing of a native son?

More Than Policy, Dem Candidates Differ on Style and Tone

More Than Policy, Dem Candidates Differ on Style and Tone

The seven-leading gubernatorial candidates participated in a forum Wednesday night.

Murphy’s Law: 10 Takeaways From Governor’s Race Donations
Murphy’s Law

10 Takeaways From Governor’s Race Donations

How much money was raised, and from who, tells us a lot about the candidates.

Ron Johnson Talking to Democrats About Partial ACA Fix

Ron Johnson Talking to Democrats About Partial ACA Fix

Wants to restore some of ACA tax credits. Tammy Baldwin open to compromise.

Fatal ICE Shooting Spurs Sharp Partisan Divide Among Wisconsin Leaders

Fatal ICE Shooting Spurs Sharp Partisan Divide Among Wisconsin Leaders

From calls to dismantle ICE to claims of domestic terrorism, state politicians offer starkly different reactions.

Priebus Doubts Tim Michels Will Enter Governor’s Race

Priebus Doubts Tim Michels Will Enter Governor’s Race

It's 'a little late,' says Republican who advised Michels failed 2022 campaign.

Back in the News: Did Tom Tiffany Lie About Venezuela?
Back in the News

Did Tom Tiffany Lie About Venezuela?

Leads WI Republicans making blatantly false claims. Grothman doubtful.

Mandela Barnes Is Democratic Front-Runner In Governor’s Race
Why Milwaukee Elections Are Always Viewed With Suspicion

Why Milwaukee Elections Are Always Viewed With Suspicion

A 'punching bag' for outstate Republican legislators?

Wisconsin Prosecution of 2020 Election Scheme Continues, Other States Falter

Wisconsin Prosecution of 2020 Election Scheme Continues, Other States Falter

Going after architects of election scheme rather than the 10 fake electors.

Ron Johnson Asks US DOJ to Intervene in Wisconsin False Electors Case

Ron Johnson Asks US DOJ to Intervene in Wisconsin False Electors Case

Senator wants charges against Republican Jim Troupis to be dropped.

Senate Votes Down Health Care Subsidies, Baldwin Says Prices Will Skyrocket

Senate Votes Down Health Care Subsidies, Baldwin Says Prices Will Skyrocket

Both Democratic and Republican health care bills failed to advance.

Mandela Barnes Aims to Raise $50 Million in Governor’s Race

Mandela Barnes Aims to Raise $50 Million in Governor’s Race

Plans to offer a 'unifying message to defeat extremists and extremism.'

Hales Corners Gets State Aid To Combat PFAS Contamination

Hales Corners Gets State Aid To Combat PFAS Contamination

Safe Drinking Water Loan Program helps smaller Wisconsin villages fund water projects.

Mandela Barnes Will Run for Governor

Mandela Barnes Will Run for Governor

Former Lt. Governor becomes front-runner in Democratic primary for governor.

House Unanimously Strips Budget Provision That Would Have Benefitted Sen. Ron Johnson, Others

House Unanimously Strips Budget Provision That Would Have Benefitted Sen. Ron Johnson, Others

The provision would let Johnson and 7 other Senators sue the DOJ for at least $500,000.

Brad Schimel Named Top Federal Prosecutor for Eastern Wisconsin

Brad Schimel Named Top Federal Prosecutor for Eastern Wisconsin

Interim appointment by Trump administration sidesteps established process.

Baldwin Says Trump Used Hungry Children As Political Pawns

Baldwin Says Trump Used Hungry Children As Political Pawns

Senator warns Wisconsinites could lose health care in wake of shutdown fight.

Do Big Democratic Wins Last Week Signal a Wisconsin Midterm Wave?

Do Big Democratic Wins Last Week Signal a Wisconsin Midterm Wave?

Trump approval declining, Wisconsin Democrats 'feeling more positive.'

Trump Pardons Wisconsin’s 10 Fake Electors

Trump Pardons Wisconsin’s 10 Fake Electors

Full list of 77 includes many who tried to overturn 2020 election.

Ron Johnson Flips Position on Ending Senate Filibuster

Ron Johnson Flips Position on Ending Senate Filibuster

In 2022, Johnson accused Democrats trying to eliminate filibuster of wanting 'absolute power.'

Back in the News: Ron Johnson’s New Conspiracy Theory
Back in the News

Ron Johnson’s New Conspiracy Theory

Demonizing prosecutor Jack Smith and distorting his investigation of Trump.

7th Congressional District Race Filling Up

7th Congressional District Race Filling Up

One year before mid-terms 3 Republicans, 2 Democrats running for open seat.

Murphy’s Law: Tom Tiffany Is a Leading Election Denier
Murphy’s Law

Tom Tiffany Is a Leading Election Denier

His brazen attempts to overturn a legal election shadow his run for governor.

Murphy’s Law: Do Democratic Candidates Need to Be More Moderate?
Murphy’s Law

Do Democratic Candidates Need to Be More Moderate?

Experts argue it will take a Democrat like Tony Evers to win the state.

Johnson, Baldwin Split on Trump’s Pick for Appeals Court Judge

Johnson, Baldwin Split on Trump’s Pick for Appeals Court Judge

U.S. Senate ready to approve Milwaukee prosecutor Rebecca Taibleson for position.

Wisconsin Wolf Harvest Regulations Take Effect in November

Wisconsin Wolf Harvest Regulations Take Effect in November

GOP lawmakers had requested modifications to the regulations, but the DNR decided against changes.

As Shutdown Continues, Wisconsinites Brace for Rising Health Insurance Costs

As Shutdown Continues, Wisconsinites Brace for Rising Health Insurance Costs

Democrats warn that Wisconsin health care costs could skyrocket if Affordable Care Act credits expire at the end of the year

Despite Conservative Backlash, Trump’s Wisconsin Judicial Pick Wins Key Endorsement

Despite Conservative Backlash, Trump’s Wisconsin Judicial Pick Wins Key Endorsement

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Taibleson's nomination to the 7th Circuit will next go before the full Senate.

FBI Obtained Ron Johnson’s Phone Records During Jan. 6 Investigation

FBI Obtained Ron Johnson’s Phone Records During Jan. 6 Investigation

Johnson was involved in attempt to get slate of false electors to then-VP Mike Pence.

The State of Politics: More Names Surface in Governor’s Race
The State of Politics

More Names Surface in Governor’s Race

And a new poll suggests another Democrat should consider getting in.

Republican Rep. Scott Krug Seeks Compromise on State Election Policies

Republican Rep. Scott Krug Seeks Compromise on State Election Policies

Veteran lawmaker hopes to quiet the conspiracy theories and rebuild public faith.

Wisconsin Wolf Population Stable at 1,200 According To New Estimate

Wisconsin Wolf Population Stable at 1,200 According To New Estimate

Population is 'settling in' as prime territory fills up.

Trump Approves Disaster Relief For 1,000-Year Milwaukee Storm

Trump Approves Disaster Relief For 1,000-Year Milwaukee Storm

Aid announcement comes with partisan pronouncement.

The State of Politics: Primaries Let Voters Pick Governor Candidates
The State of Politics

Primaries Let Voters Pick Governor Candidates

How many candidates will run? The list looks long.

Milwaukee’s Storm Cleanup Effort By The Numbers

Milwaukee’s Storm Cleanup Effort By The Numbers

Start with billions of gallons of water, end up with millions of dollars in damage and thousands of hours of cleanup.

Council Members Pitch Trump to Declare FEMA Emergency

Council Members Pitch Trump to Declare FEMA Emergency

Dimitrijevic and Chambers lead letter urging FEMA help after 1000-year rainstorm.

Data Wonk: Abortion, Public Opinion and Court Rulings
Data Wonk

Abortion, Public Opinion and Court Rulings

Recent decision by Wisconsin Supreme Court raises questions.

US Sen. Ron Johnson Flip Flops on Trump Budget Bill

US Sen. Ron Johnson Flip Flops on Trump Budget Bill

After leading opposition to omnibus bill, Johnson votes to move it forward.

Wisconsin’s Congressional Members Divided on Iran Bombing

Wisconsin’s Congressional Members Divided on Iran Bombing

Republicans back Trump's attack, Democrats say approval from Congress needed.

Wisconsin Democrats Elect Devin Remiker as New Party Chair

Wisconsin Democrats Elect Devin Remiker as New Party Chair

Succeeds Ben Wikler, who said of Remiker: 'He gets rural. He gets grassroots.'

Wisconsin’s Congressional Members Divided on Trump Use of Military in L.A.

Wisconsin’s Congressional Members Divided on Trump Use of Military in L.A.

Decision defies wishes of California's governor

Sen. Baldwin Hears From Parents About MPS Lead Crisis, Chides RFK Jr. 

Sen. Baldwin Hears From Parents About MPS Lead Crisis, Chides RFK Jr. 

Still no help from federal government. 'These children are people.'

Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson Blasts Budget Bill, Rising National Debt

Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson Blasts Budget Bill, Rising National Debt

Backs hundreds of billions in federal cuts, saying only 'grifters' would be affected.

Ron Johnson Says He’s ‘More Tea Party Than Republican,’ Opposes Big Beautiful Bill

Ron Johnson Says He’s ‘More Tea Party Than Republican,’ Opposes Big Beautiful Bill

Senator envisions greater expenditures oversight role for Congress.

Wisconsin Republicans Urge Unity Amid Divisions at State Convention

Wisconsin Republicans Urge Unity Amid Divisions at State Convention

April election losses bemoaned. Need to unify behind Trump's agenda stressed.

The State of Politics: Republicans Face Big Questions at State Convention
The State of Politics

Republicans Face Big Questions at State Convention

Big loss in spring election, party divisions, and who will run for governor?

Murphy’s Law: Will Richland County Turn Against Trump?
Murphy’s Law

Will Richland County Turn Against Trump?

Wisconsin’s rural counties may suffer -- a lot -- from his policies.

Federal Immigration Officials Wrongfully Told Fox Valley Man to Leave U.S.

Federal Immigration Officials Wrongfully Told Fox Valley Man to Leave U.S.

Retiree warned to 'depart immediately... the federal government will find you.'

Back in the News: Ron Johnson Charges 9/11 Was Inside Job
Back in the News

Ron Johnson Charges 9/11 Was Inside Job

Pushes conspiracy theory, calls for congressional hearing.

Wisconsin and Great Lakes Research Would Be Hurt By Federal NOAA Cuts

Wisconsin and Great Lakes Research Would Be Hurt By Federal NOAA Cuts

Proposed 25% cut would affect institutes, labs and programs in Wisconsin.

Elon Musk Hands Out Two $1 million Checks at Green Bay Rally

Elon Musk Hands Out Two $1 million Checks at Green Bay Rally

Wisconsin Supreme Court race could affect ‘entire destiny of humanity’ he declares.

Murphy’s Law: How Federal Education Cuts Will Hurt Wisconsin
Murphy’s Law

How Federal Education Cuts Will Hurt Wisconsin

Big cuts for public schools, poor and disabled students, school lunches and more.

Ron Johnson Says ‘We Have to Thank Elon’ If Schimel Wins Wisconsin

Ron Johnson Says ‘We Have to Thank Elon’ If Schimel Wins Wisconsin

Musk 'wants a lackey' on state Supreme Court, Susan Crawford's campaign charges.

Schimel, Republicans Target Trump Voters in State Supreme Court Race

Schimel, Republicans Target Trump Voters in State Supreme Court Race

'The idea that court races are completely without partisan influences, that’s gone.'

Poll Shows Many Don’t Know About Crawford or Schimel in High Court Race

Poll Shows Many Don’t Know About Crawford or Schimel in High Court Race

Marquette Law School poll also finds majority of voters view Elon Musk unfavorably.

Federal Workers in Wisconsin Fight Their Firings After Mass Layoffs

Federal Workers in Wisconsin Fight Their Firings After Mass Layoffs

'A slap in the face.' Most were probationary staff. Many were veterans.

State Legislators Disagree on Budget Impact of Massive Proposed Federal Cuts

State Legislators Disagree on Budget Impact of Massive Proposed Federal Cuts

28% of current, $98.7 billion state budget came from federal funding. Medicaid a big issue.

Johnson, Baldwin Offer Radically Different Views on Musk During Town Halls

Johnson, Baldwin Offer Radically Different Views on Musk During Town Halls

Baldwin criticized cuts, while Johnson called Musk one of the most 'brilliant' humans 'that ever walked on planet Earth.'

Protestors in Madison Oppose Federal Budget Cuts for Medicaid

Protestors in Madison Oppose Federal Budget Cuts for Medicaid

Hundreds gather outside Sen. Ron Johnson's office. $880 billion could be cut.

Minocqua Brewing Company Owner Courts Controversy, Donations, But Super PAC Raises Questions

Minocqua Brewing Company Owner Courts Controversy, Donations, But Super PAC Raises Questions

Kirk Bangstad portrays himself as a fighter, but a string of failed lawsuits and unexplained super PAC spending raise questions.

Pocan Joins State Democrats To Warn of Local Impacts From Federal Cuts

Pocan Joins State Democrats To Warn of Local Impacts From Federal Cuts

"Stop the Republican Rip Off" event highlights potential cuts to Medicaid, other services.

Federal Workers in Wisconsin Fired Amid Nationwide Layoffs

Federal Workers in Wisconsin Fired Amid Nationwide Layoffs

Workers with US Forest Service and National Park Service among those affected.

Wisconsin Has 18,000 Federal Workers. How Many Will Be Lost?

Wisconsin Has 18,000 Federal Workers. How Many Will Be Lost?

Workers face buyouts, layoffs. Delivery of services in state may suffer.

Murphy’s Law: Wisconsin Congress Members Condemn Musk Takeover
Murphy’s Law

Wisconsin Congress Members Condemn Musk Takeover

Baldwin, Moore, Pocan outraged. Republican Glenn Grothman not sure.

How to Prevent and Prepare for Wildfires in Wisconsin

How to Prevent and Prepare for Wildfires in Wisconsin

State has more than 1,000 per year. Nearly half of its towns, cities, villages at high risk.

Full-Speed Ahead For Sean Duffy To Serve As Transportation Secretary

Full-Speed Ahead For Sean Duffy To Serve As Transportation Secretary

Former Wisconsin congressman finds bipartisan support, discusses policy during confirmation hearing.

Ron Johnson Reintroduces Bill To Ban Transgender Athletes From School Sports

Ron Johnson Reintroduces Bill To Ban Transgender Athletes From School Sports

Legislation was blocked by Democratic U.S. Senate majority last year, but GOP now controls Legislative and Executive branches.

The State of Politics: A Christmas Gift List For State Officials
The State of Politics

A Christmas Gift List For State Officials

What would Tony Evers, Robin Vos, Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson like to get?

City Hall: Milwaukee’s Deputy Elections Administrator Quits
City Hall

Milwaukee’s Deputy Elections Administrator Quits

Bonnie Chang resigned following presidential election. MEC declined to comment.

The State of Politics: Wisconsin Voters Again Color State Purple
The State of Politics

Wisconsin Voters Again Color State Purple

The state continues to flip back and forth between two parties, two ideologies.

Murphy’s Law: Was Jonathan Brostoff Bullied?
Murphy’s Law

Was Jonathan Brostoff Bullied?

Some Democrats point finger at Shepherd Express, others for Brostoff’s suicide.

Kaul Says DOJ Will Defend Wisconsin’s Rights Following Trump Election

Kaul Says DOJ Will Defend Wisconsin’s Rights Following Trump Election

Attorney General will fight any threats to 'the freedoms of Wisconsinites.'

Republicans Retain Majority in Wisconsin Assembly

Republicans Retain Majority in Wisconsin Assembly

Democrats make some gains under new competitive political maps drawn by Gov. Evers.

Sen. Ron Johnson Appears at Milwaukee’s Central Count, Calls It ‘Unbelievably Sloppy’

Sen. Ron Johnson Appears at Milwaukee’s Central Count, Calls It ‘Unbelievably Sloppy’

Johnson sows doubt, while city insists there is a clear chain of custody for paper ballots.

How State’s Election Rules Have Changed

How State’s Election Rules Have Changed

2020's false election claims led to 2022 rule changes in Wisconsin that are now overturned, even as lawsuits filed.

Murphy’s Law: Can Harris Win Wisconsin?
Murphy’s Law

Can Harris Win Wisconsin?

Why Democrats are confident. And how the state's geography could upset expectations.

Trump Tells Voters in Milwaukee He Doesn’t Want Their Money, ‘I Want Your Damn Vote’

Trump Tells Voters in Milwaukee He Doesn’t Want Their Money, ‘I Want Your Damn Vote’

In another digressive speech, Trump attacks his enemies and offers lofty promises to his supporters.

The State of Politics: Wisconsin Voters Could Do Something They Haven’t Done in 29 Years
The State of Politics

Wisconsin Voters Could Do Something They Haven’t Done in 29 Years

Rejecting proposed voting definition constitutional amendment would be third defeated amendment in 2024.

Dems Need To Win Three Key Senate Races For Control of Wisconsin Government

Dems Need To Win Three Key Senate Races For Control of Wisconsin Government

Races could create pathway for Democratic control of Senate or lock-in Republican control for years.

Van Orden’s Outspoken Nature Key Issue in Competitive Congressional Race

Van Orden’s Outspoken Nature Key Issue in Competitive Congressional Race

Republican Derrick Van Orden faces challenge from Democrat Rebecca Cooke in western Wisconsin.

Republican US Senate Challenger Eric Hovde Says He Has the Momentum

Republican US Senate Challenger Eric Hovde Says He Has the Momentum

He's trailed Democratic Baldwin in nearly all polls. But the race may be tightening.

Trailing in Polls, Hovde, Republicans Hope For ‘Change Election’

Trailing in Polls, Hovde, Republicans Hope For ‘Change Election’

A close examination of the campaign strategies for Wisconsin's high-profile U.S. Senate race.

Abortion Rights Proving to Be Potent Issue

Abortion Rights Proving to Be Potent Issue

It drove Democratic turnout in state in 2022. Now recast as 'freedom,' even more punch?

Murphy’s Law: Will Western Wisconsin Shock the Nation?
Murphy’s Law

Will Western Wisconsin Shock the Nation?

Republican-held congressional district could elect Democratic challenger.

Women Could Decide Wisconsin Elections

Women Could Decide Wisconsin Elections

Moms for Liberty vs. Motherhood for Good?

Trump Speaks in Rural Wisconsin on Saturday, Pushes Early Voting

Trump Speaks in Rural Wisconsin on Saturday, Pushes Early Voting

Two-hour speech at airport in Mosinee offers false claims about his criminal cases.

Will Liberal Dane County Decide Presidential Election?

Will Liberal Dane County Decide Presidential Election?

County has grown by about 43,000 since 2016, when Trump got 23% of vote.

The State of Politics: Democrats Think Referendum Success Was A Preview of November Win
The State of Politics

Democrats Think Referendum Success Was A Preview of November Win

But conservatives say funding referendum's failure was a result of out-of-state spending.

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