Michael Johnson

Age: 71

Registered political party: Republican

Where they live: Altamonte Springs

Where they work: Retired

Prior work experience: United States Army and Department of Defense Agencies for 36 years.

Prior political experience: Republican Precinct Committeeman. Ran for Florida Senate in 2022 and ran for Congress in 2024

Platform: “Michael Don Johnson will put Florida families first, and support priorities that make our nation safe and proud of its heritage and values.”

Why they are running: Michael Don Johnson is a veteran and lifelong Republican, and longtime resident of Seminole County. According to Johnson, he brings more than three decades of service in federal defense and investigative work exposing and stopping fraud, waste, and abuse in government. Johnson said he is dedicated to protecting America’s interests, championing fiscal responsibility, and strengthening national security. After 36 years of federal service, Johnson said he’s running because the people of District 7 deserve a representative who will always stand for transparency, accountability, and the constitutional right to free speech. “I will never vote to silence debate in Congress, especially regarding threats made by fellow members,” Johnson wrote. “The American people deserve honesty and open dialogue — not backroom deals.”

Most recent campaign finance report: $44,694.82 in contributions, including a $41,730 contribution from the candidate, according to Federal Elections Commission data as of July 27.

Endorsements: None to report.

Fun fact about the candidate: He puts family first, as a father and grandfather, and enjoys the company and adventures of both family and friends.

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race were asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

Foreign influence that is out to change the values of our nation is the greatest threat to our nation. I will introduce legislation and a Constitutional amendment to require all members of Congress and federal judges to be born in the United States.
Run away spending by federal government agencies is driving us into bankruptcy. I will introduce legislation that will require the federal budget be separated into two parts: all of the social programs – Social Security, workers’ comp, unemployment insurance, etc. – be separated from the Cabinet department budgets. Programs that support the social net programs must show specific sources of funding. The Cabinet agencies must be specific as to where their funding comes from. A detailed audit must be done on each and require audits by [an] independent organization to look for savings and/or sources of funding.
Many seniors and veterans are being neglected by the social net programs and Veterans Agency. I will introduce legislation that will require these agencies to create offices that will require help to [those] having issues getting their benefits. I will also introduce legislation that will allow seniors and vets to earn tax credits to help them.

For incumbents: Why do you deserve re-election to this race? For challengers and open seats: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race?
We need term limits. I am the most qualified based on my work experience.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue?
Give first-time homebuyers tax credits. Help end regulations that add expenses to homeowners. Encourage industry to be required to compete on costs of insurance, electricity, water and sewer costs. Add competition in utilities industries.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions?
I will vote yes. Cities and counties must give up their non-government spending. Privatize non-essential services.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond?
Build data centers near our oceans and large water bodies to use cooler water and build salination plants to help water needs. Innovate electricity inventions to reduce costs of cooling, heating, cooking and other forms of products that run on electricity. Florida utility regulators must include those outside the big companies that have a grip on residents.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida?
Water and sewer issues that impact our aquifer. Flooding is wrecking havoc on local older cities.

Do you agree with the current federal and state governments’ approaches to immigration enforcement? Why or why not?
Yes. Illegal immigrants must follow the law.

Do you believe abortion restrictions in Florida should be more strict, less strict or stay the same?
Stay the same.

Readers shared concerns about overdevelopment in the Greater Oviedo and Winter Springs community. We know that local municipalities must allow for density based on state population projections. What can be done at the state level to balance property owners’ rights and the desires of your constituents?
Government has the authority to regulate commerce. Property owners must be given community rights to live the way they bought into a local community. Allowing commercial entities to take that away can be stopped by using Government commerce clause and regulations.

Readers complained about roadway traffic in the community. What steps would you take to address this issue from the office that you’re seeking?
Local traffic verse commuter traffic must be looked at. It’s time to create another version of the National Interstate and Defense Highway Act.

Do you support AI data centers being built in the community. Why or why not? What would you do to curtail or incentivize their development?

I am against building AI centers in Seminole County.

How do you balance the idea of home rule when state lawmakers preempt decisions from local governments?
State government actually allows and controls the creation of local government “organizations.” Local governments have gone beyond their core mission of protection of our freedoms.

Do you support the rural boundary in Seminole County? How do you balance that with private landowners’ rights to build?
Yes, I support the rural boundary.