Michael Johnson

Editor’s note: Johnson responded to Oviedo Community News by email

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:  Johnson has raised $14,203, according to Federal Elections Commission data, and has $9,996 cash on hand. 

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.

Author

Megan is co-founder and editor-in-chief of Oviedo Community News, the only independent news source for Greater Oviedo and Winter Springs. She oversees editorial content, policy and staff. She attends meetings, sends out the e-newsletter and curates conversations in the community to understand the information gaps that OCN needs to fill. She also works to create partnerships that can strengthen the bond between community and newsroom.

She has served as an award-winning community journalist for more than 20 years, including as associate editor for the East Orlando Sun and a reporter for the Seminole Voice, the Winter Park-Maitland Observer and Orlando Magazine.
In 2024, Megan was named Editor of the Year by the Society for Professional Journalism. With the Central Florida Foundation and Central Florida Public Media, she co-found the News Collaborative of Central Florida, a collective of independent local news outlets and aligned partners working toward a more informed and engaged Central Florida.
She served as treasurer for the Florida Press Club for seven years and has won awards from the Institute for Nonprofit News, the Florida Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalism. Megan holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism (now called the Reed College of Media) at West Virginia University.

Megan also loves yoga, running and playing board games with her family.