Republican Senator Blake Johnson is a Christian Conservative who has consistently fought to protect life, defended the 2 nd Amendment, and cut taxes — to the tune of more than $500 million. As a farmer, Blake understands hard work, and he knows the importance of personal responsibility. In 2014, Blake helped lead the Republican wave in Northeast Arkansas when he was first elected to the State Senate.  Prior to his election, Blake served as an alderman in Corning. He is a graduate of Arkansas State University, and he and his wife, Tricia, have a son and a daughter. Blake and Tricia are members of the First Baptist Church of Corning.

Blake in the Senate

Senator Johnson is chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation, Technology, and Legislative Affairs. He also chairs the Legislative Council Highway Commission Review and Advisory Subcommittee. He is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Joint Performance Review Committee, and the Joint Energy Committee. Senator Johnson is on the Joint Budget Committee and the Arkansas Legislative Council.

During the 2021 regular session, Senator Johnson sponsored legislation to mandate inspections of abortion facilities and to limit drag racing motor vehicles on a public highway. He was the Senate sponsor of legislation to cut in half the annual registration fee on hybrid vehicles.

In past sessions, Senator Johnson sponsored legislation setting up a pilot program under which welfare recipients undergo testing for illegal drugs, in order to qualify for benefits. He sponsored a change in how the wealth index is calculated for school facilities funding. He was the Senate sponsor of legislation creating the Arkansas Future Grant Program.

Senator Johnson has sponsored “revolving door” legislation that requires legislators to wait at least two years after their retirement from the General Assembly before registering as a lobbyist. The law prohibits former legislators from working at an educational cooperative or local area agency on aging, until two years after they leave the legislature. He has co-sponsored major tax relief legislation, pro-life laws and legislation that reduces the fees for concealed carry permits.

Senator Johnson has sponsored bills affecting public schools, such as creating options for issuing a standard teaching license for nontraditional licensure programs, changing the number of professional development days required for teachers and strengthening background checks for public school teachers and employees.