Sen. Ruth Johnson was first elected to the Michigan Senate in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Following redistricting, she now represents the people of the 24th District, which includes portions of Oakland, Macomb, Genesee and Lapeer counties. She previously chaired of the Senate Elections Committee and served as vice chair of the Senate Local Government Committee.
Ruth served from 2011 to 2018 as Michigan’s Secretary of State, where she made huge strides in streamlining operations, improving customer service and safeguarding elections. In 2004, Johnson was the first woman ever elected to serve as Oakland County clerk/register of deeds. From 1988 to 2004, she served 10 years on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives — where she served on the Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, Education, Health Policy, and Transportation committees.
Johnson is a graduate of Waterford Township High School and has an associate’s degree from Oakland Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University, and a master’s degree from Wayne State University with honors.