Mike Johanns

Michael Owen “Mike” Johanns (born June 18, 1950) is an American politician and member of the Republican Party who serves as the senior United States Senator from Nebraska. Previously he was the 38th Governor of Nebraska from 1999 to 2005 and was United States Secretary of Agriculture from 2005 to 2007, becoming the fourth Nebraskan to hold the position. On November 4, 2008, Johanns was elected to the United States Senate for the state, becoming one of only two new Republican senators (with Jim Risch of Idaho) heading into the 111th United States Congress.

In 2002 Johanns served as a Chair of the Midwestern Governors Association.

Early life, education, and law career
Johanns was born in Osage, Iowa, the son of Adeline Lucy (née Royek) and John Robert Johanns. His father was of German ancestry, and his maternal grandparents immigrated from Poland. Johanns is also reported to have Luxemburger ancestry. He grew up living and working on his family's farm. After graduating from high school, Johanns went on to study at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona. He earned a law degree from Creighton University. After his graduation, Johanns began practicing law in O'Neill and Lincoln, Nebraska.

Early political career
Johanns served on the Lancaster County Board from 1983 to 1987 as a Democrat. In 1988 he was elected to the Lincoln City Council where he served from 1989 to 1991. He was elected as Mayor of Lincoln in 1991 and then again in 1995 with no opposition: the last Republican elected to that office to date. (His successor, Dale Young, was appointed by the Lincoln City Council. )

Governor of Nebraska
He then ran successfully to become the 38th Governor of Nebraska in 1998 by defeating Democratic opponent Bill Hoppner by a margin of 54% to 46%. He won reelection in 2002 by a landslide, defeating Democrat Stormy Dean by a margin of 69% to 27%.

Secretary of Agriculture


On December 2, 2004, Johanns was nominated by President George W. Bush to replace outgoing Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman. As a result, he scrapped plans to run against Democratic Senator Ben Nelson in 2006. Johanns was confirmed by the Senate on January 20, 2005, hours after Bush's second inauguration. He tendered his resignation as Governor of Nebraska on that day. On the next day he was sworn in.

2008 election
On September 20, 2007, he resigned as Agriculture Secretary to run for the United States Senate. Johanns officially announced his bid on October 10, 2007 to run for the Senate seat to be vacated by Senator Chuck Hagel, who decided not to run for re-election. On November 4, 2008, he was elected to the United States Senate, defeating Democratic nominee Scott Kleeb in the general election.

Committee assignments

 * Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
 * Subcommittee on Energy, Science and Technology
 * Subcommittee on Domestic and Foreign Marketing, Inspection, and Plant and Animal Health (Ranking Member)
 * Subcommittee on Production, Income Protection and Price Support
 * Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
 * Subcommittee on Financial Institutions
 * Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development
 * Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Investment
 * Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
 * Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security
 * Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet
 * Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion
 * Subcommittee on Science and Space
 * Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security
 * Committee on Veterans' Affairs
 * Committee on Indian Affairs
 * Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles against Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr.

Caucus memberships

 * International Conservation Caucus
 * Parkinson’s Disease Caucus (Co-Chair)
 * Sportsmen's Caucus

Personal life
Johanns is married to Stephanie Johanns, a former Lancaster County Commissioner and Nebraska State Senator. They have two children and five grandchildren.

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