Rep. Tim Johnson, R-15, spoke to the Champaign County Active Senior Republicans on Monday to announce his post-retirement plans.
After winning the primary for Republican representative of the 13th District last year, Johnson dropped his re-election bid, citing the desire to “fulfill my obligation to my family,” he said in a press conference April 5.
He will formally retire on Jan. 3 when his Republican successor, Rodney Davis, is sworn in. His retirement will conclude a 44-year-long career in public office, dating back to his time as an Urbana alderman, according to a press release on the event.
During his speech to the Senior Republicans, he expressed gratitude for support he received during his time serving the district.
“I leave with mixed emotions. … I’m just very grateful for the special support from you all,” Johnson said to the crowd.
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When asked if he would ever seek another public office, such as city council, Johnson said he wouldn’t.
While Johnson is retiring, he said he isn’t going to leave his career behind. He said he would continue to be politically active and support candidates.
Johnson will use his experience from his political career in his new role as political science professor at Illinois State University. He will be teaching a class on the war powers of Congress. Johnson said he expects to remain in this position for a few years.
“Being able to teach at ISU is really a labor of love,” he said in a press release. “The lessons of history are a passion for me and one I hope to share with young people for as long as I can contribute.”
Johnson also told attendees of the conference that he was made an associate at the Law Offices of Frederick W. Nessler and Associates, a firm with offices throughout Illinois.
“More than anything else we’ve done, we’ve tried to help people,” he said referring to his political career. “What they (the firm) do is what I do.”
Standing next to Johnson throughout the course of the interview was attorney Frederick Nessler, who spoke highly of the firm’s recent addition.
“We are very honored to have someone of Johnson’s caliber,” Nessler said.
Austin can be reached at [email protected].
