Full Biography for Paul Johnson

Candidate for
Governor

Paul Johnson is the Democratic candidate for Governor of Arizona. A successful businessman, former Mayor, and proud husband and father, Paul has always been proud to be a native Arizonan.

In 1990, Paul was elected Mayor of Phoenix - the eighth largest city in America. At the age of 30, after serving only four years on the Phoenix City Council, Paul became the youngest Mayor of a major American city. In 1993, he was re-elected with 99.7 percent of the vote.

Paul is recognized for his innovative approach to governing as Mayor. Combining a tough leadership style with the ability to find consensus on tough issues, Paul's tenure as Mayor brought a new age of prosperity to Phoenix. He is known for his work on education, the environment, crime, and children's issues. Paul led Phoenix through its worst economic period since the great depression, while holding the line on taxes and bringing jobs to the Valley. Under his leadership, Phoenix was voted Best Run City in the World.

Paul brought about the nation's first kids gun law, the curfew program, secured a 90 acre park at the Indian School site, averted a major transit strike, and helped America West Airlines through bankruptcy. He has established international contacts through economic development, was a YPLC representative for the State Department in the Middle East, and was selected by President George Bush to help Poland during its first local elections in 40 years.

Paul started his first business at the age of 18, opening a local contracting company. Faced with a tough market and financial difficulties, Paul used hard work and dedication to save his struggling business, and within a few years was able to open a second general contracting firm. Paul's most recent professional activities included serving as CEO and founder of several telecommunication companies, including: Comsites, a site acquisition company for telecommunications; and Third Millennium, a company that designs, engineers and manages installation of telecommunication networks. He recently sold his interests in Third Millennium and has halted new contracting bids with Comsites.

Today Paul serves as a board member of Habitat for Humanity, a member of ASU's Blue Ribbon advisory committee, a member of the Make-a-Wish advisory board, Phoenix Little Theater Advisory Board, and a member of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. He has been active in numerous school communities focusing on safety and school uniforms. Paul has been chosen Arizona Citizen of the Year, one of the Phoenix J.C.'s outstanding young men of 1989, and one of the Best Young Men in America.

Paul has been featured in People Magazine, USA Today, Forbes Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, as well as a number of other national and local publications. He was a featured speaker at the 1992 Democratic National Convention.

Paul is married to his high school sweetheart, Christa Johnson. The couple has two sons, Paul III and Justin.