Hank Johnson
DThis profoundly outrageous, election-eve raid on the home of a sitting congresswoman by Trump’s politicized, weaponized federal law enforcement machine is a desperate attempt to intimidate Muslim citizens from voting. We must not let that happen! https://t.co/66cLtQAJnv
Throughout GA-04 and beyond, we recognize and celebrate the many cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recommit to honoring the communities and traditions that have endured across generations and continue to shape our country.
Everyone deserves access to the care, support, and resources they need to thrive. This World Mental Health Day, we recommit to ending the stigma and making mental health care more accessible to all.
ATLANTA, GA — Today, four of the five members of the Georgia U.S. House of Representatives Democrat delegation and Rep. Joe Morelle of New York, the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration that oversees federal elections, sent a letter to the Georgia State Election Board pushing back on its Sept. 30 letter to the Department of Justice seeking their intervention in the state’s voting machines ahead of the November midterms elections, which are now in just 27 days. “We are greatly alarmed by the mischaracterizations, and clear partisan motivations, that underlie the “Formal Request” letter you submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice on September 30, 2026. This letter, which plainly misstates the requirements of federal law — and which requests the Attorney General take action exceeding the power of the Department of Justice — is a clear attempt to sow public mistrust in the security of American elections. We demand that the Georgia State Election Board (“SEB”) clarify to the voters of Georgia that the tested and certified voting systems in use in the state, which have been used for three federal elections, are legal, secure, and safe.” Read the full letter HERE and below. Georgia State Election Board 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE Floyd West Tower Suite 324 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Dear Mr. Mills: We are greatly alarmed by the mischaracterizations, and clear partisan motivations, that underlie the “Formal Request” letter you submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice on September 30, 2026. This letter, which plainly misstates the requirements of federal law—and which requests the Attorney General take action exceeding the power of the Department of Justice—is a clear attempt to sow public mistrust in the security of American elections. We demand that the Georgia State Election Board (“SEB”) clarify to the voters of Georgia that the tested and certified voting systems in use in the state, which have been used for three federal elections, are legal, secure, and safe. There is absolutely no ambiguity on this point: The voting system used by Georgia voters complies with state and federal law. Your unsubstantiated claim that Georgia’s voting system is “inconsistent” with the requirements of the Help America Vote Act (“HAVA”) is deeply troubling; one would expect that someone in your position would have some basic understanding of applicable federal election law. HAVA mandates that the United States Election Assistance Commission (“EAC”) “provide certification, decertification, and recertification of voting systems, as well as the accreditation of voting system testing laboratories.” The EAC also issues Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (“VVSG”), which cover “pre-voting, voting, and post-voting operations consistent with the definition of a voting system in HAVA Section 301(a).” And, as you should know, a state’s voting devices and software “must meet [VVSG specifications] in order to receive certification from the EAC.” Of course, Georgia’s voting system has undergone the EAC’s thorough testing process, as evidenced by the fact that the EAC has certified Georgia’s voting system, as required by Georgia’s statutory and regulatory regime. The intent of your letter is clear—to serve as a pretext for undermining public confidence in Georgia’s election results this November. Americans should know that the State Election Board does not administer Georgia’s elections. That responsibility rests with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State’s Elections Division. The SEB has important statutory oversight and rulemaking responsibilities, but those responsibilities should not be conflated with the actual administration and certification of Georgia elections. Nor should any erroneous SEB communication to the Department of Justice concerning Georgia’s elections be understood as anything more than partisan political actors’ attempt to justify future attempts to overturn a free and fair American election—an extraordinarily serious, and cynical, misuse of official communication. Public confidence in elections depends in substantial part upon public officials communicating accurately, responsibly, and within the scope of their statutory authority—and without incompetently, or intentionally, mischaracterizing the law. Georgians have used the state’s voting system for three straight federal elections—elections won by both Republicans and Democrats. And Georgia has one of the most rigorous, robust post-election audit regimes in the country—this is how we know that Georgia’s elections are free, fair, and secure. You should therefore promptly clarify the record, correct any inaccurate characterization of HAVA or Georgia’s voting-system requirements, and make clear that Georgia’s elections are administered by the Secretary of State and conducted using voting systems that have satisfied the certification requirements established by state and federal law. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, Reps. Joe Morelle (NY-25), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Everton Blair (GA-13). ###
On the third anniversary of the horrific October 7th attack that claimed more than 1200 lives, I continue calling for the immediate and permanent end to the bloodshed that continues to this day. We must never give up on the prospect of a lasting peace in the Middle East.
I am always grateful for the opportunity to speak with Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine. The work that MSM has done for the greater Atlanta community and beyond, even despite cuts to federal funding and grants, is invaluable and encouraging. Thank you for stopping by!
If you're not registered to vote, today is the last day to get that done. Register online, by mail or in-person: https://t.co/cgad2bJ5f2 Early voting starts Oct. 13. Vote early, in-person if you can. Let's get this done y'all! https://t.co/YobouUxWFb
Some good news for your Friday: 160 young women from the Atlanta-area flew in the 11th annual Women Inspiring Next Generation (WING) Flight. I will always advocate for increasing access to opportunity within our aviation space, and I am heartened to see such a great example of why this work matters right here at home. Congratulations to all involved!
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) held two panel discussions. His first panel, “Protect The Culture: Stopping the Assault on Black Voices, Talent, and Influence”, explored legislative pathways and industry strategies to end targeted assaults on Black voices, ensuring Black journalists can report freely, Black athletes are protected from plantation exploitation, and Black entertainers can create without fear of their work being weaponized against them. The event was moderated by media personality Dr. Rashad Richey and included Georgia State Representative (D-108) and Democratic nominee for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, Dr. Jasmine Clark; respected journalist and author April Ryan; and Executive Director of Athletes.org, Brandon Copeland, as panelists. “Music artists have their lyrics used as evidence in court against them,” said Congressman Johnson, who is the author of the RAP Act that would put guardrails on the use of lyrics in criminal prosecutions. “Journalists receive threats for telling the truth. Black athletes like Colin Kaepernick, who spoke by taking a knee for justice, are blackballed – which sends a message to keep your mouth shut.” WATCH HERE His second panel, Judiciary/Justice for All Braintrust, explored that if our democracy is to survive the delicate system of checks and balances that has undergirded our system for 250 years must be restored. Congressman Johnson is the author of several court reform bills, including requiring SCOTUS justices to adhere to a binding code of ethics, setting term limits for justices at 18 years and expanding the court from nine to 13 justices. “Our democracy is under great threat,” said Congressman Johnson. “In my opinion, the greatest threat is not Donald Trump. It’s not the legislative branch under Republican control. It’s the Supreme Court. Our country was founded on the principles of three co-equal branches of government each operating as a check and balance on the other. This framework worked well for 250 years, but it’s being dismantled by the Supreme Court that is granting itself and the executive branch more power at the expense of the legislative branch.” The panel discussion was led by moderator The Nation journalist Elie Mystal and included panelists Nikolas Bowie, Louis D. Brandeis Professor of Law at Harvard Law School; Michele Goodwin, Linda D. & Timothy J. O’Neill Professor of Constitutional Law and Global Health Policy at Georgetown Law; and Maya Wiley, President/CEO at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. WATCH HERE ###
A great day helping GA-04 families get one step closer to their next adventure. Hundreds of constituents joined us for Passport Day at Stonecrest City Hall, and we were proud to help make the passport process a little easier for our community. Thank you to everyone who came out!
Trump is claiming fraud as a pretext to throw 760,000 people off Obamacare. This is another example of Trump’s cruelty as he desperately tries to divert attention from his quagmire war of choice, Trump tariffs, and the high cost of gas, rent and groceries that his failed policies have caused. We will send Trump a message on Nov. 3.
Georgia’s voter registration deadline is approaching. Here are five things you need to know from @gpbnews & @GeorgiaRecorder https://t.co/NinWR6MEQD
Wishing a meaningful Yom Kippur and an easy fast to all observing in GA-04 and beyond. https://t.co/w6gdBgtbGk
The cost of diesel fuel is at a record high while Trump is encouraging big tech to continue building enormous data centers in our backyards. These consequences of Trumps’s self-serving polices and my Republican colleagues’ mindless support for them have become the reality for millions of Americans.
I'm pleased to announce my panels for this year's #alc55. Justice For All Braintrust and Protecting the Culture: Stopping the Assault on Black Voices, Talent, and Influence. Both events will be livestreamed at https://t.co/pJzvj9CFyA or on YouTube at https://t.co/3HnYcqYztx https://t.co/FPWIkTPMlr
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump's attempt to steal the election by restricting mail-in ballots. Vote early in person if you can. Let's get this done. https://t.co/oAHrkurDsC
The Soul of Atlanta. DeKalb We Vote Forum. One Community. One Voice. One Future. Let's get this done y'all. https://t.co/RiEXq0uY2j
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! This is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic communities across GA-04 and our nation. At our recent Ceremony of H.O.P.E. Awards, we were proud to honor the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights (@GLAHR_ )for their continued work advancing justice and human rights in our communities. This month and always, we celebrate the generations of Hispanic Americans whose leadership and contributions help make our country GREAT.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 15, 2026)—Today, Rep. Hank Johnson, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, delivered opening remarks at a hearing on the International Criminal Court (ICC), highlighting how President Trump’s attacks on international institutions and America’s closest allies are weakening U.S. sovereignty and global leadership. Below are Ranking Member Johnson’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at today’s hearing. WATCH Ranking Member Johnson’s opening statement. Ranking Member Hank Johnson Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet Hearing on “The International Criminal Court’s Threat to the Sovereignty of the United States and its Allies” September 15, 2026 I thank the Chairman for yielding. Normally, I would thank him for holding this very important, very timely hearing, but this is far afield from what the American people want us to be talking about right now. You know, they’re concerned with paying the bills, groceries, gas, diesel, rent. They’re concerned about living in America and being able to make ends meet. They can’t do it, but yet they look up and they see a few millionaires and billionaires corruptly, you know, soaking their profits—soaking money directly out of the pockets and pocketbooks of regular working people. And they don’t like what they see, and they don’t like what they’re hearing when they see us addressing issues like the International Criminal Court, which has nothing to do with their cost of living. America’s commitment to the rule of law should not end at our borders. If we believe accountability is the foundation of justice at home, then we should not undermine or ignore it when the crimes are committed abroad. But for some reason, that is exactly what we are doing here today. On its face, this hearing serves to benefit Donald Trump and his friends like Vladamir Putin, Kim Jong Un and Bukele. And this all while he leaves the American people to suffer under the consequences of his failed policies. Because while we are allegedly here today to discuss how the International Criminal Court “threatens” our sovereignty and that of our allies, much like the Trump administration’s other manufactured crises, it is a farce. A smokescreen. A pathetic excuse to mask the true nature behind this hearing: To distract from the corruption and greed of Donald Trump and his cronies here in Congress. While Trump and MAGA Republicans are here talking about “sovereignty,” American families are worried about how they are going to pay for gas and groceries and everything else that inevitably gets more expensive when war sends energy prices soaring. Over the weekend, the cost of diesel fuel hit an all-time record high, while Trump is encouraging Big Tech to continue building enormous data centers in our backyards, putting unprecedented demands on our already-strained energy grid. That is the reality for millions of Americans. Not an abstract debate about international law. This hearing will not put gas in the tank or food on the table. It will help my colleagues across the aisle talk about anything other than the consequences of his self-serving policies. This administration is asking Americans to look abroad and fear an international court that we don’t even belong to, when the American people don’t need another distraction. They need a government focused on making their lives more affordable – not one manufacturing new enemies abroad to distract from the fact that President Trump is increasing the economic pressures facing American families every single day. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle can talk about sovereignty all they want. But I believe the American people deserve a government that understands their actual problems, not one that is only concerned with the president’s ego and helping him get richer on the backs of American workers. This manufactured attack on international cooperation comes at a time when our world faces threats that no one country can solve alone – from climate change to the increasingly unchecked development of artificial intelligence. In July, an Open AI test became uncontrollable when agents hacked into the servers of AI company, Hugging Face. Just last week, Anthropic disclosed another instance of one of their models hacking an external system during testing. Nobody instructed the AI to take these actions. Now, each of these incidents is concerning on its own, and they raise real questions about the soundness of the evaluation setups. But the larger question is what happens when these same capabilities are in the hands of someone who intends harm? We should be having conversations about robust safety standards here at home. The reason we have not is because Donald Trump has told his cronies in Congress that they cannot regulate AI. That is why this very subcommittee had a hearing last year to try to preempt all state laws that try to regulate AI. We have a narrow window to get this right. And while we should be collaborating with our allies to address AI augmented cybersecurity and autonomous weaponry concerns, my colleagues across the aisle are instead busy trying to take the ICC apart “brick by brick.” All on Donald Trump’s orders. Working together with our allies to solve these problems is not a surrender of American sovereignty; it is what responsible leadership looks like. The United States cannot solve these problems alone. We need our allies. We need international institutions that allow nations to work together to confront problems that no single country can solve alone. Yet it has become clear that Trump and MAGA Republicans are incapable of understanding that distinction. Instead, they confuse sovereignty with isolation and strength with intimidation. They confuse putting America first with putting America alone. History has shown that America is strongest when we lead; when we stand with our allies and understand that the choice before us is not between sovereignty and international cooperation. We can either choose to confront these challenges together, or we can confront their consequences alone. It is my sincere hope that we choose the former. Thank you to our witnesses for being here today and I yield back the balance of my time. ###
Congressman Hank Johnson’s Statement on 25th Anniversary of September 11th Attacks https://t.co/ZowrqXxNxW
Wishing a happy and sweet new year and a meaningful Rosh Hashanah to the Jewish community in GA-04 and beyond. May the year ahead be filled with peace, joy, and new beginnings. https://t.co/zy3MBFvMx1
Sikh Americans, including many who call Georgia home, are hardworking and patriotic Americans who make our communities stronger. They deserve better than being targeted by an administration who’d rather stoke racial fears than focus on improving Americans’ lives.
Trump is promising Americans a $5,000 “dividend” if Republicans win (which is illegal btw). Meanwhile, his family has gotten billions richer as everyday Americans have suffered the costs. Maybe the Trump dividends should be coming out of the Trump profits, not taxpayer dollars.
This Labor Day I spent with union members from all over Atlanta. Because we all know it's about the workers not the corporate bosses. The election is coming up. We need vote early & in-person if you can. If you do vote by absentee ballot, put it in the drop box, not the mail box. https://t.co/a05BSJgRJe
Dr. Lonnie Bunch’s tenure at the Smithsonian is as historic as the artifacts, art and stories that he so brilliantly curated throughout his illustrious career. His ability to juggle fundraising, stewardship and truthful storytelling is unsurpassed. Although his legacy will forever be intertwined with the National Museum of African American History & Culture, his influence and power extend far beyond Washington and its petty politics.