In 1967, Johnson was elected to represent the 98th district of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, succeeding John B. White. In the same year, he marched along with Archibald B. Hill and E. Melvin Porter against the delay of an open housing law that would have help end racial discrimination in housing.[6] He served until 1973, when he was succeeded by Thomas Duckett.[7] In the same year, he was elected to represent the 99th district, succeeding Hill. He served until 1981, when he was succeeded by Freddye Harper Williams.[8]
