Rob Johnson is a Democrat representing Iowa House District 34. A faith leader, community activist, and mental health advocate, he was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in November 2024, succeeding Ako Abdul-Samad. He serves on the House Appropriations and Transportation committees. Notable achievements include founding the nonprofit Creative Visions in 1996 to serve low-income communities of color, where he serves as CEO; hosting the nationally recognized birthday Gas Giveaway raising over $50,000 for free gas and community giveaways like turkey drives and toy drives; and leading mental health forums such as Code R.E.D. He serves on boards including Iowa Juneteenth, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, and others, and is licensed as a reverend since 2013.

Education and Political Experience

Johnson was born and raised in Chicago's Dearborn Homes housing projects by his single mother, Janice, later moving to Des Moines, Iowa, in 2006. He graduated from Drake University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics . At Drake, he co-hosted The Young Legends Not Yet but Soon to Be on KDRA-LP and served on the Student Senate.

His political experience includes serving as deputy campaign manager for Ako Abdul-Samad in 2014; handling religious outreach for Iowa Democrats in the 2018 Secretary of State election, 2020 presidential election, and 2022 gubernatorial election; and winning the 2024 Democratic primary for District 34 before defeating Republican Danielle Duggan in the general election, with endorsements from Abdul-Samad and Auditor Rob Sand. He is a father to a young son, Elias, and resides in Des Moines' Drake neighborhood.