Jean Johnson was raised in Scotch Plains and is a graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. She attended Briarcliff College where she majored in English with a minor in Political Science. 

After a long career as a copywriter with a background in medical devices, consumer products, and the legal field, she now teaches aquatics exercise as well as swimming to children, adult beginners, and special needs individuals at the Greater Somerset County YMCA. 

Jean’s political experience includes working as the Somerset County Press Coordinator and a New Jersey State Press Aide under Emma Byrne for the Gary Hart campaign in 1984. During her 21 years living in Minnesota, she also was active in Democratic-Farm-Labor Party (DFL), assisting in local elections. 

Jean is currently a resident of the Pluckemin Park Senior Community and is very interested in affordable housing for seniors and families alike. Other interests include the environment and land use, and education. She strives to reach out to those with opposing views to try to find common ground and is a member of Braver Angels. 

In her spare time, she enjoys reading both fiction and non-fiction, walking, and hiking.