Hello!

I am Jiro Johnson, attorney for the Salt Lake County public defender office and member of the Salt Lake County Council. I'm proud to have grown up in our local public schools at Northwest Middle School, West High, and the University of Utah. I was politically active as a student, which included serving as the Young Democrats of Utah President and working for the Utah Democratic Party in college.

After graduating from the George Washington University School of Law, I worked in D.C. and volunteered for the DNC's voter protection efforts, worked with the Federal Election Commission, and most recently, served as legal counsel for the Salt Lake County Democratic Party. Importantly, as a lawyer with Black and Japanese heritage, I understand the importance of representation and fair dealing in our communities. To that end, I've served my community as the President of the Utah Minority Bar Association and as an officer of the LGBT and Allied Lawyers of Utah. As a public defender I fight for every person's constitutional rights to be treated fairly under the law, and I bring that same advocacy to the Salt Lake County Council.

Since being elected to represent District 1 on the Salt Lake County Council in June, I have worked tirelessly for our community. I'm honored that my colleagues have selected me to lead the Democratic Caucus in 2026, a responsibility I take seriously as we work together to move Salt Lake County forward.

I will continue to use my background and experience to improve the criminal justice system, advocate for environmental stewardship, and serve Salt Lake County on your behalf in District 1.