In the Republican primary he faced Kirk Fordice, a conservative contractor who had been active in Republican politics since the 1960s, and Bobby Clanton, a social conservative activist. Fordice characterized Johnson as a "professional politician".
In the Republican primary, Johnson competed against Kirk Fordice, a long-time conservative contractor with extensive experience in Republican politics, and Bobby Clanton, a vocal social conservative advocate. Fordice labeled Johnson as a seasoned politician.