Johnson was nominated by President George H. W. Bush on May 17, 1991, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York vacated by Judge Joseph M. McLaughlin. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 27, 1991, and received commission on July 2, 1991.
President George H. W. Bush selected Johnson to replace Judge Joseph M. McLaughlin on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, a position that became available in May 1991. After Senate approval on June 27, 1991, Johnson received his official appointment on July 2, 1991.