Beth Johnson (Florida politician)

Elizabeth McCullough Johnson (November 21, 1909–1973) was an American politician. She served as a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate for nearly a decade.^[1] Johnson became the first female state senator in Florida history upon her election in 1962.^[2] She had previously become the second woman elected to the Florida House, when she was chosen to represent Orange County in 1958.^{[3][note 1]}

Beth Johnson
c. 1965
Member of the Florida Senate from the 19th district
In office 1962–1967
Preceded by	John A. Sutton
Succeeded by	Bill Young
Member of the Florida House of Representatives from Orange County
In office 1959–1962 Serving with Jack C. Inman
Preceded by	John A. Sutton
Succeeded by	Robert H. Elrod
Personal details
Born	21 November 1909 Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	1973 (aged 63–64) Florida, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Occupation	Politician

Johnson was a leading advocate, along with former State Senate President William A. Shands, for the establishment of the University of Central Florida in 1963.^[4] She considered it, along with the creation of a statewide planning and zoning system, as her chief legislative accomplishments.^[1] Johnson was a member of the League of Women Voters, and was posthumously inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame in 1986.^[5][6] During her tenure in politicis, Johnson voted for Jim Crow laws and supported racial segregation.^[7]

Senator Beth Johnson Park, a 1.26-acre (0.51-hectare) urban park located near Lake Ivanhoe in Orlando, is named in her honor.

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