Harry Johnston (American politician)

Harry Allison Johnston II (December 2, 1931 – June 28, 2021) was an American lawyer, politician and diplomat from Florida. He was a four-term member of the United States House of Representatives from 1989 to 1997 and was a member of the Democratic Party.

Harry Johnston
Johnston in 1974
United States Special Envoy for Sudan
In office August 27, 1999[1] – 2000
President	Bill Clinton
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida
In office January 3, 1989 – January 3, 1997
Preceded by	Daniel A. Mica
Succeeded by	Robert Wexler
Constituency	14th District (1989–1993) 19th District (1993–1997)
President of the Florida Senate
In office November 20, 1984 – November 18, 1986
Preceded by	N. Curtis Peterson Jr.
Succeeded by	John W. Vogt
Member of the Florida Senate from the 26th district
In office November 19, 1974 – November 18, 1986
Preceded by	Russell Sykes[2]
Succeeded by	Eleanor Weinstock[3]
Personal details
Born	Harry Allison Johnston II (1931-12-02)December 2, 1931 West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
Died	June 28, 2021(2021-06-28) (aged 89) West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Mary Otley[4]
Children	2[4]
Education	Virginia Military Institute (BA) University of Florida (JD)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1953–1955
Rank	First Lieutenant

Early life and career

Johnston was born in West Palm Beach, Florida. He attended the Virginia Military Institute, and he became a lieutenant in the United States Army after graduating. Once he was discharged, he entered the University of Florida and earned his Juris Doctor degree.

Florida legislature

In 1974, Johnston was elected to the Florida Senate. With the Democrats in control of the body in the 1980s, Johnston rose to the rank of President of the Senate.

In 1986, he sought the Democratic nomination for Governor of Florida, but lost in a close primary race.

Congress

Johnston was elected to Congress in 1988. He served four terms in the House before his retirement in 1997.

Later career

In 1999, President Bill Clinton appointed him to serve as the United States Special Envoy for Sudan, a position he held until 2000.

He was an attorney at the West Palm Beach law firm of Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A., until his retirement from practicing law.

He served on the District Board of Trustees at Palm Beach State College from 1997 to 1999.

Death

Johnston died on June 28, 2021, aged 89, more than a decade after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.^[5]