I’m Chris Johnson, and I’m running for Pennsylvania state representative in the 200th legislative district. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, and I proudly reside in Mt. Airy. I am the grandson of a lifelong educator and the son of a dedicated public servant. I am a passionate advocate for public education, and I am fighting to build a government that puts working families first. I currently serve as the director of state and government relations for the School District of Philadelphia. I previously served as a Philadelphia regional representative for U.S. Senator Bob Casey and district office director for Pennsylvania Speaker Joanna McClinton. I am running to strengthen our public schools by fighting for fair funding for public education, investing in public transit, expanding access to economic opportunity for all, and protecting our civil rights and basic freedoms here in Pennsylvania.

1. What can be done in the state legislature about the housing shortage/affordability?

Housing is a human right and we have an obligation to guarantee it for all of our neighbors in Northwest Philadelphia and across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The state legislature can take meaningful steps to address the housing shortage and improve affordability by increasing investment, modernizing policy, and supporting local solutions. First, we should expand funding for affordable housing programs to help build and preserve units for working families. We also need to incentivize equitable development by offering tax credits and streamlining state-level regulations that slow down construction.

In addition, the legislature can support municipalities by enabling more flexible zoning and encouraging mixed-income development. Addressing housing affordability also means strengthening tenant protections, preventing displacement, and investing in home repair programs so existing housing stock remains safe and livable.

Finally, we should align housing policy with economic development — ensuring that as we create jobs, we also create places people can afford to live. By combining investment, policy reform, and local partnership, the state can play a critical role in expanding housing access and stability for Pennsylvanians.

2. Currently, SEPTA is using capital funds for operations. What are the next steps in funding for transit?

SEPTA is the backbone of the Philadelphia region’s economy. SEPTA is an essential service, and we must fully fund it. SEPTA using capital funds for operations is not sustainable and underscores the need for a stable, long-term funding solution. The next step is for the state legislature to commit to dedicated, recurring transit funding that reflects how essential public transportation is to our economy and daily life. I support advancing comprehensive solutions like the Transit for All PA plan, which would provide reliable funding to stabilize operations and prevent service cuts.

We should also explore modernizing funding sources — such as expanding revenue streams beyond the gas tax — to reflect changing transportation patterns. At the same time, the state must prioritize efficiency, accountability, and transparency to ensure funds are used effectively.

Public transit is a lifeline for students, workers, seniors, and families. I relied on SEPTA to travel to and from high school every day. Without immediate action, service reductions will harm economic growth and access to opportunity. The legislature must act now to secure sustainable funding that keeps SEPTA — and transit systems across Pennsylvania — running safely, reliably, and affordably.

3. Are you satisfied with the state’s school funding formula? If not, how would you change it?

I am not satisfied with the current school funding formula because it still does not fully address decades of underfunding in districts like Philadelphia. The formula must do more to close the adequacy gap identified by the courts and ensure that every student, regardless of ZIP code, has access to a high-quality education.

I would accelerate the state’s commitment to fully funding public schools by increasing the annual adequacy supplement and directing more resources to the districts with the greatest need.

At the same time, we need greater transparency and accountability across all publicly funded schools, including charter and cyber charter schools, to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.

We should also invest in modernizing school facilities, supporting and retaining high-quality educators, and expanding career and technical education opportunities. The goal is a funding system that is truly equitable, sustainable, and aligned with our constitutional obligation to provide a thorough and efficient system of public education for every student.

4. How best can the state spend money for crime prevention and abatement?

The most effective way for the state to spend money on crime prevention is to invest in strategies that address the root causes of crime, while supporting evidence-based public safety strategies. That starts with fully funding public education, eliminating blight from overlooked communities, expanding after-school and mentorship programs, and investing in workforce development so young people have clear pathways to opportunity.

We should also prioritize community-based violence prevention programs that have proven results, including interruption and outreach initiatives led by trusted local organizations.

Investing in mental health services and addiction treatment is also critical, as many communities are dealing with challenges that intersect with public safety. Finally, we should expand diversion programs that steer individuals — especially young people — away from the justice system and toward support services.

A balanced approach that combines prevention, intervention, and smart policing will reduce crime while strengthening trust and long-term community stability.

5. What other issues would you target during your first term in the state legislature?

In addition to public education, transit, and public safety, I would focus on lowering the cost of living for working families. That includes advancing a livable minimum wage, strengthening consumer protections to combat price gouging, and ensuring utilities and essential services remain affordable and reliable.

I would also prioritize expanding access to healthcare by strengthening the Pennie exchange. Addressing mental health and addiction would be a key part of that effort, with increased investment in community-based care and treatment services.

Finally, I would work to build an economy that works for everyone by supporting good-paying union jobs, investing in workforce development, and ensuring corporations and the ultrawealthy pay their fair share. These priorities are all connected — when we invest in people, protect consumers, and expand opportunity, we create stronger, safer, and more resilient communities across Pennsylvania.