J. Bennett Johnston, Jr.

J. Bennett Johnston Jr., a four-term Democratic U.S. Senator from Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 in an Arlington, VA hospital after a brief illness. Johnston, surrounded by his family, was 92. 

Johnston, a moderate Democrat, rose to prominence over his four terms in the U.S. Senate. He earned widespread bipartisan respect for his mastery of detail and superior negotiating skills. As the longtime Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Johnston implemented market-based policies that have survived for two generations and are largely responsible for the abundance and affordability of energy that Americans enjoy today. Following the passage of the landmark Energy Policy Act of 1992, the National Journal praised Johnston, stating, “After enduring 10 years of relative inaction by the Congress and the White House, Bennett Johnston has finally put a national policy on the table – and on his own terms.” “He did so,” the article continued, “by doing what he does best: mastering the technical details of arcane energy issues, building coalitions to back his approach, and placating his opponents with compromise deals. All the while he held tight to his primary goals.”

In his role as Chairman, Johnston also held the first ever Congressional hearing on climate change. That hearing featured, among others, Physicist James Hansen of NASA, who went on to become a prominent voice in the global climate-change discussion. 

While best known for his impact on energy policy, Johnston also used his influence to create and expand research and economic development projects across Louisiana. These initiatives ranged from the J. Bennett Johnston Red River Waterway to funding scientific research in environmental, biomedical, and manufacturing disciplines. Dr. Eamon Kelly, then-President of Tulane University, credited Johnston as the person “who determined and ensured that we in Louisiana would share in the country's technological revolution – by creating and funding world-class centers of excellence at virtually every major institution of higher learning in the state.” The Washington Post described him as a “ferocious battler for home state interests.” 

Johnston was also a leader in the creation of numerous parks and wildlife refuges throughout Louisiana, including the Jean Lafitte National Park, the Cane River National Historic Park, the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, and the Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge. Buildings, plazas and programs throughout the State bear his name in tribute for his efforts.

As Chairman of the formidable Energy and Water Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Johnston not only secured funding for the waterway that bears his name, but also ensured the safe administration of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile and supported the vast network of national laboratories and research facilities ensuring America retains its global leadership in scientific research. The late Dr. Steven Weinberg, recipient of the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physics, once wrote of Johnston, “What I found remarkable was that he was not only defending the economic interests of Louisiana; more than any other Senator he showed again and again that he understood the motivations for fundamental scientific research and cared about them.”

First elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, Johnston drew widespread praise as a “senator’s senator.” President Bill Clinton, who worked closely with Johnston during his first term, praised Johnston for his help in moving White House budgets through the Senate, joking that, “All I had to do was give 40 per cent of all the discretionary money to Louisiana, and things went right through. It was easy.” 

Johnston’s passing closely follows that of his close friend and Senate colleague, Republican Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming, who was 93. A frequent participant in international delegations organized by Johnston, Simpson once remarked, “Whether it was in Vietnam or China or around the world, anytime Bennett rose to give the greetings or receive the acknowledgement from a Head of State, we all just sat back and knew it would be done with a wonderful compassion, skill and a completely tactful presentation.” 

Johnston’s close friend and frequent tennis partner, President George H.W. Bush, once observed “I wish he were a Republican. I know he is an honorable man.”

John Bennett Johnston, Jr. was born in Shreveport, LA on June 10, 1932. He attended West Point before receiving his undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University, followed by a law degree from Louisiana State University. After serving three years in the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, he returned to Shreveport to practice law with his father. He was elected to the Louisiana legislature in 1963, serving two terms before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972.

Senator Johnston was a man of action. As a father, grandfather, and friend he was a curious, passionate, strong and positive man. After retiring from the Senate in 1997, he bought property in Rappahannock County, Virginia, which he named “Bear Top.” It became a special place where he loved gathering his family, particularly his grandchildren. In 2019, Senator Johnston took up golfing and quickly became an avid player, enjoying the game almost every day, regardless of the weather. He had a deep love for gardening, with Cherokee Purple tomatoes being his favorite. His interest in politics and world events remained strong throughout his life, especially his unwavering support for the brave people of Ukraine. He approached life with an unmatched zest and was known for his daily routines, which included relaxing in his hot tub and enjoying a martini. A firm believer in the power of positive thinking, he spread positivity to all those around him, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he knew.

Johnston is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Johnston, a force in Washington in her own right. She played a leading role in the establishment of the National Garden on the National Mall at the foot of Capitol Hill and spearheaded the effort to have the rose designated as the national flower. 

In addition to his wife, Johnston is survived by his four children: J. Bennett Johnston III and his wife, Justyna Kareta of Mill Valley, CA (Sam Johnston); N. Hunter Johnston and his wife Stephanie Johnston of Washington, DC (Hunter, Courtney, and Julia Johnston); Mary Johnston Norriss and her husband, David Norriss of New Orleans, LA (Sarah and Ryan Catallo); and Sally Johnston Roemer and her husband Tim Roemer of Great Falls, VA (Patrick, Matthew, Sarah and Grace Roemer).

A visitation with the family will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 located at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall St., Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Once announced as a private service, the family now invites the public to the graveside service, with full military honors, at Forest Park Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana at 3:30 p.m.