Magistrate Judge Aaron “A.J.” Johnson announces candidacy for Hamilton County Superior Court 4

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Johnson

Magistrate Judge Aaron “A.J.” Johnson has officially announced his Republican candidacy for Judge of Hamilton County Superior Court 4. He brings 20 years of comprehensive legal experience spanning civil and criminal law and currently serves as a magistrate judge in Hamilton County Circuit and Superior Courts.

Johnson was appointed Magistrate due to his deep legal background, which includes work in employment, criminal, family, civil rights, landlord-tenant, contract, estate planning, probate law, and small claims matters. He previously served as General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer for the Indiana Supreme Court. He also served several years as trial counsel for the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission. He is a graduate of both the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Citizen’s Academy and the Indiana State Bar Association’s Leadership Academy.

“As a magistrate judge, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges facing young adults caught in the criminal justice system,” Johnson said. “In Superior Court 4, which handles a significant volume of misdemeanor and lower-level felony offenses – many involving individuals aged 18 to 27 – it is critical to strike a balance between accountability and rehabilitation. We must strive to connect with our young adults now to keep them on a productive track.”

Johnson is a strong advocate for behavioral health and rehabilitative services, calling for a deeper evaluation of service effectiveness and emphasizing that services must be accompanied by accountability.

“Our county is growing rapidly, and we must ensure our justice system evolves to meet the needs of our expanding community,” he added.

Beyond the courtroom, Johnson is deeply invested in youth development. He regularly judges youth civic competitions and mentors teens and young adult boxers at Coach Colin’s Boxing Club in Fishers. He serves as a governance committee member of a parochial preparatory school, and he is an active member of the Indiana Bar Foundation working with youth throughout Indiana. He is an active member at Eastern Star Church in Fishers. He is a former board member of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and is a member of the Hamilton County Bar Association.

Originally from Gary, Ind., and one of 12 children, Johnson credits his upbringing with instilling the values of community and mentorship.

“Growing up in a large family and surrounded by youth taught me the importance of connection and the power of community in shaping our future,” he said.

Johnson is a proud graduate of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, where he frequently returns as a guest lecturer on leadership and ethics.

Learn more about the candidate at VoteJohnsonForJudge.com.