Johnson relocating to position in S.C.

Utah Rep. Chris Johnson may have fought her last battle on the Hill, but the passion she brought to her Utah legislative efforts isn't over, it's just moving on.

Johnson is on her way to South Carolina, where she'll take over the reins of the advocacy group SC Equality.

Johnson, one of only three openly gay Utah legislators, was an outspoken champion of LGBT, environmental and social justice issues during her two terms representing Salt Lake's District 25. She announced her decision in March not to seek a third term, citing frustration with what she saw as the body's "blatant disregard" for advancing legislation securing equal protections for all Utahns. On Thursday, Johnson said the experience she gained on the floor of the Utah House prepared her well for the new position.

"South Carolina presents a set of political challenges very similar to Utah," Johnson said. "My skill set, having worked within this Legislature, is a great fit for SC Equality."

Johnson, who is a surrogate for a Salt Lake gay couple, is due to deliver at the end of June and is planning on taking on her new executive director responsibilities in July. She told the Deseret News her probable final day in office is July 15.

Johnson has ties to South Carolina — a state that shares a similar level of political conservatism with Utah. She was born in Charleston and spent her first 12 years in Greenville.

While she's been informally on the job hunt for over a year, Johnson said she focused on the search in recent months and considered director positions at equality advocacy groups in four states. While Texas and South Carolina made her short list, Johnson said the vibe of the Palmetto State just felt right.

"After meeting with the board, I came away really appreciating the warmth and friendliness that they showed," Johnson said. "And, in a way it does feel like I'm coming home."

In a statement released by SC Equality, board member Dean Pierce said the group was excited about its new leader.

"We are thrilled that our national search yielded strong candidates for the position and even more excited to have Christine join us at SC Equality," Pierce said. "We are confident she will build on the tremendous foundation of the past year and take the organization to a new level."