I am Brance Johnson, and Fayette County has always been home.
I was raised here as the youngest of 4 children in a family that valued hard work, personal responsibility, and service to others. My father was a World War II veteran and local businessman. My mother worked at our local J.C. Penney and volunteered at the Fayette County Memorial Hospital. My siblings and I grew up in town with our grandmother living next door - an experience that taught me early on the importance of family, compassion, and taking care of one another.
Learning the Value of Hard Work and Responsibility
I attended and graduated from Washington City Schools. Like many residents here, I learned the value of hard work at an early age. For me, it was delivering newspapers, mowing lawns and other yard work, shoveling snow, and taking on various jobs that were available. During high school and college breaks, I worked at the Blue Drummer Steakhouse and Sugar Creek Packing.
These experiences shaped my understanding of accountability, effort, and earning your way - lessons I have carried with me throughout my life.
A Career in Public Service and Leadership
After graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, I began a 36-year career with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Throughout my time there, I served in senior leadership roles and managed investigative units including Financial Crimes, Cyber Crimes, Environmental Crimes, and Special Operations. This experience required me to protect public resources, identify waste and fraud, and make sound decisions under pressure—the same kind of judgment county commissioners are expected to bring to the table.
Fiscal Responsibility and Modern Government Experience
Throughout my career, I worked closely with local governments, auditors, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies. I managed state and federal grants, evaluated significant investments in technology, and balanced immediate needs with long-term financial sustainability.
As leader of Ohio’s Cyber Crimes Unit, I coordinated major expansions, planned facilities and infrastructure, implemented continuity and security plans, and ensured accountability. In today's county government, where technology and the need for cybersecurity are essential, my experience is directly relevant.
Local Service and Community Oversight
I served 4 years with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, gaining firsthand insight into local operations and budgeting realities. Additionally, I served as a board member and chairman of the Fayette Metropolitan Housing Authority, where I focused on governance, policy oversight, regulatory compliance, and responsible stewardship of public housing resources—always ensuring a balance between financial accountability and community needs.
Community Investment and Civic Involvement
Beyond my 40 year commitment to public service, I’m deeply invested in Fayette County as a small business owner and owning a building in downtown Washington Court House. This experience gives me firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities that local employers, property owners, and our economy face in times of rising taxes.
Additionally, I actively participate in the civic and community life of our county. I am a member of the Bloomingburg Masonic Lodge #449, Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Farm Bureau, and regularly attend Grace Community Church. These connections keep me grounded, informed, and accountable to the people and communities I aim to serve.
Recognized Integrity and Professionalism
Throughout my career, I have been honored by multiple state and federal agencies for my professionalism and integrity. These include the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, and others.
While I am grateful for those recognitions, what matters most is the trust placed in me to serve responsibly.
Why I am Running for County Commissioner
I am running for Fayette County Commissioner because I believe county government works best when it listens first, plans carefully, and governs responsibly.
I support "growth with guardrails" because it should be thoughtfully planned, economically beneficial, and respectful of our farmland, culture, and values.
The decisions we make today must strengthen the county for the future.
A Commitment to the Public Trust
My commitment is simple: make informed decisions, use taxpayer dollars wisely, and respect the people we serve. I bring steady CONSERVATIVE leadership, real experience, and a lifelong connection to this community—and I would be honored to serve as your next Fayette County Commissioner.