Remington Jiro Johnson graduated from the University of Utah in 2007 with a major in Political Science and a minor in History. During his undergraduate years, Johnson’s involvement with the Hinckley Institute of Politics played a defining role in shaping both his academic path and long-term commitment to public service.

Johnson participated in a legislative internship through the Hinckley Institute, where he interned with Representative Rosalind McGee in the Utah State Legislature. This experience was formative for him.

I had the most delightful experience interning for Representative Rosalind McGee…through her office and her guidance I learned so many lessons in politics, community engagement, and ultimately what it means to serve the people of Utah. 

Through Representative McGee’s mentorship, Johnson gained a deeper understanding of how policy is shaped and the human stories behind legislative decisions. After completing his internship, he remained engaged with the Hinckley by attending and participating in Hinckley forums and student debates on pressing political issues of the time.

Johnson later attended law school and he found that his Hinckley experience made him a better law student.

It helped me understand the broader scope of how policy affects our lives, and helped me to understand the often overlooked human elements that go into legislation and our legal framework.

One Hinckley memory stands out vividly for Johnson: witnessing Representative McGee speak on the Utah House floor about women’s rights, even as she faced open hostility and had her microphone cut off. Her resolve left a lasting impression.

When she was done speaking I asked her "What about the repercussions of your speech?"  She looked at me and said, chuckling in her charming North Carolina accent, "If people don't like what I have to say, they can vote me out of office and I can do other things with my free time. That's how democracy works.”

That moment, and McGee’s fearlessness in the face of opposition, taught Johnson an enduring lesson about courage, accountability, and democratic service.

After graduation, the influence of the Hinckley Institute continued to guide Johnson’s path. While attending George Washington University Law School, he drew on the lessons and resilience he developed as a Hinckley intern. His commitment to service led him to become a public defender for Salt Lake County in 2015, and later to serve as a member of the Salt Lake County Council. Johnson credits the Hinckley Institute with providing a strong foundation, not only for organizing a successful campaign, but for clarifying his values and approach to public leadership.