The Republican Wisconsin senator stressed in a Sunday Wall Street Journal article that in his 2016 campaign, he announced it would be his final term, noting he and his wife, Jane, were looking "forward to a normal private life."
"Neither of us anticipated the Democrats' complete takeover of government and the disastrous policies they have already inflicted on America and the world, to say nothing of those they threaten to enact in the future," he added in announcing his reelection bid.
"Nor did we anticipate the pandemic, the government's failed response to it, the loss of freedom that has resulted, and the tyrannical approach taken by the elites who have created and maintained a state of fear that allows them to exercise control over Americans' lives," he added.
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"Instead of everyone working to achieve the goal President Biden stated during his inaugural address—unifying and healing America—it feels as if our nation is being torn apart."
Johnson aspires to hold onto his seat in a swing state that went red in 2016 for Trump but blue in 2020 for Biden – both times by less than 1 percent margins.
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An unwavering ally of Donald Trump, Johnson was first elected to the Senate in the 2010 elections, assuming office in January 2011. In his first-ever reelection in 2016, he assumed his mission was done with the election of Trump.
"As I ran for reelection in 2016, we had the prospect of electing a Republican president who could work with a Republican Congress not only to stop the expansion of Liberal policies but, we hoped, to reverse some of the damage done during Mr. Obama's Administration," Johnson wrote on Sunday. "I figured we had an opportunity to put America back on the right path, and I was more than willing to dedicate myself to that worthy effort."
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He says those efforts have now been derailed with the election of President Joe Biden and the Democratic takeover of the House and Senate.
"As I travel around Wisconsin and talk to citizens who love our country, I know I am not the only one with grave concerns," he wrote. "My message has always been that America is precious, and it is our solemn duty to make sure it survives and thrives for future generations."
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"I believe America is in peril," Johnson continued. "Much as I'd like to ease into a quiet retirement, I don't feel I should."
"Countless people have encouraged me to run, saying they rely on me to be their voice, to speak plain and obvious truths other elected leaders shirk from expressing—truths the elite in government, mainstream media and Big Tech don't want you to hear."
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