Jalen Johnson was born and raised in Albany, GA. He is a proud graduate of Dougherty Comprehensive Highschool. His grit and determination to trample poverty & adversity made him the first in his immediate family to graduate college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State University.

While finishing college, Jalen earned a Capitol Hill Internship with an organization called College to Congress. Through this, he started his professional career as Staff Assistant to Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13) and then eventually transitioned to becoming a Legislative Aide to freshman U.S. Congressmember Byron Donalds (FL-19.). While serving constituents in Washington, D.C., Jalen understood that his passion and desire were to serve in local & state government--preferably in his hometown community of Albany, GA--which led to him leaving Washinton, D.C., and returning to his home state of Georgia.

In his full-time capacity, Jalen works as the Director of Grassroots Advocacy for the Georgia Charter Schools Association – where he fights for equal access to high-quality public education for every child regardless of background or zip code.

On November 2nd, 2021, Jalen was elected to the Albany, GA City Commission -- notably becoming the youngest ever to be elected to such a position.

Jalen enjoys spending time with family and friends and believes his mission is to help others however he can. He also enjoys fishing, spending time outdoors, and traveling to see new places in his free time.