The campaign of House District 40A candidate Todd Johnson has disclosed that he has recently been diagnosed with cancer, but is planning to continue forward with his campaign.

Johnson is the Republican-endorsed candidate in District 40A, which includes Precinct 1 (downtown) in Savage and central Burnsville. He is currently a member of the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School Board and his term is up in December. Johnson is also a past member of the Savage Planning Commission.

Ten years ago, Johnson fought a successful battle with cancer, according to his campaign. In spite of the difficult treatment regime and symptoms that will limit his campaigning from now to Election Day, Johnson, his family and supporters have decided to continue the campaign.

“Life goes on and I am determined to move forward as well,” he said in a statement. “The issues and values of fiscal responsibility, economic security, energy independence, health care reform, and community service are just as important to me today as they were when I began this campaign almost two years ago.” 

Johnson and his campaign are offering an apology in advance that in the short term this may limit his ability to continue door knocking and attend candidate forums. “Regardless of  your political persuasion we ask that you keep the Johnson family in your prayers,” the press release said.

His campaign manager, Ron Hill, said Johnson’s treatment will “preclude him from participating in (Burnsville-Eagan-Savage) School Board meetings for the near future; however, he is still serving on the board and will be getting board packets and getting information to the board.”