A prominent Capitol Hill lobbyist dumped by her firm over alleged racist texts was a major Democratic donor who coughed up over $400,000 in contributions to those she was trying to influence and support.
Democratic lobbyist Courtney Johnson wrote checks totaling $432,130 over 16 years lobbying Congress, according to Federal Election Commission information calculated by Open Secrets.
All of that went to Democrats. Over that same period, she made contributions of $2,250 to Republicans.
The healthcare, energy, and telecom lobbyist was a principal with the Alpine Group until March 1, when the firm dropped her following the posting of a video allegedly showing her engaged in racist texts during a Washington Capitals game that ranged from mocking black people to genocide.
“Following a thorough internal review, The Alpine Group has terminated the employment of Courtney Johnson, effective immediately, due to conduct that is inconsistent with our company’s policies and standards. The views expressed are deeply offensive and do not reflect the values or culture of our firm,” the firm said in a statement provided to Secrets.
“The Alpine Group remains steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity across our organization. We have taken the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition and remain fully focused on delivering excellence to our clients,” added the firm based on Capitol Hill.
Johnson represented AWS, Leidos, Lyft, and Amgen, according to reports. She was a Hill “top lobbyist” in 2021, and took over Alpine’s healthcare practice in 2024
A DC “Top Lobbyist” is seen participating in a racially charged text exchange. pic.twitter.com/dwH7CnFeZ3
— TizzyEnt (@TizzyEnt) February 28, 2025
Lobbyists told Secrets that the texts photographed by a black woman seated behind Johnson were especially shocking because Johnson was such a Democratic influencer. She has donated to prominent liberals including Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and African American lawmakers such as former Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
The video posted online by influencer @TizzyEnt showed photos of Johnson allegedly texting with “Jimmy.” Since posting his video, the story spread fast online.
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Screenshots in the video, for example, showed “Jimmy” being critical of whites for being open to black people. In a reference to abortion, Johnson appeared to write, “Abortion doesn’t target people. Black people have more sex partners and a higher risk of pregnancy…”
“Jimmy” also texted about killing black people. “I wish whites would kill all blacks” and “I want to commit genocide,” the unknown “Jimmy” allegedly texted, according to the explainer provided by @TizzyEnt.
