Congressman Hank Johnson, D-Lithonia, who is expected to face a tough primary battle from former DeKalb County Sheriff Tom Brown, received an endorsement Tuesday from President Barack Obama.

“Congressman Johnson has done an outstanding job,” Obama said in a press release. “Together, we are fighting to restore middle class security and expand opportunity for all Americans. I’ve worked with Congressman Johnson as we’ve extended the security of health care to millions and pulled our economy back from the brink of collapse while protecting consumers and passing historic Wall Street reform. I am proud to stand with Hank and support his re-election.”

Johnson said he was honored by the president’s endorsement. In a press release, Johnson said he’s focusing on helping families in his district find jobs.

“My top priority in Congress is creating jobs in the Fourth District and working with the president to continue to grow our economy,” Johnson said.

Johnson, who is seeking his fifth term, is a member of the House Judiciary and Armed Services Committees and is ranking member of the House Judiciary subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust.

According to a press release, Johnson has helped bring more than $250 million to his district for schools, roads and police and more than $30 million to constituents seeking help with federal agencies. Johnson has only represented Newton County since 2011.

Johnson's opponent, Brown, responded to the endorsement, saying it was expected but that Brown would be the more effective Congressman. 

"From the start of our campaign we have assumed that President Obama would eventually endorse my opponent. The President is a loyal man and we would have expected no less," Brown said in a statement.

"Endorsements have their place, but I firmly believe that the opportunity to send to Washington a new, strong, articulate and respected voice to advocate forcefully for the needs and expectations of the 4th District is already resonating powerfully with the voters in our district.

"And, truth be told, everywhere we go people question my opponent’s claims to having brought untold millions to the district when they see the lack of jobs, the anemic economic development, and the absence of transportation and infrastructure projects despite the supposed millions he claims to have brought to the 4th.
We can do better and we will do better."