Jermaine Johnson, a Democratic state representative from South Carolina, is taking a significant step forward in his political career by declaring his candidacy for the state’s governorship in the 2026 election.
Back in May, Johnson initiated an exploratory committee, expressing that the state was at a pivotal moment. He emphasized the necessity for leadership that “listens, leads with integrity, and prioritizes people over politics.”
The official announcement of his gubernatorial campaign is set to take place during an event at the Statehouse on Tuesday evening.
To kickstart his campaign, Johnson released a video on social media Tuesday morning, presenting himself as a “different kind of Democrat.” He highlighted his 2020 victory over a long-standing incumbent in the Democratic Primary for House District 80 as a testament to his distinct approach.
“Five years ago, I saw the same politicians delivering the same results and knew I had to act,” Johnson stated in the video. “I challenged my own party and achieved a significant victory.”
“We need to hold Democrats accountable when they’re not delivering,” he added. “And the same scrutiny applies to Republicans.”
Since his election, Johnson has become a prominent voice in the state’s Democratic coalition, often drawing on personal experiences to shape his arguments on the House floor.
His life’s story, from growing up homeless and losing his brother to gun violence to becoming a College of Charleston basketball star and eventually rising to political power, was chronicled in a documentary released last November.
The primary for the first open governor’s race in more than a decade will be held next June. Gov. Henry McMaster is unable to run again due to term limits.
Johnson is the second Democrat to throw his hat in the ring behind Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod, who launched his bid over the summer.
Five candidates are seeking the Republican nomination: Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, State. Sen. Josh Kimbrell, U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, and Attorney General Alan Wilson.
Whoever wins the Democratic nomination will be a decided underdog in the general election, as a Republican has won every gubernatorial race in South Carolina since 2002.
This story is developing and may be updated.
