State Representative Jermaine Johnson officially launched his campaign for South Carolina governor today, formally entering the 2026 Democratic primary after months of exploration. The state lawmaker is scheduled to make his bid official during an evening event on the steps of the Statehouse.
Johnson, who first formed an exploratory committee in May, has positioned himself as a “different kind of Democrat.” He highlighted this theme in a launch video, referencing his successful 2020 primary defeat of a longtime incumbent in House District 80. Since his election, Johnson has become a notable voice within the state’s Democratic coalition, frequently using his personal experiences to inform his legislative arguments.
An Open Race for the Statehouse
The upcoming 2026 contest marks the first open governor’s race in South Carolina in over a decade, as current Governor Henry McMaster is unable to seek re-election due to term limits. The primary is scheduled for next June.
Johnson is the second Democrat to enter the race, joining Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod, who launched his campaign earlier this summer.
The Republican field is significantly more crowded, with five candidates already seeking their party’s nomination:
- Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette
- State Sen. Josh Kimbrell
- U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace
- U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman
- Attorney General Alan Wilson
Johnson’s personal story—which includes growing up homeless, experiencing the tragedy of losing a brother to gun violence, achieving success as a College of Charleston basketball player, and eventually rising to political office—was featured in a documentary released last November.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
