Lancaster residents will have the opportunity to meet Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jermaine Johnson this week as he brings his campaign to the historic Barr Street High School. The event, scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, will feature a question and answer session designed to give the community a direct voice in the conversation about South Carolina’s future.
The Candidate and the Campaign
Representative Jermaine Johnson, a three-term state lawmaker from Richland County, officially launched his bid for the Governor’s Mansion in October 2025. Known for his outspoken advocacy in the Statehouse, Johnson has recently centered his platform on “kitchen table issues,” emphasizing healthcare accessibility, infrastructure improvements, and educational reform.
Johnson gained significant attention earlier this year when he delivered the Democratic response to Governor Henry McMaster’s State of the State address. During that speech, he criticized the current administration’s handling of rural hospital closures and the state’s crumbling roads, themes he is expected to revisit during his Lancaster visit.
Event Details
The town hall is part of a broader effort by the Johnson campaign to engage voters in historically significant community spaces.
-
When: Thursday, February 26, 2026
-
Where: Barr Street High School, Lancaster, SC
-
Format: The event will lead with a brief address from the candidate, followed by an open Q&A session where audience members are encouraged to ask questions regarding local and state-level concerns.
A Critical Moment in the Race
As the June primary approaches, Johnson is working to build a statewide coalition. He has positioned himself as a candidate who understands the struggles of everyday South Carolinians, often citing his own life story—transitioning from a homeless teenager to a professional basketball player, and eventually a PhD holder and state legislator—as evidence of his resilience and dedication to the “South Carolina Dream.”
The Lancaster stop is a key opportunity for the candidate to connect with voters in a region that has felt the direct impact of industrial shifts and healthcare challenges. Supporters see this town hall as a chance for Johnson to further distinguish himself in a field that includes several Republican challengers vying for the seat currently held by the term-limited Governor McMaster.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
