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Columbia, S.C. — Jermaine Johnson, a Democratic state representative who has been contemplating a run for higher office for several months, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial race in South Carolina.
Back in May, Johnson initiated an exploratory committee, emphasizing that South Carolina was at a pivotal moment and required leadership that prioritizes integrity and places the needs of citizens above political agendas.
The state lawmaker is slated to formally kick off his campaign with an event on Tuesday evening at the Statehouse steps.
In a campaign launch video shared on social media Tuesday morning, Johnson branded himself as a “different kind of Democrat,” alluding to his triumph over a long-standing incumbent during the 2020 Democratic Primary for House District 80.
“Five years ago, I noticed the same politicians producing the same results, and I realized I had to act,” Johnson states in the video. “So I challenged my own party and achieved a significant victory.”
“Because we got to call out Democrats when they aren’t getting the job done,” he continued. “Same thing for 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.