Democratic State Rep Jermaine Johnson Launches 2026 South Carolina Governor Campaign

Jermaine Johnson, a Democratic state representative from South Carolina, officially announced his candidacy for governor in the 2026 election, positioning himself as a "different kind of Democrat" focused on bipartisanship, faith, and service. Johnson, who represents District 52 and has a background marked by overcoming personal challenges, emphasizes accountability for both Democrats and Republicans and is committed to addressing the everyday issues affecting South Carolinians. He plans to engage voters across party lines and prioritize practical solutions over ideology, aiming to be the first Democrat to win the governorship since 1998. Johnson faces competition within the Democratic primary from attorney Mullins McLeod, and on the Republican side, candidates include Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace. The primary will take place next June, with the general election scheduled for November 2026, as incumbent Gov. Henry McMaster is term-limited. Johnson’s campaign launch highlights his intent to challenge the status quo and bring new leadership to South Carolina.