South Carolina state representative to explore run for governor
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina State Rep. Jermaine Johnson (D-Hopkins) announced Saturday that he is forming a committee to explore a potential run for governor ahead of the 2026 election.
Johnson won election to the State House in 2020 after defeating the 22-year Democratic incumbent, former Rep. Jimmy Bales.
Before being elected to the State House, Johnson played basketball for the NBA’s D-League and abroad. After returning to South Carolina, Johnson earned his doctorate in organizational leadership and founded New Economic Beginnings Foundation.
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Johnson said in a press release that he is exploring a run for governor to bring “bold, inclusive leadership to the state and to champion policies that put South Carolinians first.”
“For years, I’ve worked to uplift our communities — not just with words, but with action,” Johnson said in a press release. “From expanding economic opportunity and improving education to advocating for criminal justice reform and protecting working families, I’ve stood side by side with South Carolinians through every challenge. Now, I’m exploring what it would mean to take that work to the governor’s office to serve all of the people of South Carolina.”
By creating an exploratory committee, Johnson will be able to begin amassing volunteers across the state as well as start to assess his levels of across South Carolina.
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Johnson said he wants to begin looking at the opportunity to build a South Carolina for all.
“South Carolina is at a crossroads,” he said in a statement. “We need leadership that listens, leads with integrity and puts people before politics. I believe in a South Carolina where every child, every family and every community has the opportunity to thrive — and I’m ready to explore how we make that vision a reality.”
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