Democratic state Rep. Jermaine Johnson launches exploratory committee for 2026 governor’s race

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) — State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, a Richland County Democrat, announced over the weekend that he is exploring a run for South Carolina governor in 2026.

Johnson said Saturday that he is launching an exploratory committee to connect with South Carolina voters and assess support for a potential Democratic bid, suggesting the state is at a “crossroads.”

“We need leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and puts people before politics,” Johnson said in his announcement. I believe in 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.”

Since being elected to the state house in 2020, 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 journey 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.

“For years, I’ve worked to uplift our communities — not just with words, but with action,” he said. “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.

Johnson joins a growing field of people reportedly considering campaigns to replace Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, who cannot run again due to term limits. 

On the Republican side, U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and state Sens. Sean Bennett and Josh Kimbrell have said they are exploring runs. 

Johnson is the first Democrat to publicly express interest in the office.