SC Rep. Jermaine Johnson Staying in Governor's Race

Johnson says he's 'in this for the long haul' despite pressure to drop out

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:33am

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South Carolina State Rep. Jermaine Johnson announced he is staying in the race to be the state's next governor, despite rumors that he was facing pressure from state Democratic Party officials to drop out. Johnson said the 'people of South Carolina have overwhelmingly spoken up' in support of his candidacy.

Why it matters

Johnson's decision to remain in the race could shake up the Democratic primary for governor, as he faces off against Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod, who has faced his own controversies. Johnson's candidacy also represents a potential shift in South Carolina politics, with the possibility of the state electing its first Black governor.

The details

In a Facebook video, Johnson said he had prepared a statement to drop out of the race, but tore it up after seeing the 'large amount of support' he had garnered on social media. He made reference to 'outside pressures' trying to get him to exit the race, saying 'let's make sure we don't allow these outside pressures to continue coming in and saying that South Carolina isn't ready for a Black man to be governor'.

  • Johnson announced he would run for governor in October 2025 after forming an exploratory committee earlier that year.
  • In March 2026, he announced he would not seek re-election to his State House seat, which he has held since 2024.

The players

Jermaine Johnson

South Carolina State Representative who is running for governor despite facing pressure to drop out of the race.

Mullins McLeod

Charleston attorney who is also running for governor, but has faced controversies including being caught on video walking around and yelling in his underwear and using racial slurs.

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What they’re saying

“The people of South Carolina have overwhelmingly spoken up, so I have torn that statement up. I'm in this for the long haul.”

— Jermaine Johnson, State Representative

“Let's make sure we don't allow these outside pressures to continue coming in and saying that South Carolina isn't ready for a Black man to be governor because you all have made it plain and clear: Y'all are ready for a new South Carolina.”

— Jermaine Johnson, State Representative

What’s next

The South Carolina Democratic Party has not yet responded to requests for comment on Johnson's decision to remain in the governor's race.

The takeaway

Johnson's decision to stay in the race despite pressure to drop out highlights the growing political momentum behind his candidacy and the potential for a shift in South Carolina's political landscape with the possibility of electing the state's first Black governor.