State Rep. Johnson says he’s running for governor to ‘fix what’s broken’ in South Carolina

Jermaine Johnson launches bid for SC governor (Photo: ABC Columbia – Jeff Diamond)

(WCIV) — State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, a Democrat running for governor in South Carolina, made his pitch to voters while appearing on “The Breakfast Club” Monday morning, saying that it is time for the Palmetto State to try something new.

“South Carolina deserves a change,” Johnson said. “It is time for someone to focus on the issues that actually affect everyday South Carolinians.”

Johnson knows it is a long shot for a Democrat statewide. The last Democrat to win any statewide office was Jim Rex in 2006, when he became state superintendent of education by fewer than 500 votes. But animating Johnson’s run is something he claims is far bigger. He wants to improve infrastructure, mental health, education and economic opportunity within the state, he said.

“We don’t need leaders focused on attacking other states or playing Washington politics. We need a governor focused on fixing what’s broken right here at home,” he said. “South Carolina has one of the highest percentages of bridges in disrepair in the nation and some of the most dangerous roads in America. Our infrastructure cannot support our growing population and families are paying the price.”

As far as specifics go, Johnson wants to place mental health specialists within police departments statewide, expand access to counselors in schools and increase workplace mental health support statewide, he said.

Johnson also remained open to working with whichever party holds power in Washington, whether it be Democrats or Republicans, as long as what they are doing will help South Carolina.

“I am truly South Carolina first,” he said.

Johnson also outlined plans for a full public education audit, comparing high and low-performing rural and urban schools to identify best practices, eliminate wasteful spending and raise teacher pay.

“We are banning books instead of fixing schools,” Johnson said. “We’re diverting public school dollars away from public classrooms while doing nothing to improve outcomes. That has to stop.”

Johnson also criticized Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican and Trump ally, who he claimed isn’t thinking about the lives of everyday members of the state when making decisions. An example Johnson brought up was McMaster’s controversial decision to send the South Carolina National Guard to Washington, D.C., at the request of the president.

McMaster’s move came during the heart of hurricane season, which several state-level Democrats said put citizens of the state at risk.

“They could have been put to work doing something to help the people of South Carolina,” Johnson said. “And that is the problem we are having. Every time Donald Trump calls, he [McMaster] answers.”

A cornerstone of Johnson’s campaign is the South Carolina Resiliency Act, legislation he says would strengthen food security and rural economies by requiring the state to produce at least 25% of the food it consumes. South Carolina currently manufactures about 11% of its food supply.

Johnson said increasing in-state food production would reduce reliance on outside markets while boosting local farmers and related industries.

“I don’t care whether the president is a Republican or a Democrat,” Johnson said. “If it’s good for South Carolina, I’ll support it. If it’s bad for South Carolina, I’ll oppose it. This campaign is about putting our state first, always.”

Johnson framed his campaign around what he called a “simple promise,” arguing that state government should focus on basic, everyday needs.

“At the end of the day, people are people,” he said. “They want food on the table, safe communities, good schools, reliable roads and good jobs. It’s time our government focused on delivering it.”

Johnson’s appearance on “The Breakfast Club” comes days after he garnered the endorsement of the South Carolina AFL-CIO, representing thousands of workers across more than 130 unions.

The endorsement activates the AFL-CIO’s statewide network of union members and volunteers who will mobilize to support Johnson through voter outreach and grassroots organizing heading into the 2026 election.