Jermaine Johnson Will Run for South Carolina Governor
The state lawmaker announced his candidacy and running mate, Sam Skardon, for the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Political Parties
Live Poll
Do you believe your state needs a change in leadership after long-term single-party rule?
Democratic candidate Jermaine Johnson announced his platform and selected Sam Skardon as his running mate ahead of the South Carolina gubernatorial election on November 3, 2026. Johnson is campaigning on a platform of Medicaid expansion and economic reform to address state challenges.
Why it matters
Johnson argues that current state leadership has failed to address critical issues in health care and affordability, leading many young residents to seek opportunities elsewhere. He proposes a new advisory council for residents aged 18 to 35 to provide fresh policy recommendations for the state.
Johnson proposes an advisory council specifically for residents aged 18 to 35 to provide policy input. This move comes as the candidate challenges two decades of single-party leadership in South Carolina.
The players
Jermaine Johnson
He is a Democratic state lawmaker currently seeking the office of Governor of South Carolina.
Sam Skardon
He is the selected running mate of Jermaine Johnson in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
The details
Johnson advocates for suspending the state gas tax to lower consumer costs and creating tax incentives to help small businesses expand their workforce. His platform also calls for a moratorium on new data center permits and increased state investment in farming.
Timeline
November 3, 2026, is the date of the South Carolina gubernatorial general election.
Political Context
Johnson's focus on Medicaid expansion directly challenges the state's long-standing refusal to adopt the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion provisions. Opponents within the state legislature frequently argue that such expansions place an unsustainable burden on the taxpayer-funded budget.
If elected, Johnson's plan to suspend the state gas tax could provide direct relief to household fuel budgets. Additionally, small business owners may see changes to tax structures and hiring incentives if his policy agenda is implemented.
The takeaway
Johnson's candidacy signals a strategic effort to capture the vote of younger residents who feel economically alienated from the state. His focus on affordability and health care serves as a direct contrast to the established priorities of long-term state leadership.
Further reading
For more on the election landscape, see coverage of Political Parties in South Carolina.
Live Poll
Do you believe your state needs a change in leadership after long-term single-party rule?
