SC state Rep. Jermaine Johnson to focus on governor's race; won't seek reelection

Joseph Bustos, The State (Columbia, S.C.) on Jan 14, 2026

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State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Richland, is all in on his bid for the governor’s mansion.

Johnson said in a news release Wednesday he will not seek reelection to his House seat, even though it is common in South Carolina for candidates to run for multiple offices in the same election.

“Serving my community in the State House has been the honor of my life,” Johnson said. “This decision comes from a place of deep reflection, prayer and conversations with my family and neighbors. I remain fully committed to giving my district everything I have during my final legislative session, while also working to earn the trust of all South Carolinians as I run for governor.”

Johnson was first elected to the state House in 2020 when he unseated longtime incumbent Jimmy Bales in the Democratic primary.

He represents House District 52 which includes parts of Richland and Kershaw counties.

Johnson kicked off his bid for governor in October. He has raised more than $223,000 since launching his bid. He ended the fourth quarter of the year with nearly $110,000 in the bank.

Johnson is running against Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod for the Democratic nomination.