UMVA has learned that a major upset has occurred in South Carolina's Democratic primary, as a former basketball player-turned-state lawmaker has emerged as the nominee for governor.
The Palmetto State has long been a reliably Republican stronghold, with the last Democrat to hold the governor's seat being defeated over two decades ago. However, a new generation of Democrats is vying to change that, with three candidates from across the party's ideological spectrum competing for the chance to become the first Democrat elected governor this century.
State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, a millennial Democrat who represents parts of Richland and Kershaw Counties, was declared the winner after launching his bid just months ago. Johnson's rise to prominence began when he ousted a longtime incumbent in 2020, buoyed by support from a well-known commentator and former South Carolina lawmaker.
Before entering politics, Johnson had a brief stint in professional basketball, playing scholastic ball at the College of Charleston and later being picked up by a team in the NBA's G-League. His underdog story and charismatic campaign style have resonated with voters, who see him as a fresh face in a state dominated by Republican politics.
Johnson's campaign has been marked by a willingness to criticize his fellow Democrats for not doing enough to engage with voters in certain areas of the state. "I have been going to places where they have never seen a candidate before, and people are fired up," he said during a recent debate. This approach has helped him build a grassroots following and differentiate himself from his opponents.
One of Johnson's opponents, trial lawyer Mullins McLeod, had offered a bold critique of the status quo, arguing that the system in Columbia is broken and needs to be overhauled. He supports term limits, ending "crony capitalism," and shrinking government by returning unspent annual budget funds to taxpayers. However, Johnson was able to deflect criticism that he has worked too closely with Republicans, quipping that "it's hard to throw rocks when you have not been in the fight."
The third candidate, businessman Billy Webster, brought a unique perspective to the race, with ties to the George H.W. Bush and Clinton administrations. He presented himself as a problem-solver focused on growth, infrastructure, and consensus-building, drawing on his experience running a successful franchise and working in the White House.
