“Not for Power, but to Serve” Dr. Jermaine Johnson Officially Enters the South Carolina Governor’s Race
- CUBNSC
- Oct 28
- 4 min read
By Javar Juarez | Columbia Urban Broadcast Network (CUBN) | October 28, 2025
“I’m running not to seek power, but to serve — not to divide, but to unite.”
— Dr. Jermaine Johnson
A Moment of Purpose
Rain fell over Columbia as Dr. Jermaine Johnson announced his candidacy for Governor of South Carolina — but it didn’t deter the crowd. They gathered in faith, not fanfare. And as Johnson stepped behind the podium, the room was already electric, echoing the energy of something more profound than politics.
“Thank you all for showing up in spite of the rain,” he began. “You showed up for this movement — a movement for a better South Carolina.”
With those words, Johnson made clear that his campaign would not be about ego or ambition, but about purpose. Rooted in faith, family, and service, he spoke of “fearless faith” — a belief that his calling was not political, but personal.
From Pain to Purpose
Dr. Jermaine Johnson’s story is one of survival, grit, and grace. He grew up surrounded by poverty and tragedy, losing his brother to violence at an early age. He lived in motels, moved through seven high schools, and at the College of Charleston, slept in locker rooms because he had nowhere else to go.
Yet through perseverance, he graduated, played professional basketball, and eventually answered a higher call to serve.
“When I ran for office, they told me I was too young, too inexperienced, too Black,” Johnson said. “But I believed what God has for you, is for you.”
In 2020, he made history as the first Black representative for his district — and now, his sights are set on transforming the entire state.
The Heart Behind the Hustle
Before the policy points and political applause, came the people.
His wife, Dr. Evan P. Johnson, affectionately introduced herself as “the real Dr. Johnson.” She told a story that revealed her husband’s essence more than any résumé could — how he stayed up late researching and then replacing her car door himself after an accident, only to leave just hours later to serve as the keynote speaker in Marion County.
“This is who Jermaine is,” she said. “A problem hates to see him coming because he’s precise, dependable, and driven. He’s a servant leader — the same way he shows up for his family is the same way he’ll show up for South Carolina.”
That theme of service before status echoed throughout the evening.
Faith, Family, and Fearless Leadership
“God calls the unqualified and makes them qualified.”
— Dr. Jermaine Johnson
Johnson’s campaign launch wasn’t just political theater — it felt like testimony. Surrounded by supporters, he spoke openly about trauma, healing, and divine purpose. He reminded the crowd that South Carolina’s struggles — from broken roads to broken trust — can only be fixed by collective effort.
“When I am Governor,” Johnson declared, “we will fix our bridges and schools, restore women’s reproductive rights, and raise teacher pay. We will lead with transparency and integrity.”
Dr. Jermaine Johnson: A Vision for Every South Carolinian
Throughout his address, Johnson painted a portrait of a South Carolina that could be — a place where every child, no matter their zip code, attends a great public school, where healthcare is accessible, and families can thrive.
He called for a bipartisan “Joint Committee on Women’s Reproductive Rights,” composed of both Democratic and Republican women, to ensure decisions about women’s health are made by women themselves.
State Senator Tameika Devine praised this approach: “Jermaine understands it’s not about partisan politics — it’s about solutions. He’s not beholden to any person or party. He wants South Carolinians to be part of the solution.”
A Coalition of Belief
Across the state, voices are rising in solidarity.
Addair Burroughs, former U.S. Attorney for South Carolina, described Johnson as “a fighter for youth and families who always makes time — our most precious resource — for others.” She recalled how he once paused a political event just to help her daughter with her basketball shot.
Mayor Miko Pickett of Mullins added, “He’s always been a phone call away. Whether you could vote for him or not, he showed up. That’s real love for the people.”
And Stacey Mars, Chair of the Greenville County Democratic Party, summed up the mood: “When he’s elected — not if — it will mean South Carolina is finally moving in the right direction.”
The Morning After the Night
“We’ve been through long nights in South Carolina. But joy comes in the morning.”
— Hamilton Grant, South Carolina House of Representatives
That refrain — joy in the morning — became the undercurrent of the night. What began as a campaign announcement transformed into a revival of hope.
Dr. Jermaine Johnson’s words rang clear: “Tomorrow can be a brighter day.”
And in that moment, it was evident that this campaign is not about power — it’s about purpose. Not about division — but devotion.
It is, as Johnson said, “a movement for a better South Carolina.”
Epilogue
Jermaine Johnson’s entrance into the governor’s race reshapes the political landscape of South Carolina — not just for Democrats, but for all who believe service is the highest form of leadership. His message carries moral weight in a state long divided by politics but bound by faith.
“Not for Power, but to Serve” may well become more than a slogan. It’s the embodiment of a South Carolina ready to heal — led by a man who has lived its struggles, and still believes in its promise.
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