South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and Representative Jermaine Johnson, the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor, are emphasizing their personal backgrounds and a bipartisan approach as the November 3 election approaches. Their first debate is scheduled to air statewide on October 6 at 7 p.m. on Gray Media stations and online, offering Beaufort residents a chance to hear directly from the candidates.
Both candidates, despite representing different parties, have spoken about their plans for the state without directly criticizing each other. Wilson, a Republican, stated his intention to be a conservative governor while also stressing the need to reach across the aisle for the benefit of all South Carolinians. Johnson, a Democrat, highlighted his ability to communicate and work with Republicans in the General Assembly, noting that compromise often leads to victories for the state’s people.
Johnson, 41, shared his experiences growing up in a challenging Los Angeles neighborhood, including intermittent homelessness and the loss of a brother to gun violence. He credits basketball, which led him to the College of Charleston on a full athletic scholarship in 2004, with saving his life. Johnson played professional basketball in the NBA D League and overseas for six years before serving in the S.C. House since December 2020. His top priorities as governor include improving the state’s education system, addressing the condition of roads and bridges, and expanding Medicaid access for 500,000 South Carolinians. He also founded the New Economic Beginnings Foundation, a nonprofit that assists young people and veterans with education and job opportunities.
Wilson, born in West Columbia in 1973, lost his biological father, a Vietnam veteran, before his third birthday. His mother, Roxanne, raised him while teaching school before marrying Joe Wilson, who adopted him and set him on a path to public service. Wilson, an Eagle Scout and a colonel in the National Guard, became state attorney general before age 40. He cited his experiences in Iraq, where his convoy came under attack, and his wife’s successful fight against breast cancer as impactful events that grounded his faith and taught him the importance of priorities like God, faith, and family. His gubernatorial priorities include a quality of life agenda for South Carolina families, focusing on affordability, managing population growth with smart strategies, and investing in infrastructure.
Beyond their political platforms, both candidates revealed personal interests. Wilson enjoys watching Hallmark movies with his wife during the holidays and is known for his elaborate Halloween decorations, attracting hundreds of trick-or-treaters. Johnson noted that many people are unaware of his extensive professional basketball career, which spanned 11 years, including his time at the College of Charleston and playing in Brazil, Canada, Portugal, and Mexico.
In other state political news, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently visited South Carolina, designated as the first Democratic presidential primary state for 2028. Speaking on St. Helena Island, Newsom urged Democrats to fight harder to protect democracy and criticized both Republicans and Democrats for their approaches. Attorney General Alan Wilson responded to Newsom’s visit, stating that California’s policies should not be brought to South Carolina.
