Johnson casts the contest as bold leadership to overcome structural barriers in education and the economy, contrasting his ticket with the incumbent establishment.

The campaign is framed as developing and ongoing, with updates expected as events unfold.

A Johnson-Skardon ticket for South Carolina governor and lieutenant governor was unveiled with a press conference at the State House, signaling a new leadership push ahead of the November election.

Dr. Jermaine Johnson announced Skardon as his running mate, spotlighting Skardon’s background as a Charleston-area small-business lender, former Charleston County Democratic Party chair, and aide to civil rights leader John Lewis.

The ticket emphasizes expanding access to capital for small businesses and working families, positioning Skardon as someone with practical experience helping restaurants and service businesses secure financing.

At the State House event, more than 100 supporters attended as Johnson framed the race as a contest between a new South Carolina and an old one, with a focus on economic mobility.

Public introductions of the ticket are planned in Columbia and Charleston, followed by additional campaign stops in the coming weeks.

Johnson and Skardon’s spouses joined the event, walking out to Journey’s Dont Stop Believin’ after exiting the Statehouse steps.

Skardon criticized the Republican opponent, Attorney General Alan Wilson, highlighting a contrast between an inclusive economy and restricted opportunity.

The campaign promotes a vision of a "New South Carolina" with emphasis on housing affordability, economic opportunity, and shared prosperity for all residents.

Skardon has prior campaign experience, including a narrowly contested 2020 State Senate race, and led the Charleston County Democratic Party through the 2024 elections.

The ticket presents a platform of rural infrastructure, economic opportunity, women’s rights, childcare, and education improvements as part of a broader push for a new South Carolina.