Latest news with #JermaineJohnson
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Democratic state Rep. Jermaine Johnson launches exploratory committee for 2026 governor's race
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) — State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, a Richland County Democrat, announced over the weekend that he is exploring a run for South Carolina governor in 2026. Johnson said Saturday that he is launching an exploratory committee to connect with South Carolina voters and assess support for a potential Democratic bid, suggesting the state is at a 'crossroads.' 'We need leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and puts people before politics,' Johnson said in his announcement. I believe in South Carolina, where every child, every family, and every community has the opportunity to thrive—and I'm ready to explore how we make that vision a reality.' Since being elected to the state house in 2020, Johnson has become a prominent voice in the state's Democratic coalition, often drawing on personal experiences to shape his arguments on the House floor. His journey from growing up homeless and losing his brother to gun violence to becoming a College of Charleston basketball star and eventually rising to political power was chronicled in a documentary released last November. 'For years, I've worked to uplift our communities — not just with words, but with action,' he said. 'From expanding economic opportunity and improving education to advocating for criminal justice reform and protecting working families, I've stood side by side with South Carolinians through every challenge. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, in South Carolina remarks, calls on Democrats 'to be a little meaner' Johnson joins a growing field of people reportedly considering campaigns to replace Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, who cannot run again due to term limits. On the Republican side, U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and state Sens. Sean Bennett and Josh Kimbrell have said they are exploring runs. Johnson is the first Democrat to publicly express interest in the office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
This Democratic state representative is now formally exploring a run for governor
A Democratic state representative capable of giving passionate speeches from the House floor that go viral, is formally exploring a run for governor. State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Richland, announced Saturday, the day when Democrats hold their state convention, he his forming an exploratory committee on whether to run to be the state's top executive. Johnson, who was elected to state House in 2020, spoke at the convention, where he received a standing ovation. 'For years, I've worked to uplift our communities — not just with words, but with action,' Johnson said in a news release. 'From expanding economic opportunity and improving education to advocating for criminal justice reform and protecting working families, I've stood side by side with South Carolinians through every challenge.' Forming an exploratory committee sets up Johnson to travel the state to see if he has enough support to mount a bid for the Democratic nomination for governor in a reliably red state. Johnson is a charismatic speaker and was on a list of potential lieutenant governor running mates in 2022 when former U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham was the Democratic nominee for governor. Johnson previously ruled out a run for governor even after going on a statewide tour last year. But he has since been reconsidering as he received encouragement to run. In March, Johnson gave a floor speech against anti-diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the State House that went viral. That type of energy could help boost out-of-state donations and boost enthusiasm among Democrats in South Carolina who have not won a statewide election since 2006. In this election, President Donald Trump won't be on the ballot and the party that controls the White House generally sees losses during midterm elections. If a Democratic candidate at the top of the ticket energizes the base, it could help those candidates down the ballot possibly flip state House seats, all of which are up for election in 2026. 'South Carolina is at a crossroads,' Johnson said in his release. 'We need leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and puts people before politics. I believe in a South Carolina where every child, every family, and every community has the opportunity to thrive — and I'm ready to explore how we make that vision a reality.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SC House Democrat says he's exploring run for governor
Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Columbia, pictured on the South Carolina Statehouse grounds on Sept. 18, 2024 (File/Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA — After five sessions in the state House, Rep. Jermaine Johnson might make a bid for the Governor's Mansion. The Columbia Democrat announced Saturday he's forming a committee to assess support and engage with voters statewide, which is considered a step toward launching an official run. 'From expanding economic opportunity and improving education to advocating for criminal justice reform and protecting working families, I've stood side-by-side with South Carolinians through every challenge,' Johnson said in a press release. 'Now, I'm exploring what it would mean to take that work to the Governor's Office to serve all of the people of South Carolina.' The father of four — who turns 40 on July 4 — did not offer a timeline on his decision. Filing for the June 2026 primaries isn't until mid-March. Johnson is the first Democrat to announce interest in seeking the job as the state's CEO. He recognizes it would be an uphill battle for any Democrat in South Carolina. No Democrat has won the office since Jim Hodges in 1998. The last Democrat to win any statewide office was Jim Rex in 2006, when he became state superintendent of education by fewer than 500 votes. 'South Carolina is at a crossroads,' Johnson said. 'We need leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and puts people before politics.' No Republican has officially announced a bid for governor, but six have said they're considering it: Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson; U.S. House Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman; and state Sens. Josh Kimbrell and Sean Bennett. The race is wide open since Gov. Henry McMaster can't seek another term. He's already the longest-serving elected governor in state history, since he ascended to the job in January 2017 — when Nikki Haley became President Donald Trump's first United Nations ambassador — giving him two years in office before his first inauguration. Regardless of whether Johnson decides to make a gubernatorial run, he said he 'wholeheartedly plans' to still run for re-election to the state House seat representing parts of Richland and Kershaw counties. South Carolina law allows candidates to seek more than one office at the same time. They just can't hold multiple offices simultaneously. If they win more than one in an election, they have to make a choice. Johnson first won a seat in the Statehouse in 2020, when he ousted 22-year veteran Rep. Jimmy Bales in the Democratic primary. Two years later, the elections gave Republicans a supermajority in the chamber. The 2024 elections gave the GOP a supermajority in the Senate too. That doesn't stop Johnson from making sure his colleagues know where he stands. And even if Republicans have no intention of supporting his argument, they listen. 'For years, I've worked to uplift our communities — not just with words, but with action,' Johnson said in the release. During the chamber's May 7 debate on the roughly $14.5 billion state budget, he put up 37 amendments to protest a decision by the chambers' chief budget writers not to fund any local projects, known as earmarks, this year. All failed, but he ensured his colleagues knew more about some of the projects they were dismissing. Three weeks later, as the House voted on the final budget deal, Rep. Joe White brought up Johnson's fight while scolding his GOP colleagues. The Newberry County Republican noted he voted for Johnson's first amendment. 'He put up some good amendments, and what did we do?' said White, a member of the uber-conservative Freedom Caucus. 'We ran roughshod over every one of them.' His comments also show that Johnson's well-liked across the political spectrum. 'I love Jermaine,' White said. Johnson, born in Los Angeles, has a compelling life story, which became the subject of a documentary titled 'I Got Myself a Yard,' released last fall. Homeless in his teens, Johnson earned a basketball scholarship to the College of Charleston. His 1,276 points still rank 21st in program history and led to a spot in a developmental league for NBA prospects before stints playing professionally in Canada, Portugal, Mexico and Brazil. After his basketball career, he returned to South Carolina, starting New Economic Beginnings Foundation, a nonprofit aimed to aid troubled children and military veterans. In 2018, he founded Dream Team Consulting firm, and he's an adjunct professor at Midlands Technical College. Ahead of his own run for the Statehouse, Johnson was the state campaign chair for Andrew Yang's 2020 bid for president, which ended ahead of the South Carolina primary. 'I believe in a South Carolina where every child, every family, and every community has the opportunity to thrive — and I'm ready to explore how we make that vision a reality,' he said.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'Beware of this man and this company': Jermaine Johnson makes public warning after being scammed by a construction company
Jermaine Johnson (via Getty Images) New York Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson has accused a company he hired to work on a personal project of ripping him off—losing around $60,000 in the process. In a series of tweets on X (formerly Twitter), Jermaine Johnson alleged that the company, which was called 'Court Dreams,' took his entire payment at the beginning for a job that is still not done. New York Jets ' Jermaine Johnson calls out 'Court Dreams' company over unfulfilled project — ii_jermaine (@ii_jermaine) New York Jets' linebacker Jermaine Johnson publicly denounced a sports construction business after reporting that he was swindled out of $60,000, going to social media to warn others and recount his experience with the now-private company. The New York Jets' 2022 first-round draft choice wasn't shy on social media, calling out the company and advising others not to do business with it. Although Jermaine Johnson didn't detail exactly what kind of work he hired them to do, the company's Instagram indicates they do specialty courts, turf installations, and pool construction and market themselves as the '#1 Sports Construction Firm.' 'Beware of this man and this company,' Jermaine Johnson wrote on X. 'He has stolen roughly $60K of my money by not completing a job I regretfully paid full price for before completion.' Johnson said he was urged to hire the company after getting favorable word-of-mouth recommendations from public figures and friends. Nevertheless, he now wishes he had not paid the full advance. After numerous attempts to reach the company for a refund or project completion, Johnson said he's been given 'the runaround' for over a year. 'He's been giving me the runaround for over a year now when I ask about either a refund or just for the work to be completed. I had recommendations from friends and other celebrities that used him, which is why I felt comfortable paying upfront. Lesson learned by me but this guy will steal your money [shake my head],' Johnson said, venting frustration that he can't tag the company because it isn't on X. Within hours of his messages going viral, the company's Instagram account was made private. Fans also joined the discussion, tracking down the company and posting messages of support for the 26-year-old linebacker. Also read: Mikko Rantanen trade sends a powerful message about Dallas stars ambition It looks like Johnson's newest fight off the field illustrates the real-life weaknesses professional athletes are vulnerable to, even when conducting business off the field.
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Garrett Wilson is looking for a new deal and more wins, but says he hopes he's 'a Jet for life'
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Garrett Wilson has put up the type of receiving numbers few New York Jets players have. And in some cases, he's all alone in the team's record book. At just 24 and entering his fourth NFL season, the star wide receiver is looking for even more — catches, wins and a new contract. 'You know, I'm hopeful I'm a Jet for life,' Wilson said Wednesday after the Jets' first practice of organized team activities open to reporters. 'And that we get this thing rolling and that all of our best days are ahead of us.' Last month, the Jets exercised the fifth-year contract options for all three of their 2022 first-round draft picks, including Wilson, cornerback Sauce Gardner and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. Wilson, the 10th overall selection that year — six picks after Gardner — would be due about $16.8 million in 2026, according to Over the Cap's projections. But Wilson acknowledged he and the Jets have had a few discussions 'here and there' about a contract extension, which he said would be 'a cherry on top' — one that could presumably make him among the richest wide receivers in the league. 'When the time does come and those conversations are being had,' he said, 'I'm going to try to do my part to make sure that it's undeniable.' With what he has accomplished so far, it would be tough to argue against him. Wilson was the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and, despite inconsistent quarterback play, has more than 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first three seasons — the first player in franchise history to do so. He has 279 catches for 3,249 yards and 14 touchdowns and is the first Jets player with three consecutive seasons of 80 or more receptions. And new coach Aaron Glenn doesn't anticipate that game plan changing. 'Give him the ball as much as possible, that's it,' Glenn said. 'That's awesome to hear,' Wilson said. 'But there's a lot of stuff that comes with it that it sparks in my head, too.' This season, he'll be reunited with his former college quarterback with Justin Fields set to be New York's starter. The two were teammates at Ohio State, with Wilson catching 66 passes from Wilson for 1,031 yards and nine touchdowns over 22 games during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. 'I didn't think we'd get this opportunity on this level,' Wilson said. 'So it's exciting. I'm still taking it in all the way. It's cool, it's cool. We've been definitely picking up where we left off.' That's a good sign for Wilson, who appeared a bit frustrated last season — particularly after then-quarterback Aaron Rodgers targeted Davante Adams more regularly down the stretch of New York's 5-12 season. While Wilson finished with career highs in catches (101), yards receiving (1,104) and touchdowns (seven), he had just two TD receptions in the last eight games and only one game during that stretch of 100 or more yards receiving. 'Yeah, as far as coming into this season, man, I don't ever forget the fact, no matter how bad it may seem, how ugly my face may look at that moment, bro, it's a blessing to do what I do,' Wilson said. 'And to have another opportunity to make right on what we did last year and what I did last year, that's enough for me, right? 'I have an opportunity coming up and as a competitor, as someone that loves football, that's all I need. I'm excited to be out here because this team believed in me initially. They still believe in me. And we have the opportunity to do something special.' Glenn said the Jets had 100% player attendance for the team's first OTA practice Tuesday and believed that was again the case Wednesday. That includes Wilson, who could have chosen to sit out the voluntary portion of the offseason while he tries to get a new deal. 'I want to be a part of something special,' he said. 'I don't think that a whole bunch of individuals makes something special. As a group aspect, this is a group thing and I wanted to get in and know my teammates. I want to get in to know my coaches, even. This is a new staff. Learn the material that they're putting out and not be the guy that's behind when this thing is mandatory (in minicamp in June), right? 'There's a way you go about business when you love what you do.' ___ AP NFL:
