Dr. Jermaine Johnson, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and a candidate for governor, made a campaign stop at Lander University while in the Upstate Monday, April 13. Johnson was a guest speaker for the Lander chapter of College Democrats, and took questions from students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the community who were in attendance.
Johnson is one of three candidates who are vying for the Democratic Party’s nomination for governor in the South Carolina primary elections to be held Tuesday, June 9. Meanwhile, seven candidates for governor will face off in the Republican primary.
The state’s current governor, Henry McMaster, is term limited, creating an open race for the Office of the Governor.
Lander University has seen several candidates for office make stops ahead of this year’s elections. Dr. Annie Andrews, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, made a visit earlier this year. Also, the Greenwood County Republican Women will host a candidate forum with the Republican candidates for governor on Tuesday, April 28, at 6 p.m. in the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.
While Lander does not support or endorse individual candidates for public office, the University plays a vital role in the civic education of its students and the surrounding community. Officials note that Lander has a strong record of empowering informed citizens, modeling good political dialogue and teaching the importance of civic engagement.