Kimberly Johnson won the Democratic Party Primary for the South Carolina House of Representatives Seat 64 Tuesday, June 9. Johnson will face off against Cindy Risher, who represents the Republican Party, in November. Johnson sat down for an Editors Office Interview in support of her campaign.
Congratulations on winning your primary! How did you feel when you first heard the news on Tuesday night?
I felt great! We have a phenomenal campaign team who put forth a lot of hard work and effort and so the win was the culmination of every prayer, strategy and effort we put in.
What do you think some of your major strengths were in your initial primary campaign?
A huge strength was the "team component." Everyone on my team loves this community and district just as much as I do, so it was personal. Although I've worked on several campaigns, I wanted mine to be a grassroots effort. So we combined the experience we already had but we added so much more. We registered many young voters who were excited to vote for the very first time and then we reached out to those who hadn't voted in awhile. We listened to the people and the people listened to me. Social media was huge. We had to be creative due to COVID 19, so we reached the people via social media.
What things will you change in your campaign going forward, if any?
I don't know of anything I would change but if the pandemic allows us to have more in person meetings before the General Election in November, then I will do so.
What do you think the citizens of Clarendon County need in a Representative?
In a Representative, I think the people need to be able to relate. I am no stranger to the citizens of my district and I only plan to build upon that. District 64 deserves representation they can be proud of. Someone who knows the needs of the area and will prioritize those needs for the betterment of the district.
What goals do you have should you win the election?
We all know we can do a better job as it relates to public education and the funding of it, we know we can improve upon our healthcare system, we know people struggle to raise their families at the existing rate of minimum wage, and we can do a better job with race relations. These are some of the things the constituents want and I am up for the challenge.
What makes you a stronger candidate for this position than your opponent?
I ran my campaign on Proven Leadership and for me, that was more than just a slogan. I am a school board member (current chairperson) and a regional director, so I am in tuned with our educators having to do more and more each year, with less resources. I fully understand the struggle of being able to recruit and retain teachers and administrators to rural school districts like District 64. I am a Chamber Board Member, so while I believe the minimum wage needs to be increased, I understand the burden cannot solely lie on the small business owners. I am a hospital advisory board member and a director for a community health center, so I know first hand the obstacles and road blocks we face in rural healthcare. I am a military veteran and while most of those issues lie on the federal level, I know the story of returning home from war and/or military service and not be the same person you once were physically and mentally. I am a Riley Fellow of The Riley Institute of Diversity Leadership Initiative and I think more now than ever our nation, our district and our communities need a leader that is equipped and willing to address race relations.
What are some of the biggest changes you would want to see during your term?
I want to see our area flourish. I know everything can't be done overnight or even in one term but we have so much potential, we can accomplish much. I want to work with our existing elected officials, the faith based community and community members to help improve our areas.
Finally, what is one message you would like to get out to the citizens of Clarendon County?
We are truly in this together! I am so excited about this next level for House District 64! I said it from the beginning; I have no problem leading but I am counting on everyone not just to point out what is wrong or what is missing but to come to the table with solutions.
