Marjorie Johnson

A native Washingtonian, Ms. Johnson is a graduate of the University of Maryland, With A B.A. In English and Journalism. She completed masters studies in General Administrative Management at University College. She devoted 28 years to public service at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. She served as Directors of Public Affairs, Minority Affairs, and Communications. She retired from her executive management position as agency spokesperson in May, 2001. Ms. Johnson is widowed, the mother of two (one son and one daughter) and now lives in Columbia, South Carolina.

She has been Prince George’s (MD) Residential Campaign Chairman for United Way and A Trustee; A Member of the Public Relations Society of America; and has been Chairman of Publications for the American Water Works association and Editor of the association’s Newsletter. She was voted Chairman of Youth and Education - MD/DC Utilities association and Served as association Secretary; served three terms as Chairman of the Board - American Red Cross; served several years on the Regional Consortium of Red Cross Chapters; and served four terms as Board of Elections Voter Judge. She served as a member of the National Advisory Group to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Water Quality Standards. Ms. Johnson was awarded the Maryland Governor’s Citation for Community Service and was published in “Women of Achievement in Prince George’s County History.”

Since her retirement and move from Maryland to South Carolina in 2002, She has served as President of the Richland Democratic Women; Member of the South Carolina Democratic Women’s Council; is State Secretary and Richland County Representative on the South Carolina Silver Haired Legislature; Democratic Headquarters Volunteer; is Wildewood Democratic Precinct Chairman; and has served five years as Board of Elections Poll Manager - Richland County. 

Here are Ms. Johnson's answers to some questions posed by the Institute.

Why you - why now for SC Secretary of State?

I complain a lot about our image in the eyes of the Nation. We look inflexible, slow, steeped in traditions of the past that hinder progress. We are observers and not participants in a changing world. I have a burning desire to work toward changing that image...NOW. We can't afford to wait for economic development  to come to South Carolina. We have to go out to meet it...head on. I'm not afraid to entertain change.

What is your greatest challenge?

Women are capable of making hard decisions. We are capable of "tough love," of smiling when it hurts, of laughing to hide the tears. We have earned the right to be taken seriously, to be trusted not to fold under the complexities of leadership. I feel my greatest challenge will be to force the vision of a cold sober brain through the soft veneer of makeup.

Is there a woman you have admired in the political world? What about her gives you courage to run the race?

More than a decade ago, I had the distinct pleasure of meting C. Delores Tucker, then Secretary of State for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I requested and she agreed to serve as Keynote Speaker for my agency's National Women's History Month Program. Her demeanor, conviction of beliefs for the future of her state, her knowledge, her grace were exemplary. Tall in stature, I've always wanted to measure up to Secretary Tucker.

Has political office been a lifelong goal/dream for you? 

I am a Gemini, the constant orator of the Zodiac. In life, I have found myself vociferous, inquisitive, acting as "devil's advocate," seeking the spokesperson's role. It has been my goal to speak up for the shy, voiceless masses, to give their needs and desires open air to be heard. It didn't necessarily occur to me that the venue need be politics.

South Carolina would be a better place if only...

If South Carolina could once admit that there is Credibility In Diversity, it would be viewed as a better place to live, where the future presents equal opportunities to excel for all its citizens on a level playing field.

To learn more about Ms. Johnson, visit her website: www.marjoriejohnson.net