COLUMBIA, S.C. — On Wednesday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster celebrated a significant milestone, delivering his eighth State of the State address while also etching his name into history as the longest-serving governor in the state’s history, with 2,927 days in office. This achievement stems from his 40 years of political experience and strong backing from former President Donald Trump.
At 77 years old, McMaster holds the title of the oldest governor in South Carolina’s nearly 250-year history. However, he did not highlight this historic moment during his speech to the General Assembly. His administration has chosen to downplay the occasion, and previous inquiries about his feelings regarding this accomplishment had elicited a humorous response from him, saying, “Well, all you have to do is stay alive.”
The state’s governance structure once consisted of two-year terms without the possibility of reelection for governors. Over time, this was extended to four-year terms, and it was not until 1980 that South Carolina began allowing governors to serve two consecutive terms. Since then, only three governors have fulfilled the maximum of eight years, with Democrat Dick Riley notably serving for eight years and four days from 1979 to 1987. McMaster, having succeeded Governor Nikki Haley in 2017 following her appointment as U.N. ambassador by Trump, is on track to surpass that record. He completed the remaining two years of Haley’s term and has since won reelection twice. His current term is set to conclude in January 2027.
A native of Columbia, McMaster earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina. He began his political career as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond during the 1970s. Notably, McMaster stands as one of the few Republicans in office who has faced defeat against a Democrat; in 1986, he ran against U.S. Senator Ernest “Fritz” Hollings and garnered only 36% of the vote.
Subsequently, McMaster rose through the ranks, leading the South Carolina Republican Party while it gained control of the state legislature. After serving as state attorney general, he sought the governor’s office but finished a distant third in the 2010 Republican primary. Despite this setback, McMaster aligned with Haley, becoming lieutenant governor in 2014, which set the stage for a pivotal moment in his political career.
In January 2016, at a rally, McMaster became the highest-ranking state official to endorse Donald Trump’s presidential bid, calling him a “man of action.” This endorsement was significant during a time when many established Republicans were trying to steer the party toward a different candidate. Following Trump’s election victory, McMaster expressed his desire for the governorship, which was facilitated by a move that saw Trump appoint Haley to serve in his administration.
McMaster enjoys his role as governor, evident from his frequent travels across the state. His weekly schedules typically feature engagements with local organizations like Rotary clubs and presentations of the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest honor. His tenure has been marked by a collaborative spirit in the Statehouse, opting to work alongside both Republicans and Democrats. He has managed to champion initiatives that are not typically favored by conservatives, including increasing teacher salaries and preserving natural lands from development.
“He at least recognizes there is some General Assembly required,” remarked Democratic Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter, who has served in the House for 33 years. “He’s been easy to work with, even though I don’t agree with many of his policies. I like him personally. You know, it’s business.”
In his recent State of the State address, McMaster reiterated familiar priorities, signaling a desire to continue enhancing teacher compensation, advocating for reduced business regulations, and allocating more resources for land conservation. He also emphasized the need to address inefficiencies in the state’s higher education system and address issues like illegal dogfighting.
As he took the stage, McMaster engaged with attendees, exchanging hugs, handshakes, and selfies. He referenced his well-used edition of “South Carolina: A History” by historian Walter Edgar, a book he frequently cites. He looked both to the past and future, marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War and asserting that South Carolina’s contributions to American history and culture are unmatched.
McMaster also raised questions about the state’s future one hundred years down the line, underscoring the millions invested in education to prepare the next generation and the billions allocated to safeguard the state’s natural resources.
“He’s made our state a prosperous, good place to do business,” said Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who began his own political journey a decade after McMaster. “He’s a dear friend, and I think he’s going to go down in history as one of the greatest governors we’ve ever had.”
