Henry McMaster facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Henry McMaster
McMaster in 2026
117th Governor of South Carolina
Incumbent
Assumed office January 24, 2017
Lieutenant	Kevin L. Bryant Pamela Evette
Preceded by	Nikki Haley
91st Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina
In office January 14, 2015 – January 24, 2017
Governor	Nikki Haley
Preceded by	Yancey McGill
Succeeded by	Kevin L. Bryant
50th Attorney General of South Carolina
In office January 15, 2003 – January 12, 2011
Governor	Mark Sanford
Preceded by	Charlie Condon
Succeeded by	Alan Wilson
Chair of the South Carolina Republican Party
In office May 8, 1993 – March 28, 2002
Preceded by	Barry Wynn
Succeeded by	Katon Dawson
United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina
In office June 5, 1981 – July 1, 1985
President	Ronald Reagan
Preceded by	Thomas Simpson
Succeeded by	Vinton Lide
Personal details
Born	Henry Dargan McMaster (1947-05-27) May 27, 1947 (age 79) Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Peggy Anderson ​ (m. 1978)​
Children	2
Education	University of South Carolina (BA, JD)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army Army Reserve

Henry Dargan McMaster (born May 27, 1947) is an American politician and lawyer. He has served as the 117th Governor of South Carolina since 2017. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Before becoming governor, he held several important positions. From 2003 to 2011, he was the 50th Attorney General of South Carolina. He also served as the 91st Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina from 2015 to 2017, working with Governor Nikki Haley.

McMaster was born in Columbia, South Carolina. He studied at the University of South Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later earned a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. After law school, he worked for U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond. He also worked as a federal prosecutor, helping to enforce laws.

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed him as the United States Attorney for South Carolina. In this role, he led efforts to investigate and stop various crimes. After running for U.S. Senate in 1986 and lieutenant governor in 1990, he became the chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party from 1993 to 2002.

He was elected attorney general in 2002 and again in 2006. In 2010, he ran for governor but did not win the primary election. In 2011, Governor Haley appointed him to the South Carolina Ports Authority. McMaster was elected lieutenant governor in 2014. He became governor in 2017 when Nikki Haley resigned to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. He was elected to a full term as governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022.

On January 29, 2025, Henry McMaster became South Carolina's longest-serving governor. He is also one of the longest-serving governors currently in office in the United States. On April 17, 2025, President Donald Trump appointed McMaster to the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

Henry McMaster's Early Life and Education

Henry McMaster was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on May 27, 1947. He is the oldest son of John Gregg and Ida Dargan McMaster. He attended the University of South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1969. He was also a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.

In 1973, he received his law degree, called a Juris Doctor, from the University of South Carolina School of Law. While there, he worked on the South Carolina Law Review. Later that year, he became a member of the Richland County Bar Association. He also served in the United States Army Reserve and was honorably discharged in 1975.

After finishing law school, McMaster worked as an assistant for U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond in Washington, D.C.. In 1974, he joined a law firm. He practiced law for nearly 29 years, working as both a federal prosecutor and a private lawyer. He represented clients in state and federal courts.

Early Steps in Politics

McMaster's law firm on Pendleton St. in Columbia, SC

Serving as United States Attorney

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan chose McMaster to be the United States Attorney for South Carolina. The Senate approved his nomination on May 21, 1981. He led the South Carolina Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee from 1981 to 1985.

During his time as U.S. Attorney, McMaster created a special task force to investigate and stop illegal activities in South Carolina. This effort led to the arrest of many people involved in various crimes. McMaster often spoke to the public about these efforts, which brought him a lot of attention. He finished his term as U.S. Attorney on December 31, 1985.

Running for Office and State Roles

In 1986, McMaster decided to run for the United States Senate. He won the Republican primary election but lost the main election to the Democratic Senator Fritz Hollings.

In 1990, he ran for lieutenant governor. He won the Republican primary but again lost to the Democratic candidate, Nick Theodore.

In 1991, Governor Carroll A. Campbell Jr. appointed McMaster to the state's Commission on Higher Education. The South Carolina Senate confirmed this appointment. He also served on the board of directors for the South Carolina Policy Council from 1991 to 2003. He was the board chairman from 1992 to 1993. McMaster left the Ports Authority in 2015.

Leading the South Carolina Republican Party

On May 8, 1993, McMaster was elected chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party. He was reelected several times, serving until 2002. During this time, he was also a member of the Republican National Committee.

Under McMaster's leadership, the Republican Party gained more power in South Carolina. They won the governorship and many other state offices. They also gained control of the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. On March 28, 2002, McMaster resigned as party chairman to run for attorney general.

Attorney General of South Carolina (2003-2011)

Henry McMaster's official portrait, 2005

McMaster ran for attorney general in 2002. He won the Republican primary and then defeated Democratic attorney Stephen K. Benjamin in the general election. He was reelected in 2006 without opposition in either the primary or the general election.

Running for Governor and Ports Authority Role

In 2010, McMaster ran for governor but finished third in the Republican primary. He then supported Nikki Haley, who went on to win the election.

In 2011, Governor Haley appointed McMaster to the South Carolina Ports Authority. This organization manages the state's ports.

Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina (2015-2017)

McMaster ran for lieutenant governor in 2014. He won the Republican primary and then defeated Democratic state representative Bakari Sellers in the general election on November 4, 2014. He took office, succeeding Yancey McGill.

When McMaster was elected, the lieutenant governor was chosen separately from the governor. However, starting in 2018, candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run together as a team. During the 2016 presidential campaign, McMaster was an early supporter of Donald Trump. He even gave the nominating speech for Trump at the Republican National Convention.

Governor of South Carolina (2017–present)

Becoming Governor and Elections

McMaster meeting with John F. Kelly, the United States secretary of homeland security, in February 2017.

McMaster (center) visits the South Carolina National Guard Air and Ground Expo at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, May 2017

McMaster briefs press on South Carolina's emergency response to Hurricane Dorian, 2019

President Donald Trump and Henry McMaster rollout the first Boeing 787-10 at the factory in Charleston, South Carolina.

On November 23, 2016, then-President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate Governor Nikki Haley to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The Senate confirmed Haley on January 24, 2017. That same day, she resigned as governor, and McMaster became governor. At 69 years and 8 months old, McMaster was the oldest person to become governor in South Carolina. He served the rest of Haley's term, which ended in January 2019.

McMaster ran for a full term as governor in 2018. He won the Republican primary after a runoff election. He chose businesswoman Pamela Evette as his running mate. President Trump supported McMaster. In the general election, McMaster defeated Democratic candidate James Smith.

McMaster ran for reelection in 2022 and won the Republican nomination. He then defeated Democratic candidate Joe Cunningham in the general election.

Governor's Recognition

In 2025, McMaster was ranked fifth on the Post and Courier Columbia's Power List, which recognizes influential people.

Key Policies and Actions

Fiscal Policies and State Spending

McMaster speaking in February 2017

In February 2017, one of McMaster's first major actions as governor was to ask President Trump for $5.18 billion to improve South Carolina's roads and bridges. He also stated that the state government needed to be careful with its spending. In May 2017, he vetoed a bill that would have significantly raised the state's gas tax. He believed the state had enough money for roads if it was used wisely. However, the South Carolina General Assembly voted to override his veto. In 2025, McMaster proposed spending $1.1 billion on state construction projects, which was one of the largest investments in the state's history for infrastructure.

In 2023, McMaster appointed Democrat Brian J. Gaines as South Carolina Comptroller General.

McMaster, a strong ally of Donald Trump, greets the president as he arrives in South Carolina

Labor Unions

In 2024, Governor McMaster joined five other Republican governors. They released a statement opposing a campaign by the United Auto Workers union to organize workers.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

McMaster and President Donald Trump.

Like many governors, McMaster declared a state of emergency in South Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States in 2020. On April 20, 2020, he allowed beaches and retail stores to reopen, with social distancing rules. He hoped to help the economy recover. By early June, most of the state had reopened, though schools remained closed. McMaster encouraged schools to hold graduation ceremonies safely.

In June 2020, a state epidemiologist, Linda Bell, noted that COVID-19 cases were higher than in earlier months. McMaster stated that people should decide what precautions to take, and he did not issue a statewide mask requirement. Many cities and towns then created their own mask rules. On July 10, as cases rose, McMaster issued an order to stop businesses from selling alcohol after 11 p.m. to help prevent the virus from spreading among younger people.

On July 15, McMaster said that South Carolina schools should offer in-person classes in September 2020. He instructed the South Carolina Department of Education to ensure schools allowed in-person learning options. On July 29, he signed an order requiring face masks for employees and customers in restaurants and bars. It also limited restaurant capacity. By October, most restrictions were lifted, and a program was launched to help small businesses affected by the pandemic.

In December 2020, McMaster and his wife both tested positive for COVID-19.

In 2021, McMaster stated he would oppose federal efforts to promote vaccinations door-to-door. In September 2021, he criticized federal vaccine requirements. In 2025-2026, South Carolina experienced a significant measles outbreak. This was linked to low vaccination rates. McMaster did not support changing the state's vaccination exemption policies.

George Floyd Protests

In response to events in Minnesota, protests took place across the nation, including in South Carolina cities like Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston. While some protests were peaceful, there were instances of property damage in Columbia and Charleston. McMaster mobilized the South Carolina National Guard to help if needed. He also sent National Guard members to Washington, D.C. at President Trump's request to assist with larger protests.

Allegations and Investigations

Statehouse Investigation

In 2017, McMaster and other state leaders were linked to a political consulting firm. This firm was part of a larger investigation into corruption within the South Carolina government. While McMaster was not accused of wrongdoing, some state lawmakers were. Lawmakers delayed votes on McMaster's nominees for the South Carolina Ports Authority board due to the ongoing investigation. The nominees were confirmed after the Ports Authority stopped working with the consulting firm. McMaster also stopped using the firm for his 2018 campaign.

Nukegate Scandal

McMaster was governor when it was announced in 2017 that two companies were stopping a project to expand the Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Generating Station. This event became known as the Nukegate scandal. McMaster appointed Charlie Condon to lead Santee Cooper, one of the companies involved. McMaster supports selling the utility, calling it a "rogue agency" because of its independence and financial issues.

Adams v. Henry McMaster

McMaster has long supported private education. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, federal funds were given to states to support education. McMaster planned to use $32 million of South Carolina's funds for private school vouchers. This would provide grants to 5,000 students in private schools. This decision was criticized by many educators and politicians. They argued the money could better help the nearly 1,000,000 students in public schools.

On July 22, 2020, a court stopped McMaster's decision after educators sued him. They argued it violated the South Carolina Constitution, which states that public funds should not directly benefit private educational institutions. McMaster's lawyers argued that voters or the South Carolina General Assembly should decide how to use emergency funds. On October 7, the South Carolina Supreme Court unanimously ruled against McMaster, stating his decision violated the state constitution. McMaster asked the court to review its ruling on October 23.

Comments about Democrats

In May 2023, McMaster made a joke at a convention that angered Democrats. They asked for an apology, comparing his words to historical injustices. A spokesperson for McMaster said he had made the joke for years and that people understood it was not meant seriously.

Kidnapping Plot Allegations

On October 8, 2020, federal authorities revealed an indictment against six men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. A later search warrant showed that the suspects had also discussed targeting Governor McMaster during their early planning stages. One suspect was arrested in Columbia, South Carolina, but there was no sign he had plans to harm McMaster.

Conservation and Preservation Efforts

McMaster has supported preserving the Gullah culture. This is an African American ethnic group living mainly in South Carolina's Lowcountry region. In 2022, he declared the first week of August as Gullah/Geechee appreciation week. He also gave the Order of the Palmetto award to Queen Quet, the chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee nation. McMaster has also called for protecting South Carolina's natural landscapes from too much development, poor management, flooding, and storm damage. He believes this helps preserve the state's culture and economy.

Governor's Veto Record

As of February 9, 2026, Governor McMaster had signed nearly 1,000 bills. He vetoed 36 bills, and the legislature overrode 24 of his vetoes.

Henry McMaster's Personal Life

Family Life

Henry McMaster has been married to Peggy McMaster (born Anderson) since 1978. They have two adult children and live in Columbia, South Carolina. He owns an English Bulldog named Mac. The McMaster family attends First Presbyterian Church in Columbia.

Properties and Rental Homes

McMaster and his wife own several houses and rental apartments in the Columbia area. One of their homes is the McCord House, built in 1849 and used during the Civil War. McMaster often leases these homes to University of South Carolina students. These rentals are his largest source of income.

According to the Post and Courier, some tenants have complained about the condition of the properties. Images showed issues like roaches, outdated utilities, mold, bedbugs, mice, and bats. Tenants also reported long waits for pest control. When asked, McMaster denied the homes were unfit for renting. A spokeswoman for his campaign said, "Of course they are livable. No one would rent them if they were not." In 2016, McMaster's tax returns showed he received $7.7 million in rent from these properties between 2006 and 2015. He paid over $500,000 for upkeep and maintenance. McMaster has also reportedly paid over $16,000 in fines for property violations. He suggested these fines were due to tenants damaging the properties.

Henry McMaster's Election History

McMaster ran for the U.S. Senate in 1986, for lieutenant governor in 1990, and for governor in 2010, but was not successful in those races. He was elected attorney general in 2002 and 2006. He was elected lieutenant governor in 2014, and governor in 2018 and 2022.

See also

In Spanish: Henry McMaster para niños