South Carolina Governor Henry Dargan McMaster has shown a strong commitment to conservative principles throughout his career, forming strategic alliances and focusing on policies that align with his constituents’ values.
Born on May 27, 1947, in Columbia, South Carolina, McMaster has dedicated over 40 years to public service, currently serving as the 117th Governor of South Carolina. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1969 and a Juris Doctor in 1973 from the University of South Carolina. After working as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond, he became the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina in 1981, where he led “Operation Jackpot,” resulting in over 100 convictions for drug smuggling.
In 1993, McMaster became the chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, a position he held until 2002. During his tenure, he was instrumental in strengthening the party’s influence within the state. He was elected as South Carolina’s Attorney General in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. As Attorney General, McMaster prioritized the prosecution of criminal domestic violence and spearheaded initiatives against child internet predators. He also expanded the jurisdiction of the State Grand Jury to encompass environmental crimes, gang-related activities, and securities fraud.
In 2014, McMaster was elected Lieutenant Governor, during which he focused on supporting the state’s senior population through various social, economic, and health services. His political journey reached its zenith in January 2017 when he ascended to the governorship following Governor Nikki Haley’s appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. McMaster was subsequently elected to a full term in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. As of January 2025, he became South Carolina’s longest-serving governor, marking 2,927 days in office.
Stances on Key Issues:
- Economic Issues: Governor McMaster has been a proponent of economic growth through business-friendly policies. He has advocated for tax cuts to stimulate investment and has emphasized the reduction of regulatory burdens on businesses. Under his leadership, South Carolina has seen significant job creation and capital investment, with over 93,000 new jobs and $45.9 billion in new capital investment announced.
- Social Issues: McMaster holds conservative views on social matters. He has been a vocal opponent of abortion, supporting legislation aimed at restricting the procedure. Additionally, he has expressed support for traditional marriage and has taken stances aligned with conservative perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues.
- Immigration Issues: Governor McMaster has consistently advocated for strict immigration enforcement. He has supported measures to prevent undocumented immigrants from accessing certain public services and has backed policies that enhance cooperation between state law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
- Education Issues: Education reform has been a focal point of McMaster’s administration. He has championed increased funding for K-12 education, including raising teacher salaries and expanding full-day four-year-old kindergarten programs. McMaster has also promoted school choice initiatives, aiming to provide parents with more options for their children’s education.
Political Relationship with President Donald Trump:
Governor McMaster’s relationship with President Donald Trump has been notably significant. In January 2016, McMaster became the first statewide elected official to endorse Trump’s candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination, describing him as a “man of action.”
This early endorsement bolstered McMaster’s political standing within the Republican Party. Following Trump’s election, when Governor Nikki Haley was appointed as U.N. Ambassador, McMaster succeeded her as governor, a move that some attribute to his support for Trump.
While their alliance has been largely beneficial for McMaster, Trump’s tenure has not been without controversy. Various reports have highlighted instances where Trump’s interactions with foreign leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, have been scrutinized. For example, former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster detailed how Putin manipulated Trump’s “ego and insecurities” to influence his decisions.
Although these controversies primarily center on Trump, McMaster’s association underscores the complex dynamics of political alliances.