Wednesday marks a momentous occasion in South Carolina's political history as Governor Henry McMaster delivers his eighth State of the State address. Celebrated for becoming the longest-serving governor of the Palmetto State, McMaster's journey is a testament to his political evolution over 40 years. As a pivotal figure in South Carolina's politics, McMaster has managed to stay at the helm for an impressive 2,927 days, his success bolstered by strategic alliances, notably with former President Donald Trump.
At 77 years old, McMaster is not only the longest-serving but also the oldest governor in South Carolina's robust 249-year history. Despite the significance of this milestone, the governor himself is unlikely to linger on it during his address. His team has largely downplayed any retrospective celebrations. When asked about this singular achievement, McMaster humorously remarked, “Well, all you have to do is stay alive.”
Throughout South Carolina's history, governorship terms have progressed from two years without eligibility for re-election to four years, with changes allowing two consecutive tenures only since 1980. Three governors have managed the full eight-year stretch, but with the peculiarities of inauguration timelines, Democrat Dick Riley's term stretched to eight years and four days, from 1979 to 1987. However, McMaster's journey past this record was made possible when he succeeded Governor Nikki Haley after her appointment as U.N. ambassador, further extending his impact through two more elections, leading into a final term concluding in January 2027.
Born and raised in Columbia, McMaster embodies the spirit of South Carolina. He holds degrees from the University of South Carolina and consistently maintains his lifelong Republican allegiance. His career launched in the early 1970s as a legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, a time when the state was a Democratic stronghold. In a rare instance of electoral defeat, McMaster challenged U.S. Sen. Ernest “Fritz” Hollings in 1986, receiving only 36% of the vote.
Despite setbacks, McMaster's resolve never wavered. As the leader of the South Carolina Republican Party, he was instrumental in the party's legislative takeover. After serving as state attorney general, his 2010 gubernatorial campaign did not succeed, yet he strategically reemerged by aligning with then-Governor Nikki Haley. Elected lieutenant governor in 2014, his calculative endorsement of Donald Trump at a critical juncture secured him a promotional path when Trump emerged victorious in the presidential race.
McMaster's dedication to his role remains unwavering. His regular appearances across the state, presenting the prestigious Order of the Palmetto and engaging with local communities, underscore his love for the job. Unlike previous governors, McMaster's amicable relations with South Carolina's General Assembly have fostered achievements such as increased teacher salaries and environmental conservation that typically elude conservative projects.
The coming State of the State address will likely reiterate familiar McMaster themes: continuing educational pay raises, reducing business regulations, boosting environmental conservation funding, and targeting higher education inefficiencies. His personal engagement and warmth are evident even during the formalities of such events.
Praise from political peers, including Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, highlights McMaster's profound impact on the state's prosperity and appeal for business. Graham notes, “He’s made our state a prosperous, good place to do business. 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.” As South Carolina's longest-serving governor, Henry McMaster's legacy is already entrenched in the annals of the state's political and economic history.