Henry McMaster

Henry McMaster is an American politician and attorney serving as the 117th Governor of South Carolina since 2017. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 91st Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina and as the state's Attorney General. McMaster assumed the governorship following the resignation of Nikki Haley, who was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

Early life and education

Henry McMaster was born in Columbia, South Carolina, and grew up in the Congaree Vista neighborhood. He attended local public schools before enrolling at the University of South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He remained at the university to attend the University of South Carolina School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor degree. During this period, he also served as a captain in the United States Army Reserve.

Legal and early political career

After law school, McMaster worked in private practice in Columbia and served as an assistant United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. He first entered electoral politics in 1980, running unsuccessfully for the United States Senate against incumbent Fritz Hollings. He later chaired the South Carolina Republican Party from 1993 to 2002, helping build the party's strength during that era. In 2002, he was elected as the South Carolina Attorney General.

Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina

McMaster was elected Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina in 2014, running on a ticket with Governor Nikki Haley. During his tenure, he focused on issues of economic development and served as chairman of the Department of Commerce's Board of Directors. He assumed the governorship on January 24, 2017, following Haley's resignation to accept an appointment as United States Ambassador to the United Nations under President Donald Trump.

Governor of South Carolina

Upon becoming governor, McMaster prioritized economic recruitment, securing major investments from companies like BMW, Volvo, and Boeing. He has overseen the state's response to several hurricanes, including Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Matthew. In 2018, he won a full term in his own right, defeating Democratic challenger James Smith. He was re-elected in 2022, defeating Democrat Joe Cunningham. His administration has focused on infrastructure, workforce development, and conservative fiscal policies.

Political positions and policy

McMaster is a conservative Republican who has advocated for restrictive abortion laws, including signing the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act. He is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and has signed legislation allowing for constitutional carry. On economic policy, he has pushed for tax cuts and regulatory reduction. He was an early endorser of President Donald Trump in the 2016 Republican Party presidential primaries and has aligned closely with the Trump administration on issues like immigration and energy.

Personal life

Henry McMaster married Peggy McMaster in 1974, and they have two adult children. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting and fishing. His personal papers and memorabilia are housed at the University of South Carolina's South Carolina Political Collections archive. Category:1947 births Category:Living people Category:Governors of South Carolina Category:South Carolina Republicans Category:University of South Carolina alumni Category:South Carolina attorneys general