List of governors of South Carolina

List of governors of South Carolina
Post	Governor
Body	South Carolina
Insigniacaption	Seal of South Carolina
Incumbent	Henry McMaster
Incumbentsince	January 24, 2017
Style	The Honorable
Residence	South Carolina Governor's Mansion
Seat	Columbia
Appointer	Popular election
Termlength	Four years, renewable once consecutively
Constituting instrument	South Carolina Constitution
Formation	March 26, 1776
First	John Rutledge
Salary	$106,078 (2013)

List of governors of South Carolina encompasses the chief executives of the province and state from the colonial era to the present. The office has evolved from a royally appointed position under proprietary and crown rule to an elected governorship following American independence. Since the ratification of the South Carolina Constitution in 1776, the state has been led by 120 governors, with notable figures including John Rutledge, Wade Hampton III, and Strom Thurmond shaping its political trajectory.

Colonial period (1663–1775)

The colonial era began under the Lords Proprietor of Carolina, who appointed governors for the southern portion of the grant, with early administration centered in Charles Town. Notable proprietary governors included Joseph West and James Moore, who dealt with conflicts like the Yamasee War. Following the proprietors' overthrow in the Revolution of 1719, South Carolina became a royal colony, with governors appointed by the British monarchy, such as Robert Johnson and William Bull II. This period was marked by tensions over Parliamentary authority, culminating in the royal governor, Lord William Campbell, fleeing in 1775 as the American Revolution began.

Revolutionary War period (1775–1783)

During the Revolutionary War, executive authority was exercised by the President of the Provincial Congress and, later, the state's first constitutionally defined governor. John Rutledge served as the first president and later governor, leading the state through critical events like the Battle of Sullivan's Island and the Siege of Charleston. Other wartime executives included Rawlins Lowndes and interim leaders who managed the government during British occupation following the Capture of Charleston by forces under Sir Henry Clinton.

Governors of the State of South Carolina (1776–present)

Since statehood, governors have been elected under successive constitutions, with terms and powers evolving over time. The Democratic-Republican and nullification-era governors like John Lyde Wilson gave way to antebellum figures such as Whig John Peter Richardson II. The Civil War and Reconstruction saw governors from Wade Hampton III of the Bourbon Democrat faction to Daniel Henry Chamberlain, the last Republican governor until the 20th century. The 20th century was dominated by Democrats, including Strom Thurmond, who ran as a Dixiecrat, and John C. West. Modern governors include Carroll A. Campbell Jr., the first Republican elected since Reconstruction, and Nikki Haley, who became the first female and first Indian American governor. The current governor, Henry McMaster, succeeded Haley upon her appointment as United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

Other high offices held

Many South Carolina governors have held significant federal positions. Several served in the United States Senate, including Strom Thurmond, James F. Byrnes, and Burnet R. Maybank. Others joined the President's cabinet, such as James F. Byrnes as Secretary of State and Supreme Court Justice. John Rutledge was a signer of the U.S. Constitution and served as Chief Justice. In the 21st century, Nikki Haley served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations and Mark Sanford served in the United States House of Representatives.

Living former governors

As of 2023, there are six living former governors of South Carolina. The oldest is James B. Edwards (served 1975–1979), born in 1927. The most recent former governor to leave office is Nikki Haley (served 2011–2017), born in 1972. The others are Richard Riley (served 1979–1987), David Beasley (served 1995–1999), Jim Hodges (served 1999–2003), and Mark Sanford (served 2003–2011).

Notes on succession

The South Carolina Constitution provides for the Lieutenant Governor to succeed to the governorship in case of vacancy, as occurred when Nikki Haley resigned and Henry McMaster succeeded her. Prior to a 2012 constitutional amendment, the lieutenant governor was elected separately, leading to governors and lieutenant governors from different parties. The General Assembly historically played a role in selecting governors when no candidate received a majority, as in the election of Wade Hampton III after the Compromise of 1877.

South Carolina * Governors