Henry Dargan McMaster of Columbia became the 117th Governor of South Carolina on January 24, 2017 following then – Governor Nikki Haley’s appointment as United States Ambassador to the United Nations and was elected to a full term as governor in November 2018. Governor McMaster has led a strong and vibrant South Carolina economy, announcing more than 54,300 new jobs and over $15.5 billion in new capital investment in the state.

Under his leadership, the state has made transformative investments in the classroom by expanding full day four-year-old kindergarten, raising K-12 teacher pay, and placing a school resource officer in every school.  Colleges and universities are becoming more accessible and affordable due to the governor’s tuition freeze and by his doubling of funding for needs-based financial aid for in-state students.

Prior to becoming governor, McMaster served two years as lieutenant governor, eight years as attorney general and four years as United States attorney, appointed by President Ronald Reagan. Governor McMaster is married to Peggy McMaster, with whom he has two children. Governor and Mrs. McMaster are members of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia.