Polling Average
20%15%10%5%0%
8%
15.3%
12.4%
11.2%
10.1%
9.2%
5.9%
Republican
Henry McMaster
South Carolina Republican Senate special primary winner?
$2.4M
AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleGovernor
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyTrump-aligned Republican
Age79 years old (May 27, 1947)
GenderMale
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LocationSouth Carolina
BackgroundAttorney
EducationUniversity of South Carolina — B.A. in History (1969)
Notable personal detailsHenry Dargan McMaster is an American politician and attorney who has served as governor of South Carolina since January 24, 2017. He previously served as lieutenant governor of South Carolina (2015–2017) and as South Carolina attorney general (2003–2011), and earlier was U.S. attorney for the District of South Carolina (1981–1985). He earned a B.A. in history (1969) and a J.D. (1973) from the University of South Carolina and served in the U.S. Army Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge in 1975.
SourcesShowHide
governor.sc.goven.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgarc.govlinktr.eecommons.wikimedia.orggovernor.mo.govactive.mcmaster.camarketing.degroote.mcmaster.capresident.mcmaster.calnk.bioscstatehouse.govhistory.house.govnews.mcmaster.cahfcc.eduentnet.orgarxiv.orgesd.whs.milthestate.comsled.sc.govscdailygazette.comthehill.comapnews.comwfae.orgwsav.comqcnews.compostandcourier.comwltx.comgreenvilleonline.compbs.orgabcnews4.comnbcnews.comcounton2.comcnn.comaxios.comcnbc.comfoxnews.comwashingtonpost.com270towin.comfacebook.comyoutube.comnga.orgbioguide.congress.govcdn.ballotpedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgcongress.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
McMaster has repeatedly pushed for lower taxes, including income tax cuts and reductions in business taxes. He has also paired tax cuts with fiscal restraint, including larger rainy day reserves and a business-friendly economic agenda.
Healthcare
McMaster has supported market-based healthcare changes, including repealing South Carolina’s Certificate of Need laws and promoting more competition among providers. He has also sought Medicaid work requirements and said South Carolina should not expand Medicaid.
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Immigration & Border
Henry McMaster has backed aggressive border enforcement measures, including deploying South Carolina National Guard troops to Texas to help secure the southern border. He also issued an executive order in 2021 to prevent unaccompanied migrant children from the southern border from being placed in South Carolina foster care and group homes. His public statements emphasize illegal immigration, border security, and support for stronger enforcement rather than expanded pathways or asylum access.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Henry McMaster has repeatedly backed major abortion restrictions in South Carolina, including signing the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act and calling for it to take effect. He has also pushed to exclude abortion clinics from Medicaid funding and described taxpayer funding for abortion clinics as a subsidy of abortion.
Climate & Energy
McMaster’s energy positions emphasize expanding power generation, keeping energy costs low, and ensuring reliable and affordable electricity and natural gas supply for South Carolina’s growth. He has supported state action to develop a broader energy strategy, including nuclear generation planning and updates to voluntary renewable energy programs, rather than a climate-first regulatory approach.
Public Safety & Guns
Henry McMaster has emphasized tougher penalties for illegal gun possession and repeat gun offenders, along with increased support for law enforcement and school resource officers. He signed South Carolina’s constitutional carry law, which allows lawful firearm possession without a concealed weapons permit.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Henry McMaster is in the news because he must appoint a temporary replacement for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and help set the timeline for South Carolina’s special Senate election. The state is preparing for a fast-moving Republican primary, with filing opening July 21 and the primary set for August 11. McMaster is also being discussed as a possible candidate himself, though several other Republicans are being mentioned as contenders. Trump has said he recommended Darline Graham Nordone for the interim appointment, and McMaster is expected to announce his choice soon.
governor.sc.gov+47
Articles
AAL.com13 days ago
Trump reveals his pick to replace Lindsey Graham as South Carolina governor prepares announcement
Neutral
NYNew York Magazine14 days ago
Lindsey Graham’s Death Leaves Two Power Vacuums
Neutral
SDSan Diego Union-Tribune15 days ago
Influential Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, dies after a brief and sudden illness
Neutral
WWBRZ15 days ago
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after a brief and unexpected illness
Neutral
Polls
South Carolina Republican Senate special primary winner?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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