Henry McMaster
USA- Henry McMaster: A Profile in Politics
- Military and Legal Career
- Political Appointments
- State Attorney General
- Lieutenant Governor
- Governor of South Carolina
Henry McMaster: A Profile in Politics
Early Life and EducationHenry McMaster was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in history in 1969 and a J.D. from the university's law school in 1973.
Military and Legal Career
After graduating from law school, McMaster served in the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps from 1969 to 1975. He subsequently worked as an aide in the office of U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond and as a practicing attorney at Tompkins and McMaster.
Political Appointments
In 1981, President Reagan appointed McMaster as U.S. Attorney for South Carolina, a position he held until 1985. From 1994 to 2001, McMaster led the South Carolina Republican Party.
State Attorney General
McMaster served as South Carolina's Attorney General from 2003 to 2011. During his tenure, he focused on combating violent crime and protecting consumers.
Lieutenant Governor
In 2014, McMaster won the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor, defeating Democrat Bakari Sellers with 58.8% of the vote. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in a separate election from the gubernatorial race.
Governor of South Carolina
On January 24, 2017, McMaster was sworn in as Governor of South Carolina following the confirmation of then-Governor Nikki Haley as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In November 2018, McMaster was elected to a full gubernatorial term, defeating Democrat James Smith with 54% of the vote.
