Who Is Henry McMaster? Age, Biography and Wiki
Henry McMaster was born on May 27, 1947, making him 77 years old in 2025. He has served as the Governor of South Carolina since 2017, assuming office after a successful career in law and politics. McMaster's early days were marked by his commitment to public service, and he quickly rose through the political ranks. His tenure as governor has been characterized by his focus on economic development, job creation, and education reform in the state.
For more detailed insights, visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1947 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Henry McMaster's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Henry McMaster stands approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and has an estimated weight of 180 lbs (82 kg). His appearance is often complemented by his sharp sense of style, typically donning formal attire suitable for his role as a public figure.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Henry McMaster is a married man. He is happily married to his wife, Peggy McMaster, whom he wed in 1975. Together, they have two daughters, Heather and Elizabeth. Throughout his political career, McMaster has maintained a strong family-oriented approach, often highlighting the importance of family in his public speeches.
On July 15, McMaster said in an address that South Carolina schools should give parents the option to send students to in-person classes in September 2020. He instructed Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman to reject any school's reopening plan if it did not allow in-person learning.
Groups such as the Palmetto State Teachers Association, the S.C.
Education Association, and SC for Ed criticized McMaster's order, saying that it "would needlessly jeopardize the health and safety of our state's 800,000 students and more than 50,000 teachers." Several school districts, including Greenville County School District, the state's largest, denounced the order.
Spearman, a Republican elected independently of McMaster, also disapproved of his order.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Henry McMaster's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth primarily stems from his long-standing career in law and politics. As Governor of South Carolina, McMaster's annual salary is approximately $106,000, alongside other investments that contribute to his financial status.
On January 6, 2015, the Ethics Commission of South Carolina accused McMaster of accepting about $70,000 in donations to his 2010 campaign for governor, exceeding South Carolina's limit for donations by $51,850. The commission released documents stating that McMaster accepted these extra funds to help settle campaign debt.
In September 2015, the commission refused to dismiss the complaint and McMaster's attorney indicated McMaster was likely to settle. In March 2016, the commission ordered McMaster "to repay $72,700 in excess campaign contributions from his 2010 run for governor and pay a $5,100 fine."
Career, Business and Investments
Before becoming governor, McMaster held several prominent positions, including serving as the Attorney General of South Carolina and as the chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party. His business acumen is evident in his various investments, which include real estate and private ventures. Under McMaster's leadership as governor, South Carolina has seen an influx of investment and growth, particularly in the technology and manufacturing sectors.
Upon graduation from law school, McMaster worked as a legislative assistant to U.S. senator Strom Thurmond in Washington, D.C., until 1974, when he joined the firm of Tompkins and McMaster. He was admitted to practice before the federal Court of Claims in 1974, before the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in 1975, and upon Thurmond's motion, before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1978. McMaster practiced law for almost 29 years, both as a federal prosecutor and in private practice, representing clients in the state and federal courts, trial and appellate.
Social Network
Henry McMaster is active on social media, engaging with constituents and followers through platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. His social media strategy focuses on sharing updates regarding state initiatives, community events, and personal insights, helping him maintain a strong connection with the public.
Like most governors during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States in 2020, McMaster declared a state of emergency.
On April 20, 2020, McMaster drew criticism for reopening beaches and retail stores five days after South Carolina experienced its highest number of new positive COVID-19 tests, but he did include additional social distancing requirements in his executive order.
McMaster said the economy was stalled because of the pandemic and that he anticipated having the economy "humming" by June 2020. By early June, McMaster reopened the majority of the state, though schools remained closed and businesses were required to follow social distancing procedures.
Many schools and universities across the country canceled graduation ceremonies, but McMaster urged South Carolina schools to hold ceremonies in a manner that abided by social distancing requirements. He delivered the commencement address at West Florence High School's graduation ceremony and sang "Mull of Kintyre" while playing his guitar.
Education
McMaster attended the University of South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. He later received a Juris Doctor degree from the USC School of Law. His educational background laid the foundation for his successful career in law and politics, propelling him into significant leadership roles within the state.
He is the eldest son of John Gregg and Ida Dargan (Pet) McMaster. He received a bachelor's degree in history from the University of South Carolina in 1969, and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.
In 1973, he graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he served on the editorial board of the South Carolina Law Review. Later that year, he was admitted to the Richland County Bar Association of the South Carolina Bar. He served in the United States Army Reserves, receiving an honorable discharge in 1975.
