McMaster, other GOP incumbents win S.C. statewide races

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster was re-elected Tuesday.

McMaster was running against Democrat Joe Cunningham, who has repeatedly highlighted the 35-year age gap with his opponent — and how he might be the only person who can stop any attempts to further restrict abortion in the state.

With 88% of votes counted Wednesday, McMaster had 978,284 votes, 58%, compared to 683,683, 41%, for Cunningham and 20,622, 1%, for Libertarian Brice Reeves.

Recent history was on McMaster’s side. He has won four general elections in a row — as attorney general, lieutenant governor, and governor — as South Carolina turned consistently red and the state hasn’t elected a Democratic governor since 1998.

At his short victory speech Tuesday night, McMaster quoted blues singer Bonnie Raitt, saying “let’s give ‘em something to talk about” for his final term and country singer Tim McGraw,

“I like it, I love it, I want some more of it,” said McMaster, who also said hello to his two grandchildren, both born this year.

This was McMaster’s sixth time asking South Carolina voters to choose him over a Democrat in November. He lost his first two races — including getting just 36% of the vote against U.S. Sen. Ernest “Fritz” Hollings in 1986. He won his last five elections as Republicans took over South Carolina.

A Democrat hasn’t been elected governor in the state since 1998.

“South Carolina is booming and we are going to keep on booming,” McMaster said.

The state GOP issued a statement after McMaster’s victory.

“We’re pleased, but not surprised Governor McMaster won four more years. His steady hand and proven record of delivering for South Carolina families is why voters across the state proudly voted to reelect him,” South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick said. “Under his leadership, South Carolina is booming–with more people working across the state than ever before, more capital investment than ever before, and the largest tax cut in state history. Honestly, the McMaster-Evette istration’s list of accomplishments goes on and on, and we can’t wait to see it continue.”

McMaster, 75, was seeking a second four-year term. Prior to his first election, he ascended from his previous role of lieutenant governor to finish the final two years of former Gov. Nikki Haley’s term. If he completes a second full term, those 10 years will make him the longest-serving governor in the state’s history. Haley resigned to then-President Donald Trump’s istration.McMaster’s argument for reelection has been simple — if you like what you’ve seen so far, I’ll give you more. He has touted the state’s booming economy and willingness to fight Democratic President Joe Biden when needed.

Cunningham, 40, took up the age issue head-on, proposing a constitutional amendment to require South Carolina officeholders to leave their jobs at age 72. While a direct shot at McMaster, it is also a shot at Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, the 82-year-old House majority whip.

Cunningham said the state needs bold change, suggesting legalizing and taxing marijuana and sports gambling and using that money to eliminate the state income tax.

The starkest difference between the candidates was on abortion. McMaster has said he would likely sign any additional restrictions from the General Assembly beyond the current six-week ban under a state Supreme Court review.

Cunningham said he would veto any measure like that and Republicans are just below the two-thirds margin needed to override a veto in both the House and Senate.

This was McMaster’s seventh time asking South Carolina voters to choose him over a Democrat in November. He lost his first two races — including getting just 36% of the vote against U.S. Sen. Ernest “Fritz” Hollings in 1986.

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