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Henry McMaster
51.2%
#17 of 50

Henry McMaster

South Carolina R | 2nd elected term (succeeded Haley Jan 2017, elected 2018, reelected 2022)
2017-01-24Took Office 9 yrs, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 847 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

225/300
75%

Section B: State Outcomes

502/975
51%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+120 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 225/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
Submitted executive budgets on time every year 2017-2026. FY2026 budget ($41.6B total, $13.02B general fund) presented Jan 13, 2025. SC governor proposes but General Assembly controls final appropriations — limited executive budget authority under SC Constitution.
SC EBO Budget Submission Records; Governor's FY2026 Executive Budget Book
2
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
Board of Economic Advisors revenue forecasts generally accurate. Post-COVID FY2022 revenues exceeded forecasts by $1B+, creating unprecedented surplus. FY2024 general fund revenues of $12.4B tracked within 2% of BEA estimates. Surplus-driven budget growth from $29B (FY2018) to $41.6B (FY2026).
SC Board of Economic Advisors Revenue Forecasts 2017-2025; SC Comptroller General
2
Rainy day fund management
Reserve funds at historic highs: General Reserve Fund $839.3M + Capital Reserve Fund $387.4M = $1.23B total (FY2026), representing ~10% of general fund expenditures. State Treasurer reports lowest general obligation debt and largest reserve balance in state history.
SC State Treasurer Reserve Fund Reports; FY2026 Executive Budget; Treasurer Loftis 2025 Statement
3
State credit rating trajectory
Triple-AAA from Fitch (AAA) and Moody's (Aaa), AA+ from S&P — all stable outlook, reaffirmed 2025. One of only 13 states rated in top category by Fitch. All agencies cite strong institutional framework, balanced budgets, and growing reserves. Maintained throughout tenure.
S&P AA+ (Mar 2024); Moody's Aaa (Jun 2024); Fitch AAA (May 2024); SC Treasurer 2025 reaffirmation
3
Pension funding ratio trajectory
SCRS unfunded liability grew to $25.1B (Jul 2024 valuation). Funded ratio ~57-60%, among worst nationally. Act 13 of 2017 raised employer contribution to 18.56% and set 30-year amortization, but unfunded liability keeps rising. Cannot reduce contributions until 85% funded. Projected 14-year catch-up if assumptions met.
PEBA SCRS Actuarial Valuation Jul 2024; Act 13 of 2017; PEBA Annual Reports
1
Debt per capita trajectory
Self-supported GO debt $469.9M outstanding (Jun 2024). GO bonds amortize quickly — 78% 10-year payout ratio. State Treasurer reports lowest GO debt in state history. Debt per capita among lowest nationally, supported by strong population growth (5.35M) diluting per-capita burden.
SC State Treasurer Annual Debt Report 2024; Treasurer Loftis GO Debt Records
2
CAFR/ACFR published on time
Comptroller General publishes ACFR within statutory deadline (December 31 for prior fiscal year). FY2024 ACFR released on schedule. Complies with GASB standards. No late filings documented during McMaster tenure.
SC Comptroller General ACFR Publication Records 2017-2024
2
Audit findings — material weaknesses
State Auditor reports contain findings but no systemic material weaknesses threatening state operations. Some repeat findings in smaller agencies on internal controls. No audit-triggered federal sanctions. Clean opinions on statewide financial statements.
SC State Auditor Reports 2017-2025; Single Audit Reports
2
Federal grant fund accounting
Managed $1.9B in CARES Act funds through AccelerateSC task force (2020). ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds allocated per federal guidelines. IIJA formula funding ($4.9B over 5 years) tracked through SCDOT. Single Audit findings manageable with no major questioned costs.
SC Single Audit Reports; AccelerateSC Final Report 2020; USASpending.gov — SC
2
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
SC DEW implemented identity verification (ID.me) for unemployment claims during pandemic. Fraud losses proportional to state size — not among worst offenders. Inspector General active in oversight. No major federal OIG findings singling out SC for fraud failures.
DOL OIG Pandemic UI Reports; SC DEW Fraud Prevention Records; SC IG Reports
2
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Revenues and expenditures aligned — surplus years FY2021-FY2024 driven by post-COVID economic boom. Signed largest income tax cut in state history (7% to 6.5% immediate, phasing to 6% by 2027). General fund grew from $8.5B (FY2017) to $13B (FY2026). Conservative spending despite revenue growth.
SC Board of Economic Advisors; Comptroller General Revenue Reports; Comprehensive Tax Cut Act 2022
2
Capital budget execution rate
Capital projects proceeding on schedule. IIJA-funded bridge and highway projects ($4.9B over 5 years) executing through SCDOT. Port of Charleston $2B+ expansion on track. FY2026 budget includes $220M for Hurricane Helene disaster relief infrastructure. Capital Reserve Fund ($387.4M) supports project pipeline.
SC EBO Capital Budget Reports; SCDOT IIJA Project Tracker; Port of Charleston Expansion Plans
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
V.C. Summer nuclear plant abandoned 2017 — $9B failed project by SCE&G/SCANA and state-owned Santee Cooper. McMaster released suppressed Bechtel audit to federal investigators. Pushed for Santee Cooper sale (legislature chose reform). Signed Santee Cooper oversight bill creating 4-year board terms and debt oversight. Ratepayers still burdened.
SC PSC Records; V.C. Summer/Nukegate Investigation; Santee Cooper Reform Act; Bechtel Audit Release 2017
1
Federal funding maximization
Captured $4.9B in IIJA highway/bridge formula funding over 5 years (27.6% increase over prior law). Secured $51.2M Bridge Investment Program grant for 6 rural bridges. $1.9B CARES Act deployed. $55M clean energy allocation. 277,000+ households connected through broadband funding. Strong military base presence drives additional federal investment.
USASpending.gov — SC; FHWA IIJA SC Allocations; USDOT Bridge Investment Program
2
Program eligibility verification systems
Comprehensive verification framework. E-Verify mandatory for ALL employers (Act 280, strengthened 2021). SAVE system for benefits verification. SC did not expand Medicaid — smaller benefits population to verify. Standard DSS eligibility controls for SNAP, TANF. No major eligibility fraud scandals.
SC DSS Program Integrity Reports; Act 280 E-Verify Mandate; SC DHHS Eligibility Data
3
Signature legislation enacted
Signed Fetal Heartbeat Act (S.1, May 2023) — 6-week abortion ban upheld 4-1 by SC Supreme Court (Sep 2023). Signed Comprehensive Tax Cut Act 2022 — largest income tax cut in state history (7% to 6%). Signed Constitutional Carry Act (H.3594, Mar 2024) — SC became 29th permitless carry state. Signed ESTF school choice (2023). Signed DHEC restructuring into DPH and DES (Act 60, 2024).
SC Legislature Bill Tracking; Governor's Signing Records; S.1, H.3594, S.399
2
Veto override rate
General Assembly did not override a single gubernatorial veto from the last two General Appropriations Acts (FY2024, FY2025). McMaster issued 11 line-item vetoes ($1.5M) in FY2024 budget, 21 vetoes ($2.3M) in FY2025 budget. SC governor has limited veto power — line-item on appropriations only, easily overridden by simple majority.
SC Legislature Journal; Governor's Veto Messages Page; FY2024-FY2026 Budget Records
2
Bipartisan bills signed
Signed bipartisan Act 40 (2017) — gas tax increase for roads passed with D+R support. DHEC restructuring (Act 60) passed unanimously. Santee Cooper reform had bipartisan backing. R supermajority in General Assembly limits necessity for bipartisan coalition building. Economic development incentives draw broad support.
SC Legislature Vote Records 2017-2025; Act 40 (2017); Act 60 (2024)
2
Special sessions called
No unnecessary special sessions called. Legislature convened special session for COVID (2020) at their own initiative. McMaster used executive orders for emergency actions rather than calling special sessions. SC governor has limited special session authority — legislature largely self-governing.
SC Governor's Office; Legislature Session Records 2017-2025
2
Executive orders — legal challenges
No major successful legal challenges to McMaster executive orders. COVID emergency orders (2020-2021) not challenged. Hurricane emergency declarations (Florence, Dorian, Ian, Helene) all routine. Executive orders on flag lowering, transportation waivers, and appointments unchallenged. Former AG background likely informs legally sound drafting.
Court Records — SC; Governor's Executive Orders Page (governor.sc.gov)
3
Line-item veto usage
Exercised line-item veto on appropriations consistently: 11 vetoes ($1.5M) FY2024, 21 vetoes ($2.3M) FY2025. FY2026 vetoes targeted wasteful earmarks. Vetoed Medicaid expansion study committee (Jul 2024). Legislature incorporated 80% of McMaster's executive budget proposals into FY2026 final bill. Limited veto power in SC — simple majority override.
SC Constitution Art. IV §21; Governor's Veto Messages 2023-2025
2
Regulatory burden change
Maintained SC's business-friendly regulatory climate — consistently ranked top-10 for business climate. DHEC restructuring (2024) split into DES + DPH, placing both under governor's cabinet (formerly independent board). Rapid business permitting supports manufacturing recruitment. SC ranked among lowest regulatory burden states by ALEC and Tax Foundation.
SC Department of Commerce; ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Rankings; DHEC Act 60
2
Budget negotiation success
Budgets passed on time every year — no government shutdowns. Legislature incorporated 80% of FY2026 executive budget proposals. SC General Assembly controls appropriations process (governor proposes, legislature disposes). McMaster's income tax cut, teacher pay, and Hurricane Helene relief priorities all reflected in final budgets.
SC EBO Budget Timeline; Governor's FY2026 Budget Summary; Legislature Calendar
2
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Signed popular measures: income tax cut from 7% to 6% (phased), Constitutional Carry (Mar 2024), school choice ESTF (2023), fetal heartbeat ban (popular among R base). Teacher pay increases to $47,500 minimum. Economic development incentives for BMW, Scout Motors, Redwood Materials broadly supported. Vetoed Medicaid expansion study — popular with base.
SC Legislature Records; Governor's Signing Statements; Winthrop Poll Data
2
Legislative relationship
Functional relationship with R supermajority legislature. SC governor constitutionally weak relative to legislature — no cabinet appointments without legislative confirmation, legislature elects judges. McMaster works within system as party colleague. Zero veto overrides in last two budget cycles signals cooperation. Some tension on Santee Cooper (McMaster wanted sale, legislature chose reform).
SC Legislature Records; SC Constitution; Leadership Communications
2
Implementation of voter-approved measures
SC has no citizen ballot initiative process — all amendments go through legislature. Implemented 2024 constitutional amendment banning non-citizen voting (passed Nov 2024 by voters). Prior amendments on hunting/fishing rights implemented. Limited scope for this metric given SC's legislative-only amendment process.
SC Secretary of State; 2024 Constitutional Amendment Results; SC Constitution Art. XVI
2
Task force follow-through
AccelerateSC task force (Apr 2020) directed $1.9B in CARES Act spending with public dashboards and final report by May 28, 2020. Recommendations on PPE stockpiling, business reopening protocols, and broadband expansion implemented. Economic development task forces active — $34B in announced capital investment since taking office. 83,000+ new jobs announced during tenure.
AccelerateSC Final Report May 2020; Governor's Economic Development Records
2
Policy reversals under pressure
No major policy reversals. Held firm on abortion ban through Supreme Court challenge (upheld 4-1, Sep 2023). Maintained opposition to Medicaid expansion despite pressure. Consistent on Constitutional Carry despite law enforcement concerns. Steady conservative governance without flip-flops. COVID reopening was early and maintained.
Governor's Office Records; SC Supreme Court Planned Parenthood v. SC (2023)
3
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No McMaster appointees charged with crimes or subject to substantiated ethics complaints. Appointed Dr. Edward Simmer as DHEC director (Feb 2021), later first DPH director. Appointed Myra Reece as first DES director. DSS Director Michael Leach served 2019-2024 without ethics issues (resigned voluntarily).
SC Ethics Commission Records; Governor's Appointment Records
3
Agency head vacancy rate
Agency head positions generally filled promptly. Key appointments: DSS Director Leach (2019-2024, replaced after resignation), DHEC split into DPH (Simmer) and DES (Reece) in Jul 2024 — both filled immediately. SC governor appoints fewer agency heads than most states — legislature confirms or directly elects many positions. SCDOT Commission appointments transferred to governor under Act 40 (2017).
Governor's Office Appointment Records; Act 40 SCDOT Reform; DHEC Act 60
2
State employee turnover
Elevated turnover across state government. SCDC corrections officer vacancy rate hit 33% (early 2024), with 422 unfilled positions. DSS child welfare caseworker turnover chronically high — McMaster called system 'coming to a breaking point' (Oct 2024). Law enforcement recruitment difficult. Teacher vacancies dropped 35% after pay raise to $47,500 minimum, showing progress.
SC DIS HR Reports; SCDC Staffing Reports 2024; DSS Caseworker Data; NEA Teacher Salary Report
1
Diversity of appointments
Moderate diversity in appointments. SC population 27% Black. Appointed mix of backgrounds across agencies. DHEC restructuring appointments included experienced career officials. SC judiciary elected by legislature (governor has limited judicial role). No major diversity controversies but no standout diversity initiatives for appointees.
Governor's Office Appointment Records; Census ACS SC Demographics
2
Judicial appointment quality
SC is one of two states where legislature elects judges — governor has virtually no judicial appointment power. Judicial Merit Selection Commission screens candidates, General Assembly votes. McMaster has no direct role. System produces qualified jurists — SC Supreme Court upheld fetal heartbeat ban 4-1 (2023), demonstrating functional judiciary.
SC Constitution Art. V; Judicial Merit Selection Commission; SC Bar Association
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
State employee pay below market. Teacher pay improved from 42nd nationally (2020) to 36th (2025) after minimum raised to $47,500 — seeking $50K by 2026 ($200M request). SCDC lowered minimum CO age to 18 to fill vacancies. Corrections starting pay uncompetitive — 33% vacancy rate. DSS caseworker pay below private sector social work rates.
NEA Teacher Salary Benchmark 2025; SCDC Employment Data; SC DIS Compensation Reports
1
Whistleblower protection
No documented systematic whistleblower retaliation under McMaster administration. SC Employee Grievance Procedure Act provides protections. Inspector General office receives and investigates complaints. McMaster proactively released suppressed Bechtel audit on V.C. Summer nuclear project to federal investigators over SCANA's objections (2017), demonstrating transparency instinct.
SC Inspector General Reports; SC Employee Grievance Procedure Act; Bechtel Audit Release 2017
3
Inspector General independence
SC Inspector General operated with standard independence under McMaster. IG office conducts investigations and publishes reports without documented interference. SC IG Act provides statutory protections. IG active in reviewing DSS child welfare and pandemic fraud matters. No reports of IG independence being compromised.
SC Inspector General Annual Reports 2017-2025; SC IG Act
2
State employee morale
Low morale in critical agencies. SCDC corrections officers working mandatory overtime due to 33% vacancy rate — some facilities at 50% staffing. DSS caseworkers overwhelmed — Michelle H. consent decree ongoing since 2016. Greenville County juvenile facility closed 2022, Richland County facility closed 2024 due to staffing shortages. Teacher morale improving with pay raises.
SC DIS Employee Data; SCDC Staffing Reports; Michelle H. v. McMaster Progress Reports
1
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism or cronyism. McMaster served as US Attorney (1981-1985) and AG (2003-2011) — long political career without employment scandal. First SC governor to endorse Trump (Jan 2016). Political connections but no state employment violations or family enrichment documented.
SC Ethics Commission Records; Governor's Financial Disclosures
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior staff or cabinet members charged with crimes during McMaster's tenure (2017-present). Clean senior team record across 9+ years in office. No indictments, arrests, or criminal investigations of governor's office staff documented.
Court Records — SC; SLED Investigation Records
3
Agency performance accountability
Held agencies accountable through restructuring. DHEC split into DPH + DES (Act 60, Jul 2024) — placed both under governor's cabinet, eliminating independent board. SCDOT Commission appointments transferred to governor (Act 40, 2017). DSS Director Leach resigned Oct 2024 amid child welfare concerns. Legislative oversight committee hearings on SCDC staffing. AccelerateSC dashboards provided COVID accountability.
SC Inspector General Reports; Legislative Oversight Committee; Act 40; Act 60
3
Disaster declaration timeliness
Timely declarations for 5+ major events: Hurricane Florence (Sep 2018, mandatory coastal evacuation ordered Sep 11), Hurricane Dorian (Sep 2019, coastal evacuation), Hurricane Ian (Sep 2022, FEMA-declared in 7 counties), Hurricane Helene (Sep 2024, state of emergency declared pre-landfall, 49 deaths, 29 counties damaged, 5,200 homes affected), plus COVID (Mar 2020).
SC EMD Emergency Declaration Records; FEMA DR-4394 (Florence), DR-4829 (Helene)
2
FEMA Public Assistance secured
Secured FEMA assistance for multiple disasters: Florence (DR-4394, $24M+ to 5,000+ individuals), Dorian (11 counties approved), Ian (7 counties: Berkeley, Charleston, Clarendon, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Williamsburg), Helene (expedited major disaster declaration approved Sep 28, 2024). Requested and received federal aid for each major event.
FEMA PA Records — SC 2017-2025; FEMA DR-4394, DR-4829; Governor's Disaster Declaration Requests
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Reserve funds at historic highs: $1.23B combined (General Reserve $839.3M + Capital Reserve $387.4M) for FY2026. FY2026 executive budget includes $220M for Hurricane Helene disaster relief. Reserves represent ~10% of general fund expenditures — meets recommended benchmarks. No fiscal strain from emergency response documented.
SC State Treasurer Reserve Reports; FY2026 Executive Budget Helene Allocation
2
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
Hurricane evacuations executed without mass casualties — mandatory coastal evacuation for Florence (2018) prevented deaths from Category 1 storm. 49 deaths from Helene (2024) primarily from inland flooding in Upstate (22 inches of rain) — unprecedented event, not preventable through evacuation. No mass casualty events from specific state failure. COVID deaths addressed separately.
SC EMD After-Action Reports; NHC Hurricane Data; Helene Fatality Records
2
Post-disaster recovery
Florence (2018) recovery: FEMA PA programs closed out, $24M+ distributed. Helene (2024) recovery ongoing: 29 counties with 5,200 damaged homes (300 destroyed, 1,700 major damage). State of emergency extended multiple times. Office of Resilience coordinating long-term recovery. SC DOT clearing debris and restoring roads in Upstate. Standard recovery pace for storm severity.
FEMA PA Closeout Records — SC; SC Office of Resilience Helene Page; SC DOT Reports
2
Public health emergency response
Among least restrictive COVID states. Last state east of Mississippi to issue stay-at-home order (Apr 2020), among first to lift it (May 2020). McMaster claimed SC deserved 'A or A-plus' for COVID response. Vaccination rate only 53.5% fully vaccinated (Aug 2022). Peak daily deaths 106/day (Feb 2021). COVID death rate above national average — among highest in Southeast.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — SC; Post and Courier Mar 2021; Worldometer SC COVID Stats
1
Infrastructure failure prevention
No major infrastructure failures beyond weather damage. Act 40 (2017) added 12 cents/gallon gas tax phased over 6 years (16 to 28 cents), generating $500-625M/year for road and bridge repairs across all 46 counties. Port of Charleston achieved 52-foot harbor depth (2021) — deepest on East Coast. Inland Port Greer $55M expansion doubled capacity to 300,000 rail lifts/year.
SC DOT Infrastructure Reports; Act 40 Implementation; SC Ports Authority Statistics
3
National Guard deployment appropriateness
SC National Guard deployed appropriately for hurricanes Florence (2018), Dorian (2019), Ian (2022), and Helene (2024). Guard activated for COVID testing and vaccination support (2020-2021). No controversial or politically motivated Guard deployments. Standard use within emergency management framework.
SC Military Department Records; SC Adjutant General Reports
2
Emergency communication
Effective hurricane communication — mandatory evacuation orders for Florence (2018) clearly communicated, 1M+ evacuees moved safely. AccelerateSC created public COVID dashboards (Sep 2020) with centralized data for citizens. SC EMD issues alerts through Emergency Alert System and social media. Helene (2024) pre-landfall emergency declaration communicated through all channels.
Governor's Office Press Records; AccelerateSC Dashboard Announcement; SC EMD Communications
3
Interagency coordination
Well-practiced interagency hurricane coordination — SC has extensive hurricane experience. AccelerateSC (2020) coordinated COVID response across 5 components (Response, Protection, Governance, Resources, Information) with public meetings and testimony from healthcare, education, tourism, and local government. DHEC restructuring (2024) improved public health/environmental coordination by creating cabinet-level agencies.
SC EMD After-Action Reports; AccelerateSC Final Report; DHEC Restructuring Act 60
3
Pandemic response metrics
SC COVID death rate among highest nationally — 19,000+ total deaths, peak 106 deaths/day (Feb 2021). Vaccination rate 53.5% fully vaccinated as of Aug 2022 (well below national ~68%). Minimal public health restrictions imposed — among earliest reopening states. Nursing home deaths particularly high. McMaster opposed mask mandates and vaccine requirements.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — SC; CMS Nursing Home COVID Data; Worldometer SC
1
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Significant and growing coastal vulnerability. Hurricane Helene (2024) exposed inland flooding risk — 22 inches of rain in Upstate, historic river levels, 49 deaths. Charleston area experiences chronic tidal flooding. 9.3% of bridges structurally deficient (above national 7.5%). Act 40 gas tax funding ($500-625M/year) improving roads but infrastructure investment still catching up to population growth and climate risk.
SC EMD; FHWA NBI Bridge Data; Act 40 Revenue Reports; Helene After-Action
1
FOIA/open records compliance
SC FOIA (Freedom of Information Act, SC Code §30-4-10) compliance standard. Governor's office responds to FOIA requests within statutory 10-business-day window. Some media criticism of response times from agencies. McMaster proactively released suppressed Bechtel audit on V.C. Summer over SCANA's objections (2017), showing willingness to disclose.
SC AG FOIA Opinions; Court Records; Post and Courier FOIA Reporting
2
Governor's schedule availability
Schedule published on governor.sc.gov. Public events, press conferences, and bill signings announced in advance. AccelerateSC meetings were all open to the public with oral and written testimony accepted. Standard transparency for gubernatorial schedule in SC. Not as detailed as some states that publish daily calendars.
Governor's Office Website (governor.sc.gov); AccelerateSC Public Meeting Records
2
Campaign finance compliance
No campaign finance violations in McMaster's gubernatorial campaigns (2018, 2022). 2022 campaign raised and spent within legal limits — won with 58.1% (largest gubernatorial margin in 30+ years). Ethics Commission records clean. Long political career (AG 2003-2011, Lt. Gov/Gov 2017-present) without finance violations.
SC Ethics Commission Campaign Finance Records; 2022 Election Commission Results
3
Financial disclosure
Statement of Economic Interests filed annually with SC Ethics Commission as required by SC Code §8-13-1110. Disclosures include income sources, real property, and business interests. Filed on time throughout tenure. Standard compliance — no exceptional detail beyond statutory requirements.
SC Ethics Commission Financial Disclosure Records; SC Code §8-13-1110
2
Open meetings compliance
Standard FOIA/Open Meetings compliance under SC Code §30-4-60. Executive branch meetings comply with notice requirements. AccelerateSC held 5 whole-team and 10 component-level meetings, all open to public (2020). DHEC board meetings were public before restructuring (2024). No major open meetings violations documented.
SC AG Open Meetings Opinions; AccelerateSC Meeting Records; SC Code §30-4-60
3
Open data portal
South Carolina maintains open data portal at data.sc.gov with datasets across agencies. AccelerateSC added COVID and economic revitalization dashboards (Sep 2020) providing centralized public data access. Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office publishes economic data. Budget documents available through admin.sc.gov. Portal functional but not among most comprehensive nationally.
data.sc.gov; AccelerateSC Dashboard Launch Sep 2020; SC RFA Data Portal
2
Budget transparency
Executive budget published annually on governor.sc.gov with detailed book format. FY2026 executive budget book available online. Comptroller General publishes detailed expenditure reports. Board of Economic Advisors publishes revenue forecasts publicly. Budget hearings conducted in public legislative sessions. Standard budget transparency framework.
SC EBO Budget Publications; Governor's FY2026 Budget Book; Comptroller General Online Reports
2
Lobbying disclosure
Lobbyist registration and disclosure through SC Ethics Commission per SC Code §2-17-10. Lobbyists must register within 15 days and file income/expenditure reports. Principal (employer) disclosure required. Ethics Commission database publicly searchable. Standard Southern state lobbying framework — no reforms but compliance maintained.
SC Ethics Commission Lobbying Records; SC Code §2-17-10
3
IG report publication
Inspector General publishes reports on investigations and audits through IG website. Reports on DSS child welfare, fraud investigations, and agency management made public. Michelle H. consent decree progress reports published semi-annually through DSS website. IG findings shared with legislative oversight committee.
SC Inspector General Website; DSS Michelle H. Progress Reports
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Standard cooperation with Legislative Audit Council. Governor's agencies respond to audit requests. DHEC restructuring (Act 60) included legislative oversight provisions. Legislative Oversight Committee conducts hearings on agency performance (SCDC, DSS) with executive branch participation. No documented refusal to cooperate with audits.
SC Legislative Audit Council Reports; SC State Auditor Records
3
Press conference accessibility
Generally accessible to media. Regular press conferences for budget announcements, bill signings, and emergencies. Held COVID briefings (2020-2021) with less frequency than some governors. Press availability for hurricane emergencies (Florence, Dorian, Ian, Helene). Annual State of the State address. Not known for extensive media engagement but accessible when needed.
Governor's Office Media Schedule; Press Conference Archives on governor.sc.gov
2
State contract transparency
SC Materials Management Office (MMO) publishes contract awards through SC procurement portal. Solicitations, awards, and vendor information publicly available. Santee Cooper reform legislation (post-V.C. Summer) added transparency requirements for state-owned utility contracts and debt. Standard procurement transparency with no major scandals under McMaster.
SC MMO Procurement Portal; Santee Cooper Reform Act Transparency Provisions
3
Court order compliance
Generally complied with court orders. Michelle H. v. McMaster consent decree (2016) — DSS working toward compliance, achieved exit from 4 measures (Out-of-Home Abuse/Neglect investigations) by Oct 2024. SC Supreme Court ESTF ruling (Sep 2024) — complied by halting tuition payments, then pursued legislative fix (enacted 2025). Fetal heartbeat ban upheld 4-1 — no compliance issue.
Michelle H. v. McMaster Progress Reports; SC Supreme Court ESTF Ruling Sep 2024
2
Personal criminal charges
Zero criminal charges in 40+ year legal/political career. Served as US Attorney for SC (1981-1985, appointed by Reagan), SC Attorney General (2003-2011, elected twice), Lieutenant Governor (Jan 2017), and Governor (Jan 2017-present). Longest-serving current governor in US. Clean personal criminal record throughout.
Court Records; DOJ US Attorney Records; SC Election Commission
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
No substantiated ethics complaints against McMaster in 9+ years as governor. SC Ethics Commission has not found violations. No formal investigations. Clean record extends through prior service as AG (8 years) and US Attorney (4 years). Among cleanest personal ethics records of any current governor.
SC Ethics Commission Records 2017-2025
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Gift and travel disclosures filed per SC Ethics Act §8-13-710. Statement of Economic Interests includes gifts over $25 threshold. No major gift controversies. Standard disclosure compliance — filed annually without incident. Governor's Mansion official travel documented through state records.
SC Ethics Commission Records; SC Code §8-13-710; Annual SEI Filings
2
Conflict of interest
No documented conflicts of interest. McMaster practiced law in Columbia before political career — divested from active practice upon entering public service. Financial disclosures show no problematic holdings. No business dealings with state benefiting personal interests. Former AG — understands conflict-of-interest law.
SC Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; Statement of Economic Interests
3
State resources for political purposes
No documented misuse of state resources for political or campaign purposes. 2022 reelection campaign maintained proper separation between official and campaign activities. No Ethics Commission findings of state resource misuse. State vehicles, staff, and facilities used appropriately.
SC Ethics Commission Records; 2022 Campaign Finance Reports
3
Truthfulness in official statements
Generally truthful in official statements. Claimed SC deserved 'A or A-plus' for COVID response (Mar 2021) despite high death rate — arguably misleading given SC ranked among worst states for COVID mortality. Economic development claims ($34B investment, 83,000 jobs) supported by Commerce Department data. Budget presentations factually accurate.
Governor's Office Public Statements; Post and Courier Fact-Checking; SC Commerce Data
2
Protection of ethics infrastructure
Ethics Commission authority and budget maintained throughout tenure. No efforts to weaken ethics enforcement or reduce Ethics Commission independence. SC Ethics Commission continues to investigate complaints, enforce disclosure requirements, and monitor lobbying. No structural changes to weaken accountability mechanisms.
SC Ethics Commission Budget Records; Annual Reports 2017-2025
2
Emoluments/self-dealing
No documented self-dealing or emoluments issues. Governor's salary set by statute. No side business activities while serving as governor. No evidence of steering state contracts, grants, or resources to personal benefit. Clean financial disclosure history across entire tenure.
SC Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; Statement of Economic Interests 2017-2025
3
Campaign donor to state contract pipeline
No documented pay-to-play or donor-to-contract pipeline. Major economic development deals (BMW, Volvo, Scout Motors, Redwood Materials) involve global companies with transparent incentive packages approved through SC Commerce and legislature. No Ethics Commission findings of quid pro quo between campaign donors and state contracts.
SC Ethics Commission; Campaign Finance Records; SC Commerce Incentive Disclosures
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns. International business recruitment (BMW-Germany, Volvo-Sweden, VW/Scout-Germany) conducted through proper SC Commerce channels with legislative approval. No FARA registrations associated with McMaster. As former US Attorney, has background in federal law enforcement — no foreign entanglements.
DOJ FARA Database; SC Commerce International Business Records
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims against McMaster or senior governor's office staff. No settlements, complaints, or investigations documented. Clean workplace record throughout 9+ years in governor's office. No #MeToo era allegations. SC DIS HR records show no complaints against governor's office.
SC DIS HR Records; Governor's Office Personnel Files
3
Records preservation
No documented records destruction or improper disposal. SC Archives and History Commission sets retention schedules — governor's office complies. McMaster proactively preserved and released V.C. Summer Bechtel audit to federal investigators (2017) over corporate objections. No litigation over records destruction.
SC State Archives Records Retention; Bechtel Audit Preservation Record
3
Revolving door
No major revolving door violations documented. SC Ethics Act §8-13-755 restricts former officials from lobbying for one year after leaving office. DSS Director Leach resigned Oct 2024 — no lobbying concerns raised. McMaster's own career has been continuous public service since 1981 (US Attorney, AG, Governor) — no private sector revolving door.
SC Ethics Commission Records; SC Code §8-13-755
3
Fraud losses in state programs
Pandemic UI fraud proportional to state size — SC DEW implemented ID.me identity verification to reduce fraudulent claims. No uniquely large fraud scandals. Inspector General investigated pandemic-era fraud across programs. Standard SNAP and Medicaid fraud detection through DSS and DHHS. No federal OIG enforcement actions singling out SC.
SC Inspector General Reports; DOL OIG Pandemic UI Data; SC DEW Fraud Prevention
2
Program integrity — eligibility verification
Strong verification framework. E-Verify mandatory for ALL employers (Act 280, universal since 2021) — one of only 4 states with universal mandate (AL, AZ, MS, SC). SC did not expand Medicaid — smaller beneficiary population. SAVE system for public benefits. SNAP and TANF eligibility verified through DSS standard protocols. No major eligibility fraud incidents.
SC DSS Program Integrity; Act 280 E-Verify; SC DHHS Eligibility Systems
3
IT system modernization
SC DEW unemployment system performed better than many states during pandemic — no catastrophic failures or months-long backlogs that plagued other states. AccelerateSC launched centralized COVID dashboards (Sep 2020). SC DIS managing standard IT modernization. DMV and DOR systems functional. Open data portal (data.sc.gov) operational. No major IT project failures.
SC DIS IT Reports; DEW Performance Data 2020-2021; AccelerateSC Dashboard
3
Permit processing timeliness
Business-friendly permitting environment — SC consistently ranked top-10 for business climate. Rapid permitting helped land Scout Motors ($2B factory near Columbia, 4,000 jobs), Redwood Materials ($3.5B, largest deal in state history), and BMW expansion ($1.7B EV investment). SC Commerce facilitates expedited permitting for major projects. DHEC split (2024) aims to improve environmental permitting.
SC Department of Commerce; Forbes/CNBC Business Climate Rankings; DHEC Act 60
2
Child welfare system
SC DSS child welfare under federal consent decree since 2016 (Michelle H. v. McMaster). McMaster called system 'coming to a breaking point' (Oct 2024). Director Leach resigned Oct 2024. Greenville juvenile facility closed 2022, Richland County closed 2024 — both due to staffing shortages. Exited 4 of consent decree measures (Out-of-Home Abuse investigations) by Oct 2024. High caseloads and turnover persist.
Michelle H. v. McMaster Progress Reports; Children's Rights Org; Live5 News Oct 2024
1
Medicaid program management
SC one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid — uninsured rate ~11% (among highest nationally). Existing traditional Medicaid program managed with standard oversight through SC DHHS. McMaster vetoed Medicaid expansion study committee (Jul 2024). Medicaid managed care contracts operating without federal sanctions. Lower program costs but significant coverage gaps.
CMS Medicaid Reviews — SC; SC DHHS Enrollment Data; KFF Uninsured Rate Data
3
Environmental program
DHEC restructured into SC Dept of Environmental Services (DES) and Dept of Public Health (DPH) effective Jul 1, 2024 (Act 60). Both agencies now under governor's cabinet — abolished independent DHEC board. EPA program delegations maintained. Savannah River Site (DOE, 310 sq mi, 10,000 employees) environmental oversight ongoing. Coastal water quality monitoring continues.
EPA State Program Evaluations — SC; DHEC Act 60; SC DES Formation; Savannah River Site Records
2
Transportation project delivery
Act 40 (2017) provides $500-625M/year from 12-cent gas tax increase (phased 2017-2022, 16 to 28 cents/gallon) for roads and bridges in all 46 counties. SCDOT Commission appointments transferred to governor. IIJA delivering $4.9B over 5 years in highway/bridge formula funding. Port of Charleston investing $2B+ in expansion — 52-foot harbor depth achieved 2021 (deepest on East Coast). Inland Port Greer expanded $55M.
SC DOT Annual Reports; Act 40 Implementation; IIJA SC Allocations; SC Ports Authority
2
Unemployment insurance system
SC DEW handled pandemic unemployment surge without catastrophic system failures seen in other states. Implemented ID.me identity verification. Post-pandemic unemployment dropped to ~3.2% — below national average. Trust fund recovered. UI tax rates stable. SC's right-to-work, low-regulation environment supports low unemployment. DEW system functional and responsive.
SC DEW Reports; BLS LAUS SC Data; DOL UI Performance Data
2
Veterans services
SC has 400,000+ veterans and 8 major military installations — Fort Jackson (Army's largest basic training base, 50% of all recruits), Shaw AFB (largest combat F-16 wing), MCRD Parris Island (20,000 recruits/year), MCAS Beaufort, Joint Base Charleston, and Savannah River Site. SC DVA provides standard benefits assistance. Military Affairs Advisory Council protects installations.
SC DVA Annual Reports; VA State Grant Data; SC Military Base Guide
2
Housing program effectiveness
SC housing relatively affordable — BEA Regional Price Parity ~91-93 (prices 7-9% below national). Median home ~$280K. Strong population growth (5.35M, +5.5% since 2020) creating affordability pressure in Charleston and Greenville metros. SC Housing Authority administers standard federal housing programs. Homelessness proportional to state size. Not a housing crisis state but watching affordability trends.
BEA RPP Data; Census ACS Housing Data — SC; HUD Annual Homeless Assessment
2
Corrections system
SCDC in crisis: 30-33% corrections officer vacancy rate (2024), 422 unfilled positions. Budget request for 348 COs and 47 healthcare workers denied by legislature. Lowered minimum CO age to 18 to fill vacancies. Training increased from 4 to 8 weeks. Some facilities at 50% staffing with mandatory overtime. Leath Correctional (women's facility) safety issues documented. Legislature cut SCDC budget despite staffing emergency.
SCDC Staffing Reports 2024; Scripps News Feb 2024; ABC Columbia SCDC Budget Feb 2024
1
Federal funding captured
Captured $4.9B in IIJA highway/bridge formula funding (5-year, 27.6% increase). $1.9B CARES Act deployed through AccelerateSC. $51.2M Bridge Investment Program grant. $55M clean energy allocation. 277,000+ households connected via broadband funding. 8 military installations (Fort Jackson, Shaw AFB, Parris Island, Joint Base Charleston, MCAS Beaufort, plus Savannah River Site — 10,000 DOE employees) drive massive federal presence.
USASpending.gov — SC; IIJA Formula Allocations; FHWA Bridge Investment Program; DOE SRS
2
Federal corrective action plans
No major federal corrective actions outstanding beyond DSS child welfare consent decree (Michelle H., progressing toward exit — 4 measures cleared by Oct 2024). No EPA enforcement actions against SC programs. No CMS sanctions on Medicaid. No DOJ pattern-or-practice investigations of state agencies. Clean federal compliance record.
Federal Program Reviews — SC; Michelle H. Progress Reports; EPA/CMS Compliance Records
3
Interstate cooperation
Active Southern Governors' Association participation. Joined multi-state lawsuits supporting federal immigration enforcement. Interstate cooperation on hurricane response with NC and GA during Helene (2024). Port of Charleston competes with Savannah but coordinates on regional logistics (I-95 corridor). Savannah River Site requires GA-SC environmental cooperation. Standard interstate compact participation.
Southern Governors' Association; Interstate Compact Records; Helene Multi-State Response
3
Local government relations
Generally functional relations with SC's 46 counties and 271 municipalities. Act 280 anti-sanctuary law preempts local immigration policy — no local objections. Some local-state tension over pandemic restrictions (2020). SC Municipal Association and Association of Counties engaged on budget priorities. Local government home rule limited in SC — state preemption common.
SC Municipal Association; Association of Counties Records; Local Government Relations
2
Federal litigation costs
Moderate federal litigation costs. SC AG joined multi-state immigration enforcement lawsuits (minimal cost, shared). Michelle H. consent decree (DSS child welfare) ongoing since 2016 — legal costs for compliance and monitoring. Fetal heartbeat ban defended through state courts (upheld 4-1). No major federal court losses generating large damages against the state during McMaster's tenure.
SC AG Litigation Records; Michelle H. Legal Costs; Budget Legal Line Items
2
Constituent inquiry response
Governor's office constituent services team responds to inquiries through phone, email, and mail. Website (governor.sc.gov) provides contact forms and issue submission. Emergency disaster hotlines activated for Florence, Dorian, Ian, and Helene. FEMA registration assistance publicized during disasters. Standard response framework for a governor entering 10th year in office.
Governor's Office Internal Metrics; governor.sc.gov Contact Page
3
Town halls held
Public events and appearances across SC's 46 counties. Annual State of the State address (Jan each year). Ceremonial bill signings (Constitutional Carry, Mar 2024; budget vetoes). Press conferences for disasters and policy announcements. Economic development announcement events (Scout Motors, Redwood Materials). Not known for formal town halls but maintains public presence.
Governor's Office Schedule; Press Event Archives on governor.sc.gov
2
Constituent satisfaction
Winthrop Poll Apr 2025: 43% approve, 34% disapprove, 23% unsure (56% net approval among those with opinion). Down from 50% approval (Nov 2023). Not polarizing — 'steady, conservative governor who hasn't made waves.' Economic growth and affordability support perception. Won 2022 reelection with 58.1% — largest gubernatorial margin in 30+ years.
Winthrop University Poll Apr 2025; Feb 2025; SC Election Commission 2022 Results
2
ADA compliance
Standard ADA compliance across state facilities and programs. SC DDSN (Disabilities and Special Needs) operates group homes and day programs. No DOJ ADA pattern-or-practice findings against SC during McMaster's tenure. State website accessibility maintained. Building accessibility standards enforced through state building codes.
SC DDSN Annual Reports; DOJ ADA Reviews; SC Building Codes
3
Electoral accountability
Won reelection Nov 2022 with 58.1% vs Joe Cunningham (D) 40.7% — largest SC gubernatorial margin in 30+ years (Post and Courier). Term-limited — cannot seek third term. Longest-serving current governor in US (since Jan 2017, 9+ years). First SC governor to endorse Trump (Jan 2016). Reliably Republican state (Cook PVI R+13) but margin impressive.
SC State Election Commission 2022 Results; Cook PVI; Ballotpedia
2

Section B — State Outcomes 502/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

BEA SAGDP: SC GDP ~$300B. BLS LAUS: unemployment ~3.2% (below national avg — strong). Major economic development wins: BMW expansion, Volvo plant, Scout Motors EV plant (Blythewood). Census ACS median household income ~$61,000 (below national). Job growth strong — one of fastest-growing state economies. Manufacturing sector expanding.
Census 2025: SC population grew 1.5% (July 2024-July 2025) — fastest in the nation, adding nearly 80,000 people. Total population ~5.56M. Growth driven overwhelmingly by domestic migration: +66,622 net domestic migrants (2024-2025). Births exceeded deaths for first time in 5 years (by 564). Jasper County 3rd fastest-growing county nationally (+5.9%). 6 SC counties in national top 100 for growth (Horry 34th at 3.8%, Berkeley 61st at 3.2%). Only 7 of 46 counties had negative net migration. Charleston, Greenville, Columbia metros all accelerating. SC has been 4th-fastest growing state since 2020 Census.
AAA/Aaa credit rating — top tier. Reserve fund healthy. Conservative spending. BUT: pension funded ratio only ~60% (among worst nationally) with $25B+ unfunded liability. Debt per capita low. Income tax reduction underway. Fiscal picture mixed — excellent credit rating offset by terrible pension funding.
SLED 2024 report: SC violent crime rate 437/100K — down 8.4% YoY, lowest since 1995. Fourth consecutive annual decline in violent offenses. Murder rate down 16%. Robbery down 11.7% — lowest robbery rate in 30 years. Sexual battery at 30-year low. Property crime fell 11.8%, continuing 13-year streak of declines. BUT: still 21.6% above national violent crime average. SLED Chief Keel flagged youth violence as 'deeply alarming' — 41% of 9,612 weapon-law arrestees were under 25. Gun death rate remains among highest nationally. Signed constitutional carry (March 2024). Police staffing challenges in growing communities.
NAEP 2022: 4th grade math 233 (below national 235), 8th grade reading 254 (below national 260). Graduation rate ~84% (improving). Teacher pay below national average despite recent increases. Rural school districts severely underfunded. Achievement gaps significant. School choice (ESAs) expanding.
Census ACS uninsured rate ~11% (among highest — no Medicaid expansion). CDC: life expectancy ~74.8 (below national ~77). Infant mortality 7.0/1K (well above national 5.4 — among worst). Rural hospital closures ongoing. Limited Medicaid coverage leaves gaps. Maternal mortality among highest nationally.
FHWA NBI: 9.3% bridges structurally deficient (above national 7.5%). Roads improved with Act 40 gas tax funding. Broadband expansion underway in rural areas. Port of Charleston expansion major investment. Infrastructure generally adequate for growing state.
BEA RPP: ~91-93 (prices 7-9% below national). Housing affordable by national standards — median home ~$280K. Some affordability pressure in Charleston metro. Low tax burden compared to many states. One of more affordable states driving in-migration.
SC FOIA requires 10-business-day initial response (20 days for records older than 24 months). SC Policy Council tracked legislative committee livestreaming for 4th consecutive year — several committees achieved perfect transparency records. Data portal (data.sc.gov) operational. AccelerateSC launched centralized COVID dashboards (Sept 2020). Santee Cooper reform added utility transparency requirements. AG non-binding opinion (2024) clarified body-worn camera records submitted to Training Council are still exempt from FOIA. Budget documents published through EBO. No major transparency scandals under McMaster. Standard compliance.
V.C. Summer nuclear plant failure ($9B — predecessor era but ongoing ratepayer impact). Santee Cooper debacle and reform. High COVID death rate with minimal restrictions. High crime rates persistent. No Medicaid expansion despite among worst health metrics nationally. Corrections staffing crisis. Relatively low personal controversy for McMaster himself.
Against SC governors historically: McMaster became longest-serving SC governor (Jan 29, 2025) and 3rd longest-serving incumbent nationally. Predecessor Haley (2011-2017) was more nationally ambitious; McMaster focused on SC. Unlike Haley and Sanford, McMaster had no greater political ambition — willing to work with General Assembly on bipartisan priorities. Raised teacher pay, protected pristine land from development, recruited $45.9B in capital investment and 93,000+ jobs. 8 years more harmonious at Statehouse than predecessors. BUT: worst-tier health outcomes (infant mortality 7.0/1K, life expectancy 74.8 — below national), uninsured 11% (no Medicaid expansion), pension only ~60% funded ($25B+ unfunded), high violent crime historically. Governance steady but structural health/education challenges persist.
Won reelection with 58.1%. Approval mid-50s. Popular enough in Republican state. Not a polarizing figure. Seen as steady, conservative governor who hasn't made waves. Economic growth and affordability help perception. Health and safety outcomes less visible politically.
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +120 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 14 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
SC violent crime rate approximately 400-420 per 100K, near national average. Some decline from earlier years. Mixed performance.
FBI UCR 2023; SC SLED
0
Homicide rate relative to national average
SC homicide rate approximately 8-10 per 100K, above national average. Columbia and North Charleston contribute. Persistent challenge.
FBI UCR 2023; CDC WONDER
-1
Homicide clearance rate
SC homicide clearance rate approximately 45-50%, near national average.
FBI UCR; SC SLED
0
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
SC law enforcement staffing adequate in urban areas. Rural recruitment challenges. Standard for Southeast state.
FBI LEOKA; SC SLED
0
Drug overdose death rate trend
SC drug overdose death rate approximately 25-30 per 100K, above national average. Fentanyl increasingly dominant. I-95 corridor trafficking.
CDC WONDER; SC DHEC
-1
Emergency management preparedness (FEMA rating)
SC EMA well-practiced due to hurricane exposure. Standard FEMA compliance from frequent severe weather.
FEMA SPR; SC EMD
+1
Preventable mass-casualty event response
McMaster managed Hurricane Helene (Sep 2024) response for upstate SC flooding. Prior hurricane responses (Florence 2018, Dorian 2019) generally effective. Timely evacuations.
FEMA; SC EMD
+1
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
SC infrastructure grades below average. ASCE grade D+. Significant road and bridge deficiencies. Some IIJA improvement but backlog large.
FHWA NBI; ASCE SC
-1
Water and dam safety compliance
SC water systems generally compliant. Some rural system challenges. Dam safety moderate. No major contamination events.
EPA SDWIS; SC DHEC
0
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
SC uninsured rate approximately 10-12%. McMaster rejected Medicaid expansion. Some coverage gap but not worst nationally.
Census ACS; KFF
0
Maternal mortality rate
SC maternal mortality rate approximately 25-30 per 100K, above national average. Some racial disparities. Moderate maternal health investment.
CDC WONDER; SC DHEC
-1
Infant mortality rate
SC infant mortality rate approximately 6.5-7.5 per 1,000, above national average. Persistent challenge. Some improvement programs.
CDC WONDER; SC DHEC
-1
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
SC has Castle Doctrine, Stand Your Ground (2006), and open carry (2024). Constitutional carry bill passed legislature in 2025 session. Strong self-defense.
SC Code §16-11-440; Stand Your Ground
+3
Death penalty procedural safeguards
SC maintains death penalty with standard procedural safeguards. Firing squad option added (2021) due to lethal injection drug shortage.
DPIC; SC clemency records
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
SC suicide rate approximately 15-17 per 100K, above national average. Rural areas and veteran population contribute. Prevention programs exist but rate elevated.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP SC
-1
911/emergency response time adequacy
SC emergency response times average for mixed state. Rural areas face challenges. Urban compliance adequate.
NFPA; SC EMS
0
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
SC has standard opioid response. Some treatment funding. I-95 corridor interdiction. Not a model program but functional.
SAMHSA; SC DAODAS
0
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
SC has significant military presence (Fort Jackson, Parris Island, Shaw AFB, Charleston naval facilities). State veteran services active.
VA SAIL; SC DVA
+1
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
SC DHEC food safety inspections adequate. No major outbreaks during tenure.
FDA; SC DHEC
+1
Workplace fatality rate
SC workplace fatality rate approximately 4.5-5.0 per 100K FTE, near national average. Manufacturing and agriculture exposure.
BLS CFOI; OSHA
0
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
SC has standard domestic violence programs. Rate near national average.
NNEDV; SC DV data
0
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
SC prison system faces challenges. SCDC staffing shortages, some overcrowding. Inmate deaths above average rate. Some DOJ attention but no active CRIPA investigation.
BJS mortality; SC DOC
-1
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
SC has some EPA challenges. Air quality generally acceptable. Some Superfund sites. Standard compliance.
EPA Green Book; SC DHEC
0
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
SC traffic fatality rate approximately 1.7-1.9 per 100M VMT, above national average. Rural road hazards and impaired driving.
NHTSA FARS; SC DOT
-1
Sanctity of life legislative framework
SC enacted comprehensive abortion ban (fetal heartbeat, ~6 weeks) signed by McMaster. S.474 (2023). Clinic safety regulations maintained. State-funded pregnancy centers.
Guttmacher; SC S.474
+3
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Allocated ~$10M for Columbia homelessness resource center based on Houston model.
SC Governor's Office 2024
+1
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
SC is nation's fastest-growing state (2024-2025). Population grew 79,958 (+1.5%). Net domestic migration +66,622.
SC DEW; Census 2026
+3
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
$17.8M for law enforcement recruitment/retention. $2,000 tax credit for officers. Deployed National Guard to border.
SC Governor's Office 2024
+2
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
SC has lowest recidivism rate in nation at 21.9%. Supports reentry programs while maintaining tough sentencing.
ABC News 4; SC DOC
+2
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
Signed Save Women's Sports Act (2022). No specific prison/DV shelter legislation found.
SC Governor's Office 2022
+1
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
Signed behavioral health restructuring bill creating Department of Behavioral Health (2025). Called it 'most important step in 30 years.'
SC Governor's Office June 2025
+2

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation
Score: 31 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
SC has open carry (2024). Constitutional carry advancing through legislature. Shall-issue concealed carry. Strong carry environment.
SC Code §16-23; open carry law
+2
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No restrictions on semi-automatic rifles beyond federal law. No assault weapons ban.
SC Code; ATF
+2
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions in SC.
SC statutes; NRA-ILA
+2
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
SC has no ERPO/red flag law. Strong opposition to ERPO proposals.
SC statutes; ERPO tracker
+3
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
SC has limited campus free speech protections. Some legislative interest. FIRE gives mixed ratings.
FIRE; SC legislation
+1
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
SC has no comprehensive anti-SLAPP statute.
Public Participation Project
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
SC has no formal state RFRA but strong religious liberty culture. No documented restrictions on religious exercise.
Becket Fund; SC law
+1
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
SC relies on federal Carpenter standard. No state electronic privacy statute.
EFF; SC statutes
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
SC has moderate civil asset forfeiture protections. Standard procedures.
Institute for Justice; SC law
0
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
SC has post-Kelo reform. Eminent domain act restricts takings for private benefit.
Castle Coalition; SC eminent domain act
+1
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
SC permitting moderate. Some construction delays in high-growth areas. Standard processing.
SC permitting data
0
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
McMaster joined multistate litigation on immigration, EPA, and federal mandates. Active resistance to perceived overreach.
Multistate litigation; SC AG
+2
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
Standard race-neutral contracting. SFFA compliance proceeding.
SC procurement; SFFA
+1
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
SC has state preemption of local firearms laws. Effective preemption.
SC Code §23-31-510; NRA-ILA
+2
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
SC Freedom of Information Act provides moderate FOIA compliance. Standard transparency.
RCFP; SC FOIA
+1
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
SC indigent defense system significantly underfunded. Public defender caseloads well above recommended maximums. Sixth Amendment Center raised concerns.
Sixth Amendment Center; SC PD
-1
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
SC bail system standard. Cash bail predominates. Some pretrial reform discussions.
Pretrial Justice Institute; SC courts
0
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
SC regulatory burden moderate. McMaster signed income tax cut (7% to 6.5% phasing to 6%). Below-average burden improving.
Mercatus; SC tax cut
+1
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
SC AG supports 2A. Neutral-to-supportive litigation posture.
SC AG litigation
+1
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
No compelled speech laws in SC. Standard protections.
SC statutes
+1
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
SC has reasonable interstate commerce environment. Standard reciprocity.
IJ; SC reciprocity
+1
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
SC licensing burden moderate. Limited reform during tenure.
IJ License to Work
0
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
SCRS funded ratio ~57-60% — among worst nationally. $25.1B unfunded liability. Act 13 (2017) set 30-year amortization but progress slow. Major Contract Clause concern.
PEBA SCRS Actuarial; Pew
-1
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
Standard jury trial access in SC. No significant issues.
SC court reports
+1
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
SC cooperates with federal immigration enforcement. No sanctuary policies. Anti-illegal-immigration posture. Some E-Verify requirements for employers.
8 USC §1373; SC immigration policy; FAIR
+2
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
No action to eliminate qualified immunity. Pro-law enforcement funding and officer tax credits.
SC Governor's Office 2024
+2
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
Signed 2022 election reform requiring early in-person voting, tightened absentee qualifications, made voter fraud a felony.
WRDW 2022
+2
Non-citizen voting prevention
SC Citizenship Requirement for Voting Amendment on 2024 ballot. Requested SLED investigation into non-citizen registration.
Ballotpedia; WSPA 2024
+2
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Signed Save Women's Sports Act requiring athletes compete based on birth sex from elementary through college.
WRDW 2022
+2

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923); Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925); Troxel v. Granville (2000)
Score: 12 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
SC has some parental rights protections in education code. No comprehensive standalone Parental Bill of Rights.
SC education code
+1
Education choice — school choice programs
SC has limited school choice. Education Scholarship Trust Fund (2024) for special needs. Charter schools authorized. Not universal ESA.
EdChoice SC; NAPCS
+1
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
SC requires parental consent for abortion and medical procedures on minors. Standard framework.
Guttmacher; SC Code
+2
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
SC enacted ban on gender-transition medical procedures for minors (H.4624, 2024). Signed by McMaster.
SC H.4624; Reuters tracker
+2
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
SC child abuse rate near national average. DSS handles investigations. Standard system.
ACF NCANDS; SC DSS
0
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
SC CFSR performance mixed. Standard improvement plans.
ACF CFSR; SC DSS
0
Foster care — permanency outcomes
SC foster care permanency outcomes average. Standard system.
ACF AFCARS; SC DSS
0
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
SC has trafficking statute and task force. AG enforcement. Standard capacity.
Polaris; Shared Hope; SC AG
+1
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
SC NAEP 4th grade reading approximately 28-31% proficient, near national average.
NCES NAEP 2024
0
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
SC NAEP 8th grade math approximately 24-27% proficient, near national average.
NCES NAEP 2024
0
Parental curriculum transparency
SC has some parental curriculum review rights. Standard provisions.
SC education code
+1
Social media — minor protections
SC has limited social media protections for minors.
NCSL tracker
0
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
SC juvenile jurisdiction to 17 (raised age discussions ongoing). Standard transfer provisions.
OJJDP SC; SC juvenile code
+1
Child poverty rate and state response
SC child poverty rate approximately 18-20%, above national average. Persistent challenge.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
-1
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
SC has standard adoption framework. Subsidized adoption available.
ACF AFCARS; SC DSS
+1
Homeschool rights and protections
SC has moderate homeschool regulation. Registration required. Annual assessment optional. Diploma recognition.
HSLDA SC; SC Code
+1
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
SC ICAC task force operational. AG prosecution active.
ICAC; SC AG
+1
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
SC has school safety programs. SRO funding. Standard framework.
NASRO; SC DOE
+1
Children's mental health services access
SC school counselor ratio moderate. Average mental health services access.
ASCA; SAMHSA SC
0
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
SC allows religious and medical exemptions for vaccination. Standard framework.
NCSL; SC Code §44-29-180
+1
Child care affordability and access
SC child care affordability moderate. Some subsidy programs. Rural access challenges.
ACF CCDF
0
Education — teacher quality and retention
SC teacher salaries below national average. Significant vacancies. McMaster proposed raises but recruitment remains challenging.
NCES; NEA; SC DOE
-1
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
SC child food insecurity near national average. School meal programs operational.
USDA ERS; Feeding America
0
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
SC has standard due process in family court. Santosky-compliant.
SC Code; ABA
0
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
SC IDEA compliance standard. Most districts compliant.
OSEP; SC DOE
0

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath; Art. IV Sec. 4; state constitutional requirements
Score: 63 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
SC balanced budgets with surpluses FY2021-24. General fund grew from $8.5B to $13B. Conservative spending despite revenue growth.
SC Comptroller; NASBO
+2
State credit rating stability
SC rated AAA/Aaa by Fitch/Moody's, AA+ by S&P. Among top-tier states. Stable outlook.
S&P AA+; Moody's Aaa; Fitch AAA
+2
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
Reserves at historic highs: $1.23B total (General Reserve + Capital Reserve). ~10% of general fund. Largest reserves in state history.
SC Treasurer; Pew
+3
Pension system funding responsibility
SCRS funded ratio ~57-60% with $25.1B unfunded liability — among worst nationally. Act 13 (2017) was reform but unfunded liability still growing. Serious concern.
PEBA Actuarial; NASRA
-1
State debt burden
SC GO debt at historic lows. $469.9M outstanding. 78% 10-year payout. Among lowest debt per capita.
SC Treasurer; Census
+2
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
Standard government efficiency. SC constitutional structure limits governor's power — many agencies run by independently elected officials.
Census Public Employment
+1
Inspector General / state auditor independence
SC has divided oversight structure (many independent agencies). Standard cooperation with state auditor. No interference.
SC Auditor; ALGA
+1
Ethics violations and personal scandals
McMaster clean ethics record. No scandals. Financial disclosure compliant. Long public service career without ethics findings.
SC Ethics Commission
+2
Executive order restraint
EOs within legitimate function. No EOs struck down. Standard volume. Appropriate restraint.
SC EO records
+2
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
COVID emergency orders drew some criticism but within general bounds. Eventually terminated. No post-COVID emergency issues.
SC emergency statutes
+1
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Working with Republican legislature. Low override rate. Generally productive relationship despite SC's structurally weak governor position.
SC Legislature records
+2
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Standard judicial appointments. SC legislature has significant role in judicial selection. McMaster's influence limited by constitutional structure.
SC judicial records
+1
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Most legislation implemented on schedule. SC governor has limited implementation authority for many programs. Standard execution.
SC agency reports
+1
Federal fund utilization — grant management
Federal grants managed well. AccelerateSC deployed $1.9B in CARES Act. IIJA funds flowing through SCDOT. No major clawbacks.
Federal Audit; USASpending
+2
Public approval as competence indicator
McMaster approval approximately 50-55%. Won 2022 reelection with 58%. Generally popular. Long tenure creates some fatigue.
Morning Consult; SC polls
+1
State IT security and data protection
Standard IT security. No major breaches. Basic cybersecurity framework.
NASCIO; SC IT
+1
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
Capital budget execution moderate. Infrastructure backlog significant (ASCE D+). Some IIJA improvement.
ASCE SC; SC DOT
+1
Disaster fund readiness
SC has adequate disaster reserves given hurricane exposure. $1.23B reserves. FEMA cost-share met for all events.
FEMA; SC Treasurer
+2
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
SC UI system functional. Standard performance. Some pandemic-era fraud but proportional to state size.
DOL UI; SC DEW
+1
Medicaid program integrity
SC Medicaid not expanded. Standard program management within constraints. PERM compliance standard.
CMS; SC DHHS
+1
Election administration — constitutional compliance
SC has voter ID requirement. Standard election administration. Paper ballots.
SC SOS; EAC EAVS
+1
Transparency — state budget accessibility
SC has basic budget transparency portal. Standard government transparency.
U.S. PIRG; SC open data
+1
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
Cooperative with federal enforcement. Anti-sanctuary posture. Immigration compliance standard.
Federal compliance; SC AG
+2
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
SC has Lt. Governor (Pamela Evette). Clear succession. COOP plan exists.
SC Constitution; succession
+2
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
Standard procurement controls. Some concerns about infrastructure contract oversight. No major corruption findings.
SC procurement; Auditor
+1
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
SC gas tax 28.75 cents/gallon, below national average. No gas tax increases.
SC gas tax data
+2
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
SC electricity 14 cents/kWh, 29% below national average. Signed Energy Security Act promoting nuclear.
EIA; EnergySage 2026
+2
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
Signed SC Energy Security Act promoting nuclear including SMR pilot. No forced mandates.
SC Governor's Office June 2025
+2
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
SC effective property tax 0.47-0.57%, among lowest nationally.
Tax Foundation; SmartAsset
+3
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
Business-friendly policies attracting $5.3B in reinvestment capital (2024). Accelerated income tax cuts.
SC Governor's Office 2025
+2
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
No specific evidence of reducing unfunded mandates.
General SC policy
+1
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Accelerating income tax cuts. Low property taxes. Fastest population growth suggests strong affordability.
SC Governor's Office; Census
+2
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Deployed National Guard to Texas border. E-Verify required. Pushed no sanctuary cities legislation.
Fox Carolina Jan 2025
+2
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
$10M for Columbia homelessness pilot. Houston model approach.
SC Governor's Office 2024
+1
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
No specific post-Grants Pass enforcement legislation found. SC homelessness less severe.
General SC policy
+1
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
Fastest-growing state in US (2024-2025). Net domestic migration +66,622.
Census 2026; SC DEW
+3
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
$5.3B capital reinvestment in 2024. IT sector $4.1B, automotive $1.3B, aerospace $1B.
SC Governor's Office 2025
+3
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
No specific action on removing rogue prosecutors.
General research
0
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
2022 election reform tightened absentee requirements, made voter fraud a felony. Citizenship verification via SLED.
WRDW 2022
+2
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
No evidence of weaponizing state agencies.
Post and Courier 2025
+1
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
Foreign adversary land bill advanced but McMaster expressed reluctance citing China as economic partner.
Post and Courier; Al Jazeera 2023
+1
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