Henry Dargan McMaster, born on May 27, 1947, in Columbia, South Carolina, is an American politician and attorney who has served as the 117th Governor of South Carolina since January 24, 2017. A Republican, McMaster's political career spans decades, beginning with his work as a staffer for U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond and as a federal prosecutor. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of South Carolina in 1969 and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1973, where he served on the South Carolina Law Review. McMaster practiced law for over 40 years, including roles as a state and federal prosecutor, and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves, receiving an honorable discharge in 1975.

McMaster entered elective office as South Carolina's Attorney General, serving from 2003 to 2011, where he focused on law enforcement and public safety issues. He then ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2010 before being elected Lieutenant Governor in 2014, serving under Governor Nikki Haley from 2015 to 2017. Upon Haley's resignation to become U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, McMaster ascended to the governorship. As governor, he has navigated challenges including natural disasters, economic recovery, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while advancing conservative policies on education, infrastructure, and criminal justice.

Throughout his career, McMaster has been a prominent figure in South Carolina Republican politics, known for his loyalty to the party and ties to national figures like Thurmond. His tenure as governor has included efforts to attract business investment and promote tourism, solidifying his influence in the state's political and economic networks.