Governor elections in South Carolina

50 elections · 1789–present · popular vote
Elections won
R 14 · D 30 · Other 650 gubernatorial elections since 1789
Last decided by
17.4 pts2022, Henry D. McMaster over Joe Cunningham
Closest ever
0.60 pts1876, Wade Hampton III over Daniel Henry Chamberlain
Longest streak
14 in a rowDemocratic, 1800–1842
Next election
2026Tuesday, November 3, 2026

South Carolina's governor is Republican Henry D. McMaster; McMaster won the most recent race by 17.4 points in 2022. McMaster has held the office since 2018. The 2022 race put McMaster ahead of Joe Cunningham, 17.4 points clear. Across 50 elections since 1789, Republicans have won 14 and Democrats 30, with 6 going to other parties. Of those, the closest was 1876, decided by 0.60 points; the widest 1896, by 82.5 points.