McMaster Jr.'s LG Decision
McMaster Jr. Declines Lt. Governor Bid, Leaving SC Race Open After Trump's Endorsement
Henry McMaster Jr., the son of South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, said on Friday that he will not seek the lieutenant governor role and will not be Pamela Evette’s running mate. The decision came after weeks of speculation following President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Evette and comments on Truth Social suggesting McMaster Jr. would join her ticket. McMaster Jr. said it was “incredibly humbling” to be mentioned but that “now is simply not the right time,” citing his family and current career priorities, while adding his support for Evette and calling her a “fantastic governor.” Evette thanked Trump for his backing but did not directly confirm who her running mate will be. With the June 9 Republican primary approaching, McMaster Jr.’s move left the lieutenant governor pick as a key unresolved question, and Rep. Nancy Mace criticized the prospect of a political dynasty while welcoming the decision.
Key Points
In his X statement, Henry McMaster Jr. said he and his wife, Virginia, have had "an amazing year" professionally, thanked God "every day for our two young children," and emphasized they "cherish every minute" raising their family in South Carolina.
McMaster Jr.’s pullout followed Trump’s May 29 Truth Social endorsement, which the Post and Courier reports used the "final sentence" of the post to suggest he would be on Evette’s ticket—"A BIG added plus for Pam is that, I hear, Henry McMaster, Jr., the brilliant and very competent son of Henry and Peggy, will be running with her as the next Lieutenant Governor."
FOX Carolina reported that while Evette did not confirm McMaster Jr. as her running mate, she said she would make a decision "after the primary," leaving the lieutenant governor choice unresolved for voters.
ABC News 4 said McMaster Jr.’s announcement appeared to remove him from consideration in South Carolina’s 2026 lieutenant governor race.
Rep. Nancy Mace’s reaction included a direct critique of dynastic politics, writing: "South Carolinians don't want a political dynasty - and apparently that message got through... The governor's son just dropped out of running as Pam's Lt. Governor."
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