Election Guide: 2022 S.C. governor's race will be historic

Jun. 4—The 2022 South Carolina gubernatorial election will be history making.

If S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster wins the Republican nomination and the general election and successfully serves his four-year term, he would be the longest-serving governor in the state's history.

McMaster has served over five years and 100 days since he became governor when former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley resigned to become the ambassador to the United Nations in 2017.

If McMaster wins reelection and serves out his term, he would have served for eight years, 11 months and over 20 days — surpassing Richard Riley, Carroll Campbell and Mark Sanford.

McMaster faces Harrison "Trucker Bob" Musselwhite to win the Republican nomination. Mindy Steele of Moncks Corner filed as a Republican to run in the election but withdrew prior to the June 14 primary.

If one of five people running for the Democratic nomination — former Congressman Joe Cunningham, S.C. Sen. Mia McLeod (D-Richland), William "Cowboy" Williams, Carlton Boyd and Calvin "CJ Mack" McMillan — wins the general election, that person would be the first Democratic governor since Jim Hodges, who served from 1999-2003.

A Democratic winner for S.C. governor would also be the first statewide elected Democrat since State Superintendent Jim Rex left office in 2007.

As of March 31, McMaster and Cunningham lead the fundraising efforts of the candidates. McMaster has raised over $5.06 million compared to $20,987.15 for Musselwhite. Cunningham has raised over $1.75 million compared to nearly $450,000 for McLeod and $5,802.11 for Williams.

Boyd and McMillan have not yet filed financial disclosures with the South Carolina Ethics Commission.

There are also four third-party candidates that may be on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.