January 28, 2026, marked a historic moment in South Carolina political life as Governor Henry McMaster delivered his final State of the State address. After nearly a decade serving as the state’s chief executive and acting as Commander in Chief of the South Carolina State Guard, McMaster’s tenure draws to a close in an election year that will determine his successor. South Carolinians will go to the polls in the Republican and Democratic primaries on June 9, 2026, with runoff elections scheduled for June 23, 2026, if needed. The winners of those primaries will then compete in the general election on November 3, 2026 to become the next governor of South Carolina.
In this final address, Governor McMaster reflected on a career defined by outstanding leadership, economic stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Among his most enduring legacies is the support he has extended to the South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force), a historic institution with roots reaching back to 1670. Under McMaster’s administration, the State Guard saw transformative support that strengthened its organizational capacity and honored its members’ commitment to the state.
Major General Leon Lott, Commanding General of the South Carolina State Guard, summed up this partnership with deep appreciation. In his remarks, MG Lott highlighted that through Governor McMaster’s advocacy and with legislative backing, critical funding was secured to renovate the historic Olympia Armory, the State Guard’s headquarters and a symbol of its enduring service to the people of South Carolina. “This support has provided our organization with the resources and respect we deserve,” Lott said, noting that the Armory now serves not only as administrative center but as a testament to the Guard’s heritage and future readiness.
Under McMaster’s leadership, another major milestone was secured: State Guard soldiers now receive compensation for attending drills and when activated on State Active Duty, a first in the organization’s modern history. This change was widely viewed as an overdue recognition of the sacrifices made by men and women who serve often without pay in other State Defense Forces. Lott also cited the establishment of a fully operational State Guard Operations Center as another tangible outcome of McMaster’s commitment, a facility that enhances the Guard’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies and missions across the state.
“On behalf of the men and women of the South Carolina State Guard, I extend my sincere gratitude to Governor McMaster for his unwavering commitment to our mission and our soldiers. We respectfully salute him for his service to the people of South Carolina,” MG Lott said, underscoring that McMaster’s support went beyond words to measurable, lasting improvements in infrastructure, pay, and operational capability.
As the campaign season unfolds, the field of candidates vying to succeed McMaster reflects the deep political engagement within the state. On the Republican side, contenders include Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, and State Senator Josh Kimbrell, all seeking their party’s nomination to lead South Carolina next year. On the Democratic side, state representative Jermaine Johnson and trial attorney Mullins McLeod are among those campaigning for nomination.
The primaries on June 9 will be a pivotal first step in deciding who will face off in November’s general election, but tonight’s address serves as a reminder of McMaster’s imprint on the state, particularly his strong partnership with the South Carolina State Guard, which Major General Leon Lott has publicly credited as a cornerstone of the organization’s recent progress.
In reflecting on McMaster’s final address and the months of campaigning ahead, many in South Carolina are focused not just on the political contests but on the enduring impacts of leadership and service, values embodied in McMaster’s support of those who don the State Guard uniform and serve the state with distinction.
Tonight, Governor Henry McMaster delivers his final State of the State Address. As our Governor and the Commander in Chief of the South Carolina State Guard, he has been a steadfast supporter of the men and women who proudly wear the State Guard uniform. Our historic organization, whose lineage dates back to 1670, has benefited greatly from his leadership and commitment.
Through Governor McMaster’s efforts, and with the support of the General Assembly, funding was secured to renovate the historic Olympia Armory—our State Headquarters and a symbol of our enduring service to South Carolina. Under his leadership, State Guard soldiers now receive pay for drill attendance and for service while activated on State Active Duty, a milestone that honors their dedication and professionalism. Additionally, the establishment of a fully operational State Guard Operations Center stands as another testament to his continued support.
On behalf of the men and women of the South Carolina State Guard, I extend my sincere gratitude to Governor McMaster for his unwavering commitment to our mission and our soldiers. We respectfully salute him for his service to the people of South Carolina.
Major General Leon Lott
Commanding General
South Carolina State Guard
Sources: South Carolina State Guard – Politico – WACH Fox 57 – GoFoundationInn – Wikipedia – ABC News 4 – NBC WSAV – SC Daily Gazette
