The Governors

A DOCUMENTARY SERIES

“The Governors” is a compelling documentary series that delves into the lives and legacies of South Carolina’s living governors as of 2025. Inspired by a poignant photograph captured by celebrated Statehouse Photographer Sam Holland, the series uses this single image as a gateway to explore four decades of leadership in the Palmetto State. Through in-depth interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, each episode unveils the journey of a governor—from their early life and political ascent to their gubernatorial achievements and post-office endeavors. This series offers an intimate look at how these leaders have shaped South Carolina’s past, influence its present, and continue to impact its future.

Episode 1: Richard Riley
Then S.C. Sen. Dick Riley with then Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter campaigning for president at the Darlington 500 in South Carolina in 1976.
Early Life and Rise to Political Office
Richard Riley was born in Greenville, South Carolina. He graduated from Furman University and received a law degree from the University of South Carolina. Riley began his political career in the South Carolina House of Representatives (1963–1966), then served in the Senate (1967–1977).

Monumental Achievements
As governor (1979–1987), Riley spearheaded education reform in South Carolina, leading to the landmark Education Improvement Act, a sweeping overhaul that raised standards and increased investment in public education.

Notable Moments
He was nationally recognized for his leadership on education, paving the way for his later appointment as U.S. Secretary of Education under President Clinton.

Life After Serving as Governor
Riley served as Secretary of Education from 1993 to 2001, where he championed policies to improve schools nationwide. He remained active in public service and education advocacy through legal practice and advisory roles.
Episode 2: David Beasley
World Food Programme Executive Director David Beasley pays a courtesy call on Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley at Ilaro Court August 10, 2022.
Early Life and Rise to Political Office
David Beasley, born in Lamar, South Carolina, was elected to the state House at just 20 years old. He originally ran as a Democrat before switching to the Republican Party in 1991, becoming governor in 1995.

Monumental Achievements
Beasley promoted welfare reform, fostered business development, and aimed to modernize state government.

Notable Moments
He drew national attention for supporting the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the Statehouse dome — a bold and controversial stance at the time.

Life After Serving as Governor
Beasley later served as Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (2017–2023), where he led global hunger relief efforts and was part of the team awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
Episode 3: Jim Hodges
Col.Tom Jones, USAF, Commander, 20th Operations Group, describes the use of the artificial horizon on the F-16CJ to Gov. Jim Hodges during the governor’s visit to Shaw AFB in 2001. (Photo: National Archives)
Early Life and Rise to Political Office
Jim Hodges was born in Lancaster, South Carolina, and earned both undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina. He served in the SC House of Representatives from 1986 to 1997.

Monumental Achievements
As governor (1999–2003), Hodges championed public education, launching the South Carolina First Steps program and creating the SC Education Lottery to fund education initiatives.

Notable Moments
In 2000, he signed the Heritage Act, leading to the removal of the Confederate flag from atop the South Carolina Statehouse dome — a landmark moment in the state’s racial and cultural evolution.

Life After Serving as Governor
Hodges has worked in business and law while remaining engaged in public policy, governance, and civic causes, particularly those related to education and infrastructure.
Episode 4: Mark Sanford
U.S. Congressman Mark Sanford speaking at the 2015 Young Americans for Liberty National Convention at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. July 29, 2015 (Photo Gage Skidmore)
Early Life and Rise to Political Office
Born in Florida and raised in South Carolina, Mark Sanford earned a business degree from Furman University and an MBA from the University of Virginia. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994.

Monumental Achievements
As governor (2003–2011), Sanford prioritized fiscal discipline, limited government, and restructuring South Carolina’s executive agencies. He vetoed excessive spending and advocated for school choice and tax reform.

Notable Moments
He was known for his commitment to conservative principles, often clashing with the state legislature over budget priorities and government accountability.

Life After Serving as Governor
Sanford returned to Congress (2013–2019), where he remained a vocal advocate for fiscal responsibility. He briefly launched a presidential bid in 2020 focused on national debt reduction.
Episode 5: Nikki Haley
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley speaking with attendees at the 2024 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit at the Prairie Meadows Hotel in Altoona, Iowa Jan. 11, 2024. (Photo Gage Skidmore)
Early Life and Rise to Political Office
Nikki Haley was born in Bamberg, South Carolina, to Indian immigrant parents. A graduate of Clemson University, she began her political career in the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2005.

Monumental Achievements
Haley was elected governor in 2010, becoming the first woman and first person of Indian descent to hold the position in South Carolina. Her administration emphasized economic growth, job creation, and government transparency.

Notable Moments
Following the 2015 Charleston church shooting, Haley led the call to remove the Confederate flag from the Statehouse grounds — a decision that earned bipartisan praise. Her leadership during natural disasters and crises was also widely noted.

Life After Serving as Governor
Haley served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2017–2018) and emerged as a major figure in national politics, launching a campaign for president in 2024.
Episode 6: Henry McMaster
Gov. Henry McMaster gives a press conference on the state’s response to Hurricane Irma, Sept. 28, 2017.
Early Life and Rise to Political Office
Henry McMaster, a native of Columbia, earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina. He served as U.S. Attorney for South Carolina, state Attorney General, and later Lieutenant Governor.

Monumental Achievements
He became governor in 2017, succeeding Nikki Haley. As of 2025, he is the longest-serving governor in South Carolina history. His administration has emphasized education reform, economic development, and public safety.

Notable Moments
McMaster guided the state through the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of strong economic growth. His steady, traditional approach has made him a mainstay of Palmetto State politics.

Life After Serving as Governor
As of 2025, McMaster is still in office, with his term set to conclude in 2027. His long tenure reflects an enduring trust from voters and institutional leadership.