FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Governor Henry McMaster expressed on Monday that he is not ready to endorse any prominent Republican candidates vying to succeed him, as he is focused on the remaining 15 months of his term.

“It’s a bit soon for me to start endorsing any candidates. We still have significant work to accomplish over the next year and a half,” McMaster explained to News13 during a dedication ceremony for the MUSC Health Jean and Hugh K. Leatherman Behavioral Health Center in Florence.

As a close political ally of President Trump, McMaster has connections with all the contenders seeking the Republican gubernatorial nomination next summer. These candidates include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, and Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Filing for the primary runs from March 16 through March 30. Election day is Nov. 3, 2026.

“We have a lot more things to do in terms of energy, sustaintability. In terms of protecting the envrionment,” McMaster said Monday.