Post: | First Spouse |
Body: | South Carolina |
Incumbent: | Peggy Anderson |
Incumbentsince: | January 24, 2017 |
Style: | First Lady or First Gentleman |
Residence: | South Carolina Governor's Mansion |
Inaugural: | Elizabeth Grimké |
The first spouse of South Carolina is the title held by the host of the South Carolina Governor's Mansion, usually the spouse of the governor of South Carolina, concurrent with the governor's term in office.
Peggy Anderson is the current first lady of South Carolina, assuming the position on January 24, 2017, as the wife of 117th and current South Carolina governor Henry McMaster, with whom she has two children.[1]
To date, only one person has served as the first gentleman since statehood is Michael Haley from 2011-2017. Michael is the husband of Former Governor Nikki Haley.[2]
The position of the first spouse is not an elected one, carries no official duties, and receives no salary. However, the first spouse holds a highly visible position in the state government. The role of the first spouse is the host of the South Carolina Governor's Mansion. He or she organizes and attends official ceremonies and functions of state either along with, or in place of, the governor.
It is common for the governor's spouse to select specific, non-political, causes to promote.