The Palmetto Breakdown

The Palmetto
Breakdown

More than two decades of Republican control. Here is what it has cost South Carolina. Every number links to its source.

Governor: Republican since 2003 State Senate: Republican since 2002 Supermajorities: House since 2022, Senate since 2024 Named most on this site: Gov. Henry McMaster

997 measles cases, the largest US outbreak in 30+ years

143 hours a week at minimum wage to afford a 2-bedroom

$1.8B phantom account hidden from lawmakers for years

48th of 50 states for workers in 2026

How to read the labels

Official record

Government data, court rulings, and agency reports.

Independent analysis

Rankings, estimates, or projections by researchers, nonprofits, or advocacy groups.

News report

Votes, statements, and events as reported by news outlets.

2026

Published or updated in 2026.

Their action

The Republican record names a documented law, vote, veto, quote, or official.

Their state

The outcome happened under Republican control of state government. No single cause is claimed.