US EditionMcMaster Issues Executive Order Targeting Race-Based Quotas in State Agency Spending
The order suspends race-based spending quotas as lawmakers prepare bills to repeal them, citing constitutional concerns and compliance with Supreme Court rulings.
- On Dec. 3, 2025, Gov. Henry McMaster ordered South Carolina state agencies to halt race-based spending and procurement, saying, `Nowhere should any person be treated differently because of their race` and directing compliance with the Equal Protection Clause.
- Citing the U.S. Supreme Court and a Trump executive order, the order targets state statutory set-asides requiring 5% and 10% for minority businesses at the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
- The order is prospective only, instructing state agencies not to breach existing state contracts and requiring Executive Branch departments to report race-related policies by Jan. 9, 2026.
- Senate President Thomas Alexander and House Speaker Murrell Smith will prefile repeal bills this month, while Representative John King said the order will limit opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
- Advocates warn removing set-asides will undercut one of the few tools helping Black contractors and minority-owned businesses compete, while critics say it signals high partisan stakes for the next legislative session.
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McMaster issues executive order targeting race-based quotas in state agency spending
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) -- Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order on Wednesday aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in government contracting, citing a pair of state law provisions that govern state spending with minority-owned businesses. Among the laws at issue is a provision that requires the South Carolina Department of Transportation [...]
SC governor halts carve outs for minority-owned businesses in state contracts
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, pictured left, signed an executive order Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, ending set asides for minority-owned businesses that contract with state agencies. The governor has the support of House Speaker Murrell Smith, pictured right, and Senate President Thomas Alexander. (File photo by Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)COLUMBIA — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed an executive ord…
Gov. McMaster orders halt to unconstitutional race-based spending quotas for state agencies
Gov. McMaster ordered state agencies to stop executing contracts based on race-based quotas and will work with legislative leaders to repeal the statutes next session.
SC governor halts carve outs for minority-owned businesses in state agency contracts • SC Daily Gazette
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, pictured left, signed an executive order Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, ending set asides for minority-owned businesses that contract with state agencies. The governor has the support of House Speaker Murrell Smith, pictured right, and Senate President Thomas Alexander. (File photo by Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)COLUMBIA — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed an executive ord…
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