The cold didn’t stop a large crowd from gathering in front of the Statehouse Wednesday afternoon for the inauguration of Gov. Nikki Haley. With iPhones raised to capture the moment, applause from the crowd greeted Haley as she descended the steps of the Columbia Statehouse for her inaugural program.
Onlookers pulled out their cameras and binoculars to get a closer look at the re-elected 116th Governor of South Carolina.
The ceremony opened with a speech from Hugh Leatherman, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
Leatherman administered the oath to the office for Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster, and in turn, McMaster administered the oath for the rest of the state offices.
It was then Haley’s turn to take the stage.
Sworn in by Chief Justice Jean Hoefer Toal, Haley assumed the position of governor of South Carolina for her re-elected term. After a firm delivery of her oath, the crowd rose with more applause before she began her inaugural speech.
“Four years ago, I spoke from this spot, on this very same day. It’s really good to be back,” Haley said from the podium as she looked over the crowd in front of her.
Beginning her second term as governor, Haley’s husband and two children watched as she voiced that it was her family and their own love of South Carolina that motivated her. She extended her thanks to those who helped her throughout her campaign.
“You made the judgement in November to put me back on this podium today. The trust you have placed in me is something I hold very dear,” she said. “I will never forget it. I will never take it lightly. And I will again spend each and every day proving to you that you made the right decision.”
“My friends, it truly is a great day here in South Carolina,” the governor said with a laugh as she inserted her familiar greeting into her speech.
Haley said she hopes to see a community that is knitted together during her term because she believes that the strength of South Carolina lies within the unity of the state.
A speech rooted in quotes from famous writers, former governors and well-known names, Haley voiced her desire to see the state of South Carolina continue to blossom through her next four year term.
“Today, our economy is among the fastest growing in the nation,” she said. “Our people have more jobs than ever in our history. Our industries are flourishing with more new businesses and jobs coming in every week. We’re building cars and planes and tires like never before. And there’s more of that on the way.”
She reflected on the progress of creating a more responsible and responsive state government, something she hopes to continue in her new term.
“We have changed the image of South Carolina,” Haley said. “But we aren’t finished. Not yet. Not even close. My dreams for South Carolina know no bounds. They are as expansive as my love for this state.”
Haley will continue to strive to achieve her goals as she begins her second term of governor this year.
“There is no limit to what lies ahead for South Carolina and her people,” Haley said, in closing. “We’re just getting started.”