An election was held on November 2, 1982, to select the governor of South Carolina. The state constitution was amended by the voters on November 4, 1980 to allow for the governor to serve a second consecutive four-year term. Governor Richard Riley, the popular Democratic incumbent, easily defeated Republican W. D. Workman, Jr. and became the first governor since Thomas Gordon McLeod in 1924 to be elected to a second consecutive term.
As of 2024[update], this is the only time a Democratic governor won a second term since the constitution was amended to allow for two consecutive terms. It was also the last election that a Democrat has carried every county in South Carolina.[original research?]
The South Carolina Republican Party held their primary for governor in the summer of 1982. The lack of a Democratic primary for Governor gave the Republicans an opportunity to increase interest in their party, but the popularity of Governor Richard Riley prevented many additional voters from participating in the primary. W. D. Workman, Jr. decisively defeated Roddy T. Martin and earned the right to face Riley in the general election.
The general election was held on November 2, 1982 and Richard Riley was elected as the next governor of South Carolina. Turnout decreased from the previous gubernatorial election because of the uncompetitive nature of the race. Riley won every County in the state.
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