All this week, outgoing Governor Mark Sanford has made stops across South Carolina from the Upstate to the Lowcountry. It's part of his farewell tour before his term officially ends Wednesday, When Nikki Haley is sworn in as South Carolina's next governor.
Mark Sanford has devoted nearly two decades of his life to politics.
In just one sentence, he sums up tenure at the Statehouse.
"It's been a tremendously humbling experience these last eight years. There have been highs. There have been well chronicled lows. There's been everything in the world between," said Sanford.
As for Nikki Haley, Sanford says he hasn't passed on any words of wisdom, instead, "What I've told her is look I would never take advice to you, I would never suggest things for you. I had my eight years, and now it's your turn."
The governor considers the Grand Strand the epicenter of tourism for the state and says he made the area a priority. From his appointment of Horry County native Chad Prosser as the state director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to helping small businesses
"What we did regarding workers comp reform, regarding employee security reform, with regarding tort reform was vital to level the playing field for those businesses in doing better."
With days left in office, Sanford says it's important to let go of the reins.
"I don't think there's a perfect way to say goodbye, and the beauty of South Carolina is you never really say goodbye. It's a goodbye for this chapter in life. I look forward to seeing the next chapter in life."
Sanford won't specifically say what the next step in his career will be, but once he leaves Columbia, he's headed back to the Lowcountry where he's from.
Sanford is the only the third governor in South Carolina's history to serve two terms.
