By PSA Newsroom Staff
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod is pressing ahead with his Democratic bid for governor of South Carolina, framing his campaign as a fight against corruption and political complacency even as leaders within his own party have publicly urged him to step aside.
McLeod, a Walterboro native and third-generation lawyer, has built a legal career representing plaintiffs in complex civil litigation, including personal injury and civil rights cases. On the campaign trail, he casts himself as an independent voice willing to challenge powerful interests in Columbia.
“Our state doesn’t lack potential,” McLeod says on his campaign website. “It lacks leadership with the courage to put people first.”
Platform and Political History
McLeod’s campaign platform emphasizes early childhood education and literacy, healthcare affordability, infrastructure safety, and stronger ethics laws. He has highlighted his decision to self-fund much of his campaign, arguing that financial independence allows him to operate free from special-interest pressure.
This is McLeod’s second run for governor. He previously entered the 2010 Democratic primary before withdrawing. More than a decade later, he says the issues driving his candidacy — transparency, accountability, and fairness — remain unresolved.
Arrest and Party Response
McLeod’s campaign was jolted in 2025 by a Charleston arrest on a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge, an incident that quickly became public after police body-camera footage was released.
Following the video’s circulation, leaders of the South Carolina Democratic Party publicly asked McLeod to suspend his campaign, citing concerns about judgment, public trust, and the impact on the party’s chances statewide.
In a public statement to media outlets, state Democratic Party leadership said the situation had become a distraction.
“At this moment, the focus should be on Mr. McLeod’s well-being and the integrity of the Democratic ticket,” party officials said, calling on him to pause his campaign while the matter played out.
Another senior party figure described the situation as untenable for a statewide race, saying,
“This is not about ideology — it’s about whether a candidate can credibly lead and represent our values.”
McLeod rejected those calls, arguing that party leadership was overstepping and that removing himself from the race would silence voters who support his reform agenda.
Legal Fight and Public Defense
McLeod has since filed motions seeking dismissal of the criminal charge, asserting that the arrest was unlawful and that his behavior did not meet the legal standard required for prosecution. He has characterized the incident as being misrepresented and insists it should not overshadow the issues facing South Carolina families.
“I’m human,” McLeod has said in response to criticism, “but I’m also determined to fight for a more honest and accountable state government.”
The case remains pending.
A Divisive Candidacy
Supporters view McLeod as a fearless outsider willing to confront entrenched systems and political insiders. Critics — including members of his own party — argue that the arrest and fallout raise serious concerns about judgment and electability.
As the 2026 governor’s race begins to take shape, McLeod remains a polarizing figure, testing how much weight Democratic voters place on policy-driven reform versus personal
conduct and party unity.
FACT BOX | Mullins McLeod
Name: Mullins McLeod
Party: Democratic
Profession: Attorney
Hometown: Walterboro, South Carolina
Residence: Charleston, South Carolina
Prior Run: Democratic candidate for governor (2010, withdrew)
Key Issues: Education reform, healthcare access, ethics in government, infrastructure
TIMELINE OF KEY EVENTS
• 2010: McLeod enters Democratic primary for governor; later withdraws
• Early 2025: Announces 2026 gubernatorial campaign
• May 2025: Arrested in Charleston on misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge
• Mid-2025: Police body-camera footage released publicly
• Following Release: South Carolina Democratic Party publicly asks McLeod to suspend campaign
• Late 2025: McLeod files legal motions seeking dismissal of charges
• 2026 Race: Campaign continues amid ongoing legal and political scrutiny
For more info on this candidate click the link: https://mcleodscgov.com/
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