Mullins McLeod Launches Gubernatorial Campaign in South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, August 12, 2025

News Summary

Mullins McLeod, a personal injury attorney from Charleston, has announced his candidacy for governor in South Carolina, aiming to combat corruption in the state government. His campaign focuses on reforms like raising teacher salaries and providing tax relief for childcare and student loans. Despite a recent arrest for disorderly conduct, McLeod positions himself as a servant leader dedicated to serving the people. He will face various Republican candidates in the upcoming election. The filing for candidacy will open in March 2026, with the primary set for June 2026.

Charleston, South Carolina – Mullins McLeod, a personal injury attorney based in Charleston, has officially launched his gubernatorial campaign as the first Democratic candidate for the 2026 election cycle. His announcement came through a YouTube video released on August 11, 2025. McLeod’s campaign aims to tackle corruption in the South Carolina state government, which he claims has plagued the system for the past 25 years.

Describing corruption as “a cancer” within state leadership, McLeod criticized the “Columbia establishment” for favoring corporate interests over the well-being of South Carolinians. He accused the government of failing its citizens by not addressing their financial burdens, labeling the situation as “fraud.” McLeod positions himself as a “servant leader” dedicated to combatting corruption, promising to bring honesty and integrity into the political arena.

McLeod previously attempted a run for governor in 2010 but withdrew before the Democratic primary. Since then, he has strengthened his commitment to public service, vowing to outmaneuver seasoned politicians in his campaign. His strategy includes holding town halls, policy roundtables, and listening tours across the state to engage with the electorate directly.

While specific details of his campaign platform, featuring five key pillars, were not disclosed in the announcement, McLeod emphasizes the need for significant reforms in various sectors. His proposed policies include challenging existing tax structures, particularly personal income tax and property tax incentives for major manufacturers. He advocates for raising salaries for educators to between $85,000 and $100,000, which is significantly higher than the current average of around $62,000.

In addition, McLeod seeks to establish tax deductions for childcare expenses and to introduce tax credits for companies aiding employees in paying off student loans. These initiatives reflect his broader approach to improving education, healthcare, and economic policy, areas where he believes he can effectively challenge his Republican counterparts.

Despite the initial excitement surrounding his campaign, McLeod’s recent arrest for disorderly conduct—which he attributes to a mental health incident—has raised concerns. However, he has asserted that the circumstances surrounding the incident were temporary and not indicative of his character or competency for office.

As McLeod makes his bid for office, he will face competition from a robust Republican field that includes Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, and State Sen. Josh Kimbrell, among others. In contrast, the Democratic side has yet to witness other candidates officially enter the race; however, State Rep. Jermaine Johnson is reportedly considering a run after forming an exploratory committee.

Filing for candidacy in South Carolina will open in March 2026, with the primary election scheduled for June 2026. As the campaign progresses, McLeod’s stance against corruption could resonate with voters looking for change in state governance.

Key Features of Mullins McLeod’s Campaign

• First official Democratic candidate for governor in 2026
• Focus on combatting corruption in state government
• Proposed reforms: raising teacher salaries, childcare tax deductions, tax credits for student loan repayments
• Plans to conduct extensive outreach through town halls and listening tours
• Faces competition from established Republican candidates

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Mullins McLeod Announces Candidacy for Governor

Additional Resources

• Live 5 News
• South Carolina Daily Gazette
• Greenville Online
• ABC Columbia
• WRDW
• Wikipedia: South Carolina Gubernatorial Election
• Google Search: Mullins McLeod
• Google Scholar: Mullins McLeod
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mullins McLeod
• Google News: Mullins McLeod

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.