Charleston, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Mullins McLeod, a Charleston attorney, has declared his candidacy for governor of South Carolina, becoming the first Democrat to announce for the 2026 gubernatorial primary. His campaign focuses on addressing corruption, increasing teacher pay, and enhancing law enforcement training. However, recent controversies, including a disorderly conduct arrest, could impact his campaign. McLeod previously ran for governor in 2010 but withdrew before the primary. With mounting legal challenges, he aims to resonate with voters frustrated by current Republican leadership.
Charleston – Mullins McLeod, a 53-year-old attorney from Charleston, has officially declared his candidacy for governor of South Carolina, aiming to challenge incumbent leadership within the state. McLeod became the first Democrat to announce his intent to run in the 2026 gubernatorial primary, signaling his commitment to address what he terms a “cancer” of corruption in state government.
The announcement was made on August 11, 2025, as McLeod shared a video outlining his campaign’s focus on issues such as increasing teacher pay, providing tax deductions for childcare, enhancing law enforcement training, and taking a moderate stance on abortion. Prior to this announcement, McLeod had previously run for governor in 2010 but withdrew before the primary. His campaign seeks to resonate with voters who are frustrated with the existing Republican governance, which he has labeled as the “greatest con in American political history.”
However, McLeod’s bid for governor is overshadowed by recent controversies stemming from an arrest on May 14, 2025. During the incident in downtown Charleston, police found him near King Street and Murray Boulevard, exhibiting disorderly behavior while dressed only in underwear. Arrest records reveal that officers charged him with public disorderly conduct. Dash camera footage released on August 12 shows McLeod shouting incoherently in the back of a police vehicle, making derogatory comments about political opponents, and referring to himself as “Superman” and “God.”
The footage captures McLeod’s erratic behavior, including a vocal proclamation of “McLeod for governor!” along with expletives aimed at politicians such as Gov. Henry McMaster, former Gov. Nikki Haley, and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace. In the video, he also threatened Attorney General Alan Wilson, expressing a desire to “kick his teeth in.” The police report indicated signs consistent with drug use; however, his attorney has contended that it was a mental health episode linked to exhaustion. McLeod’s legal background includes representing victims of the Emanuel AME Church shooting, leading to an $88 million settlement.
Since the arrest, McLeod has been largely unresponsive to requests for comments regarding the released police footage, posing questions about his candidacy’s potential impact. The timeline for candidates in South Carolina reveals that filing does not open until March 2026, with the primary scheduled for June 2026. Other potential candidates from the Democratic party include State Rep. Jermaine Johnson (D-Richland), alongside various Republican challengers such as Nancy Mace and Alan Wilson.
McLeod’s campaign will find itself within a complex landscape, where strategies to combat corruption and promote significant policy changes will be pivotal amid his recent legal challenges. As this political race develops, it will be essential for voters to evaluate the candidates’ positions and integrity.
Key Features of McLeod’s Campaign
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidacy Announcement | August 11, 2025 |
| Previous Attempt | 2010 gubernatorial race |
| Legal Issues | Arrest on May 14, 2025, for public disorderly conduct |
| Campaign Focus | Combatting corruption, increasing teacher pay, tax deductions for childcare, law enforcement training, moderate abortion stance |
| Potential Opponents | State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, Nancy Mace, Alan Wilson |
FAQ
Who is Mullins McLeod?
Mullins McLeod is a 53-year-old attorney from Charleston, South Carolina, who has declared his candidacy for governor in the 2026 election. He previously ran for governor in 2010.
What are the key points of McLeod’s campaign?
McLeod’s campaign focuses on combating corruption, increasing teacher pay, providing tax deductions for childcare, enhancing law enforcement training, and maintaining a moderate stance on abortion.
What recent controversy is surrounding McLeod?
Mullins McLeod was arrested on May 14, 2025, and charged with public disorderly conduct. Dash camera footage from the incident has raised concerns regarding his behavior and mental state at the time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cancellation of Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
Mullins McLeod Launches Gubernatorial Campaign in South Carolina
Mullins McLeod Announces Candidacy for Governor
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Mullins McLeod
- Count on 2
- Google Search: Mullins McLeod
- Live 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
