Mullins McLeod should bow out of the governor’s race, SC Democratic Party says
The South Carolina Democratic Party is suggesting Mullins McLeod end his bid for governor following the release of a video following his arrest in May.
In police dash-cam video, McLeod is heard shouting expletives, and says he wants to kick in the teeth of Attorney General Alan Wilson, who is among five Republicans running for governor, which had been obtained by the Post and Courier.
McLeod also had derogatory remarks presumably toward former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, who is running for governor.
“After reviewing the transcript of the dash cam footage from his recent arrest, it is clear that Mr. McLeod is navigating profound challenges and should focus on his mental and emotional well-being instead of a campaign for governor,” SC Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain said in a statement. “We offer him compassion and pray he finds the support he needs.”
McLeod is the first Democrat to launch a formal campaign for governor. State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Richland, is exploring a run for governor.
McLeod’s campaign did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
However, McLeod on Monday described the incident as an “unlawful arrest.”
“I cannot tell you how badly I want to tell the voters exactly what happened the night of my unlawful arrest, but right now my hands are tied,” McLeod said in an interview Monday morning.
This story was originally published August 13, 2025 at 3:44 PM.
