The race for the governorship in South Carolina took an unexpected turn when William “Mullins” McLeod, a Democratic candidate, was arrested in a state of undress and apparent distress, as captured by police dashcam footage. The incident occurred in downtown Charleston in May, where the 53-year-old attorney and married father of four was detained for disorderly conduct after causing a scene in the Battery area.
Police reports indicated behavior consistent with stimulant influence, citing McLeod's extremely bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils. During his arrest, captured in a 35-minute video released via a Freedom of Information Act request, McLeod unleashed a tirade of profanities, racial slurs, and threats against political figures, including his potential Republican opponent, Attorney General Alan Wilson.
The video shows McLeod referring to himself as “God” and “Superman,” and at one point, he resists leaving the patrol car, claiming he would rather sleep in the back seat. His resistance continued until officers forcibly removed him. Although it is not confirmed whether McLeod was tested for drugs, law enforcement sources stated that the arrest was conducted without further incident.
McLeod's arrest and subsequent behavior have ignited controversy within political circles and the public. He had just officially announced his candidacy for the Democratic primary one day prior to the video's release. A previous two-term Charleston County Democratic Party chairman and gubernatorial candidate in 2010, McLeod is known as a prominent local attorney.
The South Carolina Democratic Party Chair, Christale Spain, urged McLeod to withdraw from the race, expressing concern for his well-being and suggesting he prioritize his mental and emotional health. McLeod's campaign, however, has defended him, alleging that the footage's release was an attempt to damage his candidacy and branding the arrest as "unlawful."
Responses to the incident have been varied, with Republican officials weighing in on McLeod's behavior. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette's spokesperson, Matthew Goins, described McLeod as a liberal trial lawyer supporting the "failed Biden-Harris agenda." U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman called for conservative leadership to "clean up Columbia," implying that both Democrats and liberal Republicans are problematic.
As McLeod remains the sole Democratic candidate in the gubernatorial race, party officials are assessing his candidacy in light of the growing scrutiny. The incident raises questions about the interplay between personal crisis and public service, as well as the impact of such revelations on a political campaign.
