Mullins McLeod, born William Mullins McLeod Jr., is a well-known Charleston-based trial lawyer and a Democratic candidate for the 2026 South Carolina governor’s race. Born in 1972 in Lexington, South Carolina, he is 53 years old in 2025.
McLeod is recognized for handling high-profile legal cases, including helping secure an $88 million settlement for the victims of the 2015 Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting. On August 11, 2025, he announced his gubernatorial bid as the first Democrat in the race, focusing on fighting corruption and removing state income taxes.
His campaign gained both attention and controversy after a May 2025 arrest for disorderly conduct in Charleston, when dashcam footage showed him acting erratically and using offensive language. Despite calls from the South Carolina Democratic Party to step down, McLeod refused and stated he would continue his campaign.
A former two-term chairman of the Charleston County Democratic Party, McLeod is married and the father of four children.
Mullins McLeod Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | William Mullins McLeod Jr. |
| Date of Birth | 1972 |
| Age | 53 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Trial Lawyer, Politician |
| Hometown | Lexington, South Carolina, USA |
| Current Residence | Charleston, South Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
Early Life
Mullins McLeod was born in Lexington, South Carolina, in 1972 and raised in Walterboro. He comes from a family with a strong tradition of public service — his uncle Walt McLeod served as a state representative, and Peden Brown McLeod served as a state senator.
He graduated from Wofford College before starting his career in law, eventually becoming a respected trial lawyer in Charleston.
Family Details
Mullins McLeod is married and has four children. He has chosen to keep details about his spouse and children private.
Career Highlights
| Year | Achievement |
| 2010 | Ran for South Carolina governor but withdrew before the Democratic primary, endorsing Vincent Sheheen |
| 2015 | Helped negotiate an $88 million settlement for the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting victims |
| 2025 | Announced 2026 gubernatorial candidacy as the first Democrat in the race |
McLeod is widely known for representing victims in catastrophic injury, nursing home abuse, and civil rights violation cases. His legal career includes landmark settlements and advocacy for victims’ rights.
In 2010, he entered the governor’s race but later withdrew. He served two terms as Charleston County Democratic Party chairman, helping shape local political strategy.
In August 2025, he announced his second gubernatorial campaign, with proposals to:
- Eliminate state income taxes
- Double teacher salaries
- Offer tax credits for companies paying off employee student loans
However, his campaign faced challenges after a highly publicized arrest earlier in the year.
Controversies
May 2025 Arrest – On May 14, 2025, McLeod was arrested for disorderly conduct in Charleston. Police found him wearing only underwear and shoes while yelling incoherently near The Battery. Dashcam footage showed him using slurs and mentioning political figures like Barack Obama and Nancy Mace. His lawyer said the incident was due to exhaustion and a mental health episode, but McLeod claimed the arrest was “unlawful” and vowed to address it before the 2026 election. (Source)
Calls to Exit the 2026 Race – On August 13, 2025, the South Carolina Democratic Party urged McLeod to drop out, citing mental health concerns after the arrest video surfaced. McLeod rejected these calls, releasing a video saying, “I will not stand down.”
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