SC Democrats ask McLeod to pause campaign after arrest video

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – A shocking video involving South Carolina’s only Democratic candidate in the 2026 race for governor has been released, and Democrats are weighing in.

The video shows the Charleston lawyer, Mullins McLeod, being arrested on May 15. The state Democratic party is now calling to suspend his campaign.

McLeod was shown in the video to be screaming while cuffed in a police car, for about an hour. He posted on Facebook Tuesday and Thursday that he will not be suspending his campaign.

“Yesterday I said goodbye to a very comfortable private life, and so hello, world. Here we go …I’m sure that there’ll be times in this campaign I’ll make mistakes. I’m not a politician, ” McLeod said Tuesday.

He added Thursday, “Today is a normal day. Now I know the political storm is all around me, but my rudder is true. My rudder is true, folks. My plan and my purpose has never been clear. So I’m going to keep my head down, and I’m going to keep working.”

State Democratic lawmakers said they don’t want the top of the ticket to weigh down the rest of the ticket.

“He has to make the ultimate decision of whether or not his candidacy is reflective of the party’s values and whether or not he thinks that he can help democrats win,” said Representative Kambrell Garvin (D – Richland). “Not just a gubernatorial election, but win, state house races and local government seats all over our state.”

Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, Christale Spain, released the following statement Wednesday:

“After reviewing the transcript of dash cam footage from his recent arrest, it is clear that Mr. McLeod is navigating profound challenges and should focus on his emotional and mental well-being instead of a campaign for governor.”

State Representative Hamilton Grant (D – 79) added, “After watching the dash-cam video and reading the recount of this disturbing incident, I am praying that Attorney McLeod gets the help he deserves and needs. Based on what we know so far and what we’ve seen in the footage, his bid for governor should respectfully end.”

We have reached out for comment to McLeod, his campaign office, and his law office but have not heard back.