McLeod Says May Disorderly Conduct Arrest Stemmed from Stress
By Bob Gatty
For too long, political power in South Carolina has served the wealthy, the well-connected, and the corporate elite. But Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mullins McLeod says that era must — and can — end.
In a candid and compelling conversation on the Lean to the Left Podcast, McLeod outlines his vision for what real servant leadership looks like and how it could radically reshape South Carolina’s political and economic future.
McLeod, a Charleston attorney, also addresses his May disturbing the peace arrest when he was found walking the streets at night shirtless, and police say, in his boxer shorts. McLeod says he did nothing wrong, that his behavior resulted from the stress of preparing for his campaign and the effect of taking Adderall for a long period of time. His attorneys are seeking to have the charges dropped. Here’s the Charleston Police dash cam video of McLeod reacting to his arrest.
A Legacy of Service — and a New Direction
McLeod represents the fourth generation of a family devoted to public service. A graduate of Wofford College and the University of South Carolina School of Law, his legal career has been rooted in standing up for the vulnerable — from toxic tort cases to civil rights violations committed by powerful interests.
Now, he’s taking that fight statewide.
Taking On Corruption — and the Political Machine
McLeod argues that South Carolina’s government has been hijacked by big-money donors, corporate lobbyists, and politicians eager to serve themselves before serving the public.
He vows to disrupt that system by:
- Enforcing transparency
- Rejecting special-interest influence
- Fighting for a living wage
- Protecting workers and families from predatory corporations
Real Issues, Real Stakes
Among his top priorities:
Fair Wages — South Carolina remains one of the few states with no minimum wage law. McLeod says that must change.
AI & Jobs — He warns that unchecked AI expansion could widen inequality and devastate working families.
People Over Profit — Too much of the state’s public policy, he argues, serves corporate gain instead of public good.
Addressing Controversy with Transparency
McLeod also discusses his recent disorderly conduct arrest and promises to share more details as soon as legal restrictions allow — emphasizing that honesty and accountability will define his campaign. He calls for reform of police procedures that result in the release of arrest incident reports that often can cause undue harm to innocent individuals, which he says occurred in his case.
A Call to the Grassroots
Rejecting big donor money, McLeod urges South Carolinians to join a movement powered by small contributions and shared purpose. His message is simple:
The government belongs to the people — not the privileged.
Listen to the full conversation on the Lean to the Left Podcast.
And if you like what you hear, share the episode — South Carolina’s future may depend on voices just like this one.
For more information about his campaign, please visit https://mcleodscgov.com/.
CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:14 Mullins McLeod’s Background and Legal Career
00:46 The Arrest Incident and Campaign Transparency
01:33 Motivation for Running for Governor
01:59 Addressing Political Corruption in South Carolina
03:13 Servant Leadership and Legal Achievements
05:12 Economic Issues and Livable Wage
07:09 Political Corruption and Power Companies
09:47 Family Legacy and Public Service
11:31 Housing Market and AI Concerns
21:44 Healthcare and Medicaid Expansion
24:22 Republican Candidates and Trump
26:33 Political Corruption and Oil Exploitation
28:23 Trump and Political Blame Game
29:55 Economic Inequality and Political Corruption
34:58 The Arrest Incident and Legal Battle
45:36 Campaign Vision and Funding
48:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
One Response
Can South Carolina finally break the grip of corruption?
Meet Mullins McLeod — a gubernatorial candidate calling out donor control, fighting for fair wages, and championing transparency. If you live in SC, it’s worth your time.