William “Mullins” McLeod Jr., a South Carolina attorney and the first Democrat to officially enter the 2026 gubernatorial race, may have just given political rivals ammo after shocking new police footage was released this week.
The clip, obtained from the Charleston Police Department, shows McLeod during his May arrest for disorderly conduct. And let’s just say it’s not exactly campaign material.
Unruly Arrest Caught on Camera
Inside the Charleston PD car, McLeod, reportedly wearing only underwear, refuses to comply with the arresting officer. He shouts and screams, repeatedly giving the cop lip while refusing to identify himself. At one point, McLeod claims he’s “Superman”, and ominously hints, “When I’m governor …” before trailing off.
McLeod flatly refused to exit the police vehicle, insisting he would sleep in the backseat. The video captures a tense confrontation that’s now gone viral, stirring debate about the candidate’s temperament.
Campaign Responds: “Setting the Record Straight”
McLeod’s team issued a statement to TMZ:
“The people of South Carolina deserve the truth and deserve leaders who will stand up against abuse of power. I look forward to setting the record straight, closing this chapter, and focusing on the real issues facing our state.”
They also announced that McLeod plans to hold a press conference addressing the legal action and the “expected resolution stemming from his unlawful arrest.”
Political Context: First Democrat in the Race
McLeod, a prominent Charleston attorney, is the first Democrat to officially enter the race to succeed Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, who has served since 2017 and is term-limited.
While McLeod is positioning himself as a champion of accountability and reform, the arrest footage may raise questions about his composure and readiness for the governor’s office. Political analysts are already weighing in on whether this incident will hurt his campaign or rally supporters who view him as taking a stand against perceived police overreach.
TPR Takeaway:
Between the viral video and McLeod’s statement, one thing is clear: this South Carolina gubernatorial race just got a lot more interesting. Whether voters are impressed by his boldness or alarmed by his outburst, McLeod has officially entered the national spotlight.
What do you think — does this footage hurt his chances, or show a fighter willing to stand up to authority? Drop your thoughts below!
