The South Carolina governor’s race just got a jolt of drama — and not the kind that benefits Democrats. William “Mullins” McLeod, a well-known figure in the Palmetto State’s Democratic circles, is under intense pressure from his own party to drop out after police dash cam footage captured a bizarre, nearly incoherent rant that ended in his arrest.
McLeod, who still insists he’s running for governor in 2026, was arrested on May 15, 2025, after officers found him wearing nothing but underwear, shoes, and a loud voice. According to police, he was “yelling at the top of his lungs” in public. Body camera footage obtained by NBC Charleston shows the Democrat repeatedly calling himself “God” and “Superman,” brushing off questions about his identity with lines like, “It doesn’t matter, my friend, trust me. I’m one of the most just humans to ever walk this soil.”
At one point, McLeod even took aim at Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson — who is also running for governor — declaring, “I’m gonna kick your [expletive] teeth in.” Wilson, never one to shy away from a political jab, responded with wit, saying, “I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he means in a general election, not a street fight.”
Wilson went further, using the incident to underscore his own campaign’s momentum: “My plan for bold, conservative leadership is spreading, and my record of defending President Trump, parental rights, and the rule of law has put a target on my back. But we’re not slowing down, and I’m not done fighting for South Carolina families.”
Police noted that McLeod’s eyes were “extremely bloodshot and highly dilated,” symptoms they described as “typical of an individual under the influence of a stimulant narcotic.” No confirmation has been given as to whether McLeod tested positive for any illegal substances, but the optics alone have been devastating for his campaign.
Still, McLeod has not only refused to step aside, he’s claimed the arrest was “unlawful” and hinted that he’ll eventually reveal his side of the story. “There’s nothing that I want more than to tell the voters exactly what happened on my unlawful arrest,” he told *The Post and Courier*. “But right now, my hands are tied.”
That explanation isn’t convincing his party’s leadership. Christale Spain, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, issued a blunt statement calling for him to end his campaign. “After reviewing the transcript of the dash cam footage from his recent arrest, it is clear that Mr. McLeod is navigating profound challenges and should focus on his mental and emotional well-being instead of a campaign for governor,” she said. “We offer him compassion and pray he finds the support he needs.”
The fallout leaves Democrats scrambling for a candidate without such public baggage — and Republicans smelling blood in the water. With Wilson’s campaign already touting strong conservative credentials and aligning closely with President Trump, this latest scandal could be the boost the GOP needs to tighten its grip on South Carolina’s top office.
