Mia McLeod

Mia S. McLeod (born August 19, 1968) is an independent American politician serving as a member of the South Carolina Senate from the 22nd district (Kershaw and Richland Counties). On June 3, 2021, McLeod announced her candidacy for the 2022 South Carolina gubernatorial election, becoming the first Black woman to run for Governor of South Carolina, generating national and international headlines.

Early life and education
McLeod is the daughter of the late James S. and Shirley J. McLeod. McLeod earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Career
McLeod is the President of McLeod Butler Communications, LLC. Prior to her election to the South Carolina State Legislature, McLeod worked in various state agencies including the Office of the South Carolina Attorney General.

Tenure
S.C. Senate

McLeod is a member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 22nd district since 2017. McLeod serves on the Senate Corrections and Penology; Judiciary; Medical Affairs, Rules and Transportation Committees. In April 2024, she announced she would not be seeking another term. During her career, McLeod has criticized what she describes as the "old guard" of South Carolina politics.

S.C. House of Representatives
McLeod served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2011 to 2016.

Legislative action on abortion rights
In response to restrictions on abortion rights in South Carolina, McLeod sponsored a bill (H. 4544) in December 2015 that would impose similar restrictions for access to Viagra and similar drugs that treat erectile dysfunction.

In 2023, McLeod joined with a Democrat and three Republican women state senators, calling themselves, "The Sister Senators": Sen. McLeod, Sen. Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington), Sen. Penry Gustafson (R-Kershaw), Sen. Margie Bright-Matthews (D-Colleton), and Sen. Sandy Senn (R-Charleston). They blocked the senate from passing a bill that would ban all abortions in South Carolina. McLeod favored a codification of Roe v. Wade, which had been overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2022 Dobbs decision.

In 2024, McLeod introduced the South Carolina Pro-Birth Accountability Act, which would provide additional support from the State for prenatal, intrapartal, and postpartal care.

Endorsements
McLeod endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton for president in 2016.

2022 Governor's race
See 2022 South Carolina gubernatorial election; 2022 United States gubernatorial elections

In 2021, McLeod announced her candidacy for Governor of South Carolina. She was defeated in the Democratic primary by former United States Representative Joe Cunningham.

Becoming an Independent
On January 10, 2023, McLeod announced her decision to leave the Democratic Party and become an Independent, a decision given extensive coverage in statewide press.

2024 election
In January 2024, South Carolina House member Ivory Torrey Thigpen announced his candidacy for State Senate District 22. Educator Dr. Monica Elkins also announced her intention to run in the Democratic Primary.

On April 1, 2024, McLeod announced that she would not seek re-election. Richland County Council member Overture Walker joined Thigpen and Elkins as candidates for the Democratic Primary nomination. Lee Blatt filed to run as a Republican candidate for the seat.

Honors and recognition
In 2021, McLeod gave the Democratic response to the State of the State address.

In September 2023 it was announced that "The Sister Senators" had been selected to receive the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award. The award was presented in an October 2023 ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.