Mia S. McLeod (born August 19, 1968) is an American former politician who served as a member of the South Carolina Senate from the 22nd district (Kershaw and Richland Counties) from 2017 until 2024. She was a Democrat before later becoming an Independent. 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.

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.

Political career

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."Senator Mia S. McLeod". South Carolina Legislature. 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2024. In April 2024, she announced she would not be seeking another term. During her political 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.

Policy positions

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.Republican women are helping block an abortion ban in South Carolina, WBTW, May 10, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023. McLeod favored a codification of Roe v. Wade, which had been overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2022 Dobbs decision.The Unexpected Women Blocking South Carolina's Near-Total Abortion Ban, New York Times, Kate Zernike, May 7, 2023. Retrieved May 20, 2023.

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."Growing List of African American Women Leaders Stand with Hillary Clinton". The American Presidency Project. February 3, 2016. Retrieved January 24, 2023.

Elections

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.

2024 election In January 2024, South Carolina House member Ivory Torrey Thigpen announced his candidacy for State Senate District 22.Reynolds, Nick (January 22, 2024). "SC Statehouse's only Democrat-turned-independent senator draws another challenger". The Post and Courier. Retrieved February 16, 2024.Davis, Kimberlei (January 22, 2024). "Representative Thigpen launches bid for SC Senate District 22 seat". WACH-TV. Retrieved February 16, 2024. Educator Dr. Monica Elkins also announced her intention to run in the Democratic Primary.Mcconchie, Brian (November 15, 2023). "Longtime educator to run for State Senate seat". WACH-TV. Retrieved February 16, 2024.

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.

Personal life During her run for the South Carolina House of Representatives, McLeod was known as Mia Butler, and later as Mia Butler Garrick or Mia Garrick. In 2012 she resumed use of her maiden name, Mia McLeod. McLeod has two sons, Brian and Cameron.

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. McLeod was recognized with a State Senate resolution after receiving the award.

Media portrayals A documentary entitled “Sister Senators,” a Lynnwood Pictures and Global Neighborhood project, is now in production. Producers are Emily Harrold and Robin Hessman, co-producer is Rachel Denny. The film is executive produced by Ruth Ann Harnisch and co-executive produced by Ann Lovell. It has been presented at Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival.

References

External links

Legislative page Democratic Response to State of the State address 2021 on YouTube Appearances on C-SPAN Appearance on MSNBC with Ali Velshi Sister Senators' speeches at John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum Profiles in Courage Award Ceremony