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. She previously served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2011 to 2016. 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
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
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.
In response to recent restrictions on abortion rights in her state, 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. During her career, McLeod has criticized what she describes as the "old guard" of South Carolina politics.
McLeod endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton for president in 2016.
McLeod serves on the Senate Corrections and Penology; Family and Veterans' Services; Judiciary; Medical Affairs, and Rules Committees.
In 2021, she announced her candidacy for Governor of South Carolina. She was defeated in the Democratic primary by former United States Representative Joe Cunningham. On January 10, 2023, she announced her decision to leave the Democratic Party and become an Independent.
In 2023, she joined with a Democrat and three Republican women state senators, calling themselves, "The Sister Senators": Sen. Mia 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 male state senators from passing a bill that would ban all abortions in South Carolina. She favors a codification of Roe, which had been overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.
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.
Electoral history
References
External links
Legislative page
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