Senator Mia McLeod Releases Advancement Agenda for Black South Carolina

Democratic candidate for Governor, Senator Mia McLeod today announced her agenda to improve the quality of life for Black South Carolinians. 

McLeod’s campaign said that while Black South Carolinians compose 27% of the state, they “do not have access or opportunities commensurate with their share of the population.”

“I’m a seventh-generation South Carolinian,” Senator McLeod said. “Our state should intentionally work to retain young Black South Carolinians. I started this campaign to improve our state and make it a place where everyone can thrive. It breaks my heart when my adult sons say they don’t see a future here. We must empower and prepare them to compete for high-paying jobs and ensure equal opportunities that will yield a better quality of life and encourage more multigenerational Black families to stay and grow here in this great state.”

McLeod said she believes the first step to retaining talent is to improve the day-to-day lives of young people and their families. She believes she can accomplish that through:

• Economic Empowerment
• Equity & Inclusion
• Systemic Reforms
• Access & Opportunity
• Accountability & Justice

Having secured millions of dollars in South Carolina Education Lottery funding for South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) for 7 years before her election to the South Carolina House, McLeod believes that partnering with HBCUs is critical to the advancement of the Black Agenda. Partnerships and programs that encourage and facilitate affordable homeownership, access to quality healthcare, financial literacy and stability, public education investments, Medicaid expansion, cultural preservation, environmental protections, rural infrastructure improvements, and systemic reforms will be among her top priorities as Governor.

When elected Governor, Senator McLeod plans to lead with intention, by creating public and private sector opportunities and partnerships within the Black community. She is committed to building a cabinet that is as diverse as South Carolina.

“Traversing the state and having the privilege of speaking with workers and local business owners confirms that people just want to be heard and treated fairly,” McLeod said.

For Senator McLeod, meeting the needs of Black South Carolinians includes raising the minimum wage.  The average family earning the $7.25 Federal minimum wage can not afford rent in any South Carolina county. 

“I am the only candidate in this primary with a history of supporting a minimum wage of at least $15 per hour,” Senator McLeod said. “If we expect Black South Carolinians to have a meaningful opportunity to compete in and contribute to our state’s economy, we must commit to paying at least $15/hour to support working families.”

As she reflected on conversations with Georgetown, Charleston, and Mitchellville residents, McLeod expressed empathy and concern for communities of color that are experiencing land loss through gentrification.

“All over our state, Black and Indigenous communities are being pushed out by developers and losing their property. That is wrong and when I’m governor, I’ll do everything within my power to stop it,” Senator McLeod said. “Instead of pushing the very people out of their communities whose ancestors laid the foundation of our state, we should honor their contributions, as well as their cultural and economic impact,” McLeod said.  “A thriving South Carolina acknowledges, celebrates, and supports all of her citizenry.”

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