Head of State is a sharp, witty whirlwind send-off of the world of Washington politics. In a white male-dominated arena, Mays Gilliam (two-time Emmy winner Chris Rock) would seem to hardly stand a chance, a black man running as a substitute candidate for the presidency of the United States. But his perseverance will have you rooting for the underdog.

When a presidential candidate dies in a plane crash, Mays Gilliam, the outspoken, hard working Alderman from Washington DC, is chosen as his replacement, after rescuing an old lady and her cat. Everyone expects him to lose, including the Democratic Party, but Mays, along with his running mate and brother, Mitch Gilliam (Bernie Mac), set out to prove them all wrong, taking their campaign across the country and delivering speeches that are unexpectedly capturing the hearts of voters. Will the capering campaigners have enough charisma, stamina and support to go all the way?