Charleston Elects First Republican Mayor Since 1870s

Former State Representative William Cogswell Wins Tight Runoff, Signaling Political Shift in South Carolina City

Charleston, South Carolina has elected its first Republican mayor since the 1870s, marking a significant political shift for the city.
William Cogswell, a former state representative and real estate developer, won a tight runoff election against incumbent Democratic Mayor John Tecklenburg.
Cogswell, who identifies as a moderate, received support from both conservative and liberal voters, emphasizing his commitment to pragmatic solutions over partisan politics.
Cogswell's victory indicates a shift in Charleston, a city that has consistently elected Democratic mayors, even as the state as a whole has leaned Republican.
Cogswell's campaign focused on issues related to crime, the city's population boom, economic growth, and maintaining Charleston's historic character.