Charleston, South Carolina residents elected former State Representative William Cogswell as mayor, the first Republican to lead the city since 1877.
“The people have spoken and we’re ready, we’re ready for a new direction,” Cogswell said, according to WCBD. “I am humbled by the results, no doubt. I am excited about the future of our city.”
Cogswell defeated incumbent John Tecklenburg, who was seeking a third mayoral term.
Cogswell’s mayoral campaign focused on three primary areas: “smart growth,” “safe communities,” and “sound governance.”
The newly-elected mayor previously served as a state representative from 2017-2022.
Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party Drew McKissick released a statement following Cogswell’s victory, saying, according to WCIV, “Last night, Republicans made history in the City of Charleston by electing the first Republican mayor since 1877. Congratulations to William Cogswell and his team on winning his mayoral campaign.”
“This win is representative of the shifting momentum we’re seeing all across the state, as there are now GOP mayors in three of the largest cities in South Carolina: Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. This is what happens when Republicans work together as a team to promote our principles and win.”
BREAKING: Charleston, South Carolina just elected its first Republican Mayor since 1877.
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 22, 2023
William Cogswell, a former GOP State Rep, defeated incumbent Democrat Mayor John Tecklenburg in today’s runoff election by less than 1,000 votes.
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