The largest city in South Carolina is welcoming its first Republican mayor in more than a century.
Sort of, anyhow.
The mayor’s office in Charleston, South Carolina is genuinely impartial. But regardless of how it would read on the ballot, the newly elected mayor and the existing mayor have obvious Republican sympathies.
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Despite running as a self-described “moderate,” William Cogswell defeated a clear Democrat, which The Charleston Post and Courier called “stunning,” considering that city voters had always been “solidly Democratic.”
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All mayors have been Democrats for over 150 years, or are readily identifiable as such based on their prior affiliations and engagement in party-related activities.
With 51.04% of the vote, Cogswell defeats Mayor John Tecklenburg, the incumbent, by a mere 2.08% margin.
Cogswell announced his victory with confidence, even though the state’s Election Commission had not yet certified the results. Tecklenburg graciously contacted him to concede and even made a public statement acknowledging the loss in a display of sportsmanship.
Discover the inside scoop on Tuesday’s run-off election for mayor, which has no other contenders.
By staying away from the animosity and mudslinging that sometimes characterize American political campaigns, a Republican candidate emerged victorious in the contest.
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“There’s a competitiveness to it of course but we ran a positive race and I think people responded well to that,” Cogswell stated, as per WCSC. “I wish John all the best, it’s nothing personal. It’s time for the next generation, it’s time for the next chapter in our city, and I am excited to usher that in.”
According to the publication, Tecklenburg repeated a similar idea in his concession address.
“I ask each and every Charlestonian, everyone out there, to give him your support. Because starting tonight, when Mayor Cogswell succeeds, we all succeed. And that’s something we’re all in favor of,” Tecklenburg said.
With over 30,000 ballots cast, or 27% of the total, the runoff election had record-breaking turnout. It is noteworthy that there was a mere 600-vote gain in the main election that was held a few days prior.
Real estate entrepreneur and former Statehouse lawmaker Cogswell is scheduled to assume office in January.
