Charleston County voters elected two newcomers to County Council seats in a day characterized by smooth sailing through precincts with no lines, thanks in no small part to accessible absentee voting leading up to election day.
Two empty seats were left by Chairman Elliott Summey, now the CEO of the county Aviation Authority, and Councilman Vic Rawl decided against reelection. Councilman Henry Darby was reelected to his seat in District 4 with no opposition.
Running for Summey’s seat in District 3, Democrat Rob Wehrman (53.97%) was elected ahead of Republican Joe McKeown (45.96%). A total of 18,616 votes were cast.
Wehrman, 32, is a North Charleston attorney in the county public defender’s office.
To replace Rawl in District 6, Democrat Kylon Middleton (52.33%) took an early lead, defeating Republican Darryl Ray Griffin (42.32%) and Libertarian candidate Melissa Couture (5.27%). A total of 25,876 votes were cast.
Middleton, 48, is the senior pastor at Mount Zion AME Church on the Glebe Street. He campaigned on issues relating to diversity, inclusivity and racial equity.
Councilmember and Republican Brantley Moody (62.86 percent) easily held his District 7 seat against Libertarian Sean R. Thornton (36.28%).
Members on council serve four-year terms.
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