Filing opened Monday for candidates running for Charleston City Council and commissioner of public works for the November general election.
Incumbent Councilmen Harry Griffin, Robert Mitchell and Mike Seekings filed for reelection Monday, according to a city spokesperson. Incumbents William Dudley Gregorie and Kevin Shealy filed for reelection Tuesday. David E. Rivers also filed Monday for commissioner of public works, where he’s currently vice-chairman.
Attorney Stephen Bowden filed paperwork Tuesday to challenge Griffin in West Ashley’s District 10, setting up what could be the year’s most hotly contested council election.
Off-year municipal elections can often fly under the radar without a high-profile race at the top of the ballot, often making for close results and runoff elections that draw even fewer voters to the polls. For example, neither Gregorie nor Griffin won the initial ballots in their 2017 election bids, but managed to hold on to win runoffs, each with less than 500 votes.
Incumbent Councilmember Carol Jackson would also be up for reelection this year, but has not responded to City Paper inquiries about filing plans.
Filing is open through Aug. 16 in Charleston. Candidates will also file this month to run in Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Seabrook Island, Ravenel, Lincolnville, Awendaw, Summerville, McClellanville and Rockville.
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