Updated 7:30 a.m., Nov. 22 | Former GOP state Rep. William Cogswell narrowly beat incumbent Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg by 2 percentage points in a surprising Tuesday runoff election, according to unofficial S.C. Election Commission results.
“The people have spoken, and we’re ready for a new direction,” Cogswell said at an election watch party Tuesday night. “A new direction that’s smart and safe and sound. A new direction that puts our citizens and residents first. A new direction that puts labels aside so that we can find pragmatic solutions to our problems.
“If you didn’t vote for me, I hope to earn your trust and respect as your next mayor.”
Tecklenburg conceded the mayoral race at a Tuesday watch party, expressing that he is still optimistic for the city after his two terms as mayor.
“I’m as optimistic about the city as I’ve ever been,” Tecklenburg said. “I’d like to congratulate William Cogswell, and I’d like to ask each and every one of you to give him your support because when Mayor Cogsell succeeds, all of Charleston succeeds, and that’s something we’re all in favor of.”
All votes were tallied by about 9 p.m. Tuesday with Cogswell ahead by 569 votes out of more than 27,000 cast. Cogswell garnered 13,930 votes, or about 51%. Tecklenburg received 13,361 votes, about 49%. In Berkeley Daniel Island precincts, Cogswell had more than 700 votes over Tecklenburg.
The City of Charleston will certify the results today at 1 p.m.
Since the Nov. 7 general election in Charleston, both candidates received several endorsements both from former campaign opponents and other state and community leaders. Tecklenburg was endorsed by U.S. Congressman Jim Clyburn, former mayoral candidate Clay Middleton, and Charleston City Council members Ross Appel and Stephen Bowden, among several others. Cogswell was endorsed by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., former mayoral candidates Mika Gadsden and Peter Shahid and Charleston City Council member Keith Waring.
“Your courage and support shows that we can come together and find common ground, and I look forward to working closely with each of you to find positive paths forward for our city that we all love,” Cogswell said at his victory party.
In the Nov. 7 general election, Cogswell finished on top with 34.98% of the vote, a small lead over Tecklenburg’s 32.02%, according to the S.C. Election Commission. Four other candidates shared the remaining third of votes.
Other Tuesday runoff election results
Also in Charleston, voters in District 9, which covers parts of West Ashley, headed back to the polls for a runoff between William Tinkler and Mike Gastin to fill the seat vacated by Shahid. With 100% of precincts reporting as of 9 p.m. Tinkler had 1,830 votes to Gastin’s 1,075. Tinkler’s father, Paul, held the seat from 1998 to 2007.
In Folly Beach, voters elected Katherine Houghton and Chris Bizzell on Nov, 7 to two of the three open city council seats. But a runoff was required between incumbent Billy Grooms and challenger Ann Peets to determine the third seat. On Nov. 21 with 100% of precincts reporting as of 9 p.m., Grooms had 474 votes to Peets’ 397.
- For the latest reports, visit scvotes.org.
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