Charleston’s seven mayoral candidates have raised nearly 10 times more in campaign cash than the seven candidates running in North Charleston to replace incumbent Keith Summey in November.
In Charleston, incumbent Mayor John Tecklenburg has raised more than $650,000 alone. Total contributions through the end of June for all Charleston candidates are $1.8 million, far ahead of North Charleston’s candidates, who have altogether raised $188,003. Former Police Chief Reggie Burgess leads the North Charleston money chase with $121,833.97 collected, according to election reports filed as of today.
State law requires candidates to report their quarterly campaign contributions quarterly to the S.C. Ethics Commission (SCEC). Monday marked the filing deadline for the end of the second quarter on June 30. The financial reports give the public new up-to-date campaign balances for most candidates. To many in politics, the strength of an election effort is often measured by a candidate’s fundraising prowess.
The Charleston mayor’s race
Tecklenburg reported $128,522.70 in second quarter (Q2) contributions on July 10 with an additional $25,000 in Q2 loans. He also reported $66,342.23 in Q2 expenses. His contributions total $654,918.94 this election cycle, with $150,694.16 in total expenses, giving his campaign a balance of $508,902.03, which includes $50,000 in loans.
“Throughout this quarter, Charlestonians saw Mayor Tecklenburg’s strong leadership again and again, from the one-year pause at Union Pier to his fight for West Ashley revitalization on Sumar,” Tecklenburg campaign manager Jennifer Mieras said in a press release. “That kind of steady, resident-focused leadership is why Mayor Tecklenburg continues to lead this race in fundraising and why citizens from all across Charleston are supporting him in his final campaign for mayor.”
Developer William Cogswell trails close behind, reporting $155,970 in Q2 contributions on July 10 with an additional $150,000 in Q2 loans. He also reported $50,884.11 in Q2 expenses. His contributions total $581,786 this election cycle, with $138,274.83 in total expenses, giving his campaign a balance of $443,511.16 with $160,000 in loans.
Public relations consultant Clay Middleton reported $87,984.50 in Q2 contributions July 11 with $63,158.36 in expenses. His contributions total $303,353.23 this election cycle, with $159,860.29 in total expenses, giving his campaign a balance of $143,492.94.
City Councilman Peter Shahid, an attorney, reported $48,030.52 in Q2 contributions on July 11 with $24,342.15 in expenses. His contributions total $220,631.75 this election cycle, with $84,957.20 in total expenses, giving his campaign a balance of $135,674.55.
Community advocate Mika Gadsden reported $7,636 in Q2 contributions on July 9 with an additional $2,847.45 in Q2 loans. She also reported $6,392 in Q2 expenses. Her contributions total $19,882.45 with $13,427.31 in total expenses, giving her campaign a balance of $6,455.14.
Law professor Debra Gammons reported $1,000 in Q2 contributions on July 9 with $41.98 in expenses. Her contributions total $1,500, giving her a campaign balance of $1,458.
24-year-old Julia Marsh reported $1,325 in Q2 contributions on July 10 with an additional $1,850 in personal contributions. She also reported $1,716.79 in Q2 expenses. Her contributions total $3,175 this election cycle with $2,716.79 in total expenses, giving her campaign a balance of $458.21.
The North Charleston mayor’s race
Burgess reported $76,064.47 in Q2 contributions on July 10 with $52,549.29 in expenses. His contributions total $121,833.97 this election cycle with $65,175.68 in total expenses, giving him a campaign balance of $53,863.79.
County Councilman Teddie Pryor, a North Charleston city employee, reported $48,100 in Q2 contributions on July 10 with $10,045.71 in expenses. His contributions total $49,600 this election cycle, giving him a campaign balance of $39,554.29.
City Councilwoman Rhonda Jerome reported $2,300 in Q2 contributions on July 8 with $4,223.95 in expenses. Her contributions total $6,750 this election cycle with $6,033.68 in total expenses, giving her campaign a balance of $716.32.
Businessman John Singletary reported $1,950 in Q2 contributions on July 10 with $1,560.58 in expenses. His contributions total $5,050 with $4,397 in total expenses, giving his campaign a balance of $652.67.
Community advocate Jesse Williams reported $1,375 in Q2 contributions on July 11 with an additional $3,000 in Q2 loans. He also reported $752.68 in Q2 expenses. His contributions total $4,770 with $982.57 in total expenses, giving him a campaign balance of $3,787 with $3,100 in loans.
Two other North Charleston residents, Navy veteran Russell Coletti and 25-year-old Brandon Trollinger, have said they are running for North Charleston mayor, but have not reported any campaign finances, according to the SCEC website.
The official filing for the municipal elections opens in August. Each election will be held Nov. 7. Along with the mayor’s race, the odd-numbered seats on Charleston City Council will also be up for grabs, and every North Charleston City Council member is up for reelection at the same time. Several veteran members are expected to retire.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
