Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and challenger William Cogswell are headed to a Nov. 21. runoff with new backing from two former opponents.
Candidate Clay Middleton of West Ashley on Nov. 9 endorsed Tecklenburg, saying he never saw himself as a “challenger,” as he wasn’t running “against anybody, I was running for the future of Charleston.”
“This was not what I had in mind,” Middleton said at a downtown press conference. “Eighteen months ago, we started this journey because we thought we had something tangible to offer. … It’s been about how we can move our city forward, and the items we’ve talked about over those 18 months, he and others heard it.
“It is because of putting the city first, selfless service and servant leadership, that’s why I’m standing next to John Tecklenburg asking voters to go back on or before Nov. 21 to cast your ballot for John Tecklenburg.”
Tecklenburg said Middleton, who came in third with 18% of the vote in the Nov. 7 election, had a focus on infrastructure that was inspiring. He added that he and Middleton were the only two candidates to commit to continuing the work on the peninsula’s sea wall project, something he was particularly focused on.
“We learn things along the campaign trail, listening to our citizens, and yes, sometimes listening to other candidates, “Tecklenburg said. “Clay’s focus on infrastructure has been poignant and real, and I know in his future service to our city and nation, he will continue to focus on building infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, outgoing city council member and former candidate Peter Shahid endorsed Cogswell, a former Republican state representative.
“Seventy percent of Charleston voted to ’Rethink Charleston,’” Shahid said in a Nov. 8 statement. “Getting to know William throughout this race has shown me that he is the leader our city needs. The Holy City has not progressed to the level we need or expect from the mayor.”
Shahid, who came in fourth with 8% of the vote, gave his endorsement the day after the election, which Cogswell is touting d as “a massive win” for his campaign.
“I am honored to have Peter’s support in this critical race,” Cogswell said in the press release. “His eight years of service on the council for the people of Charleston have given him a deep understanding of the importance of good leadership. I am confident that with Peter’s support, we will take back Charleston on Nov. 21 and prioritize the needs of our residents.”
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