Republicans Earn Historic Win In South Carolina Election

Republican candidate William Cogswell took on incumbent Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and emerged victorious with 51% of the vote in Tuesday’s runoff election. Although his win was decided by a narrow 569-vote margin, it was enough to avoid an automatic recount and he declared victory earlier this week.

The most populous city in South Carolina has been led by a Democratic mayor for nearly 150 years, but that is about to change.

“The people have spoken and we’re ready for a new direction,” he said. “I am excited about the future of our city.”

After expressing gratitude to the voters who supported his campaign, Cogswell offered an olive branch to his Democratic rival, asserting that he wished Tecklenburg “all the best” and that the campaign was “nothing personal.”

He added, however, that he believes “it’s time for the next generation” and “time for a new chapter in our city,” noting that he is “excited to usher that in.”

The race was particularly close across Charleston County, which includes most of the city. Tecklenburg edged out Cogswell by a slim 153 votes in the county.

Over the line in Berkeley County, which includes a portion of Charleston city limits, the margin was much wider. Only 2,854 votes were cast in this area, but Tecklenburg scored a strong 63% of the vote, beating the incumbent by 722 votes.

A number of prominent conservative pundits and South Carolina Republicans remarked on the historic nature of his victory in the city.

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who until recently was a candidate in the GOP presidential primary, cited the result as a sign that Republicans are gaining ground statewide.

“Congratulations to Mayor-Elect William Cogswell!” he wrote in a social media post after the results were announced. “Republicans continue to make history in South Carolina. Together, we pushed him over the edge for victory on Tuesday! Proud to support my friend and the next mayor of Charleston.”

In his concession speech, Tecklenburg called on his supporters across the city to support the new mayor, explaining: “When Mayor Cogswell succeeds, Charleston succeeds.”

He concluded that he is “as optimistic for the future of this city as [he has] ever been.”