Historic Republican Victory in Charleston Mayoral Election Ends 150-Year Democratic Streak

Charleston, South Carolina, has elected a Republican mayor, William Cogswell, for the first time since the 1870s. The city, which has historically leaned left, elected Cogswell in a tight runoff election against the Democratic incumbent. While the mayor's office is technically nonpartisan, Cogswell's election marks a shift for the city. He emphasized his experience in real estate and preservation during his campaign, promising to prioritize development that maintains Charleston's historic character. Cogswell also addressed rising living costs and the need for regional and government support to manage population growth. His top priorities include making Charleston safer and modernizing the city's operations.