The GOP finally put up some good electoral news on Tuesday. Republican William Cogswell defeated Democrat John Tecklenburg to become the next mayor of Charleston, SC. Tecklenburg was a two-time incumbent and expected to win the race as it headed into a run-off following the November 7th general election.
What makes this such a big victory for Republicans is that Democrats had held the mayorship of Charleston since 1877, marking a major shift in fortunes.
Voters in Charleston have chosen former State Representative William Cogswell to lead the city as its next mayor.
Unofficial results from the South Carolina Election Commission show Cogswell defeated incumbent John Tecklenburg, earning about 51 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s runoff election.
“The people have spoken and we’re ready, we’re ready for a new direction,” Cogswell said at his watch party in downtown Charleston shortly after declaring victory. “I am humbled by the results, no doubt. I am excited about the future of our city.”