Major South Carolina City Elects First GOP Mayor In Nearly 150 Years

On Tuesday, Charleston, South Carolina, made history after it elected a Republican to the mayor's office for the first time in nearly 150 years. Mayor-elect William Cogswell (R) won the hotly contested race by a mere 569 votes against incumbent Mayor John Tecklenburg (D). A Republican has not held office as Charleston's executive since 1877 during the Reconstruction Era. The new mayor secured 13,930 votes or 51.04 percent in the election compared to the Democrat's 13,361 votes or 48.95 percent.

"I am humbled by the results. I am excited for the future of our city, and I have to say thank you, thank you, thank you!" Cogwell told supporters, per Fits News. He then emphasized that he would be a unifying figure for the city, explaining, "If you didn't vote for me, I hope to earn your trust and respect as your next mayor." Cogswell was a former state house representative and a real estate developer.

Tecklenburg, who served the city since 2016, was gracious in his defeat, saying, "I'm as optimistic for the future of this city as I've ever been. When Mayor Cogswell succeeds, Charleston succeeds." Despite his loss, the Democrat incumbent was seen playing the piano "You've Got a Friend in Me" to supporters.

"Last night, Republicans made history in the City of Charleston by electing the first Republican Mayor since 1877," the South Carolina Republican Party wrote in a statement. "Congratulations to William Cogswell and his team on winning his mayoral campaign. This win is representative of the shifting momentum we're seeing all across the state, as there are now GOP Mayors in three of the largest cities in South Carolina: Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. This is what happens when Republicans work together as a team to promote our principles and win."

Cogswell's victory shows Americans everywhere just how important local elections can be and how only a handful of voters can make races go one way or the other.

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