Charleston, South Carolina, elected a Republican mayor for the first time in almost 150 years Tuesday.
William Cogswell defeated incumbent John Tecklenburg, making history as the first Republican mayor to win the office since 1877, or the Reconstruction era.
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Tecklenburg, a Democrat, was unseated by a 51%-49% margin in South Carolina’s most populous city, which boasts over 150,000 residents, according to the Post and Courier.
The close election was ultimately decided by voters in Berkeley County, who opted for Cogswell. According to the report, Tecklenburg was ahead by 153 votes in Charleston County.
Cogswell ultimately declared victory at 8:45 p.m., and Tecklenberg soon conceded the election to his opponent.
“Last night, Republicans made history in the city of Charleston by electing the first Republican mayor since 1877,” South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick said in a statement.
McKissick noted that South Carolina’s three largest cities will all boast Republican mayors upon Cogswell’s inauguration, the other two being Columbia and Greenville.
“The people have spoken and we’re ready for a new direction,” Cogswell said following his win. “I am excited about the future of our city.”
In his concession, Tecklenburg urged support for his successor, claiming Charleston succeeds when the mayor does. He added that he was just as optimistic for the city’s future as ever following the election.
Cogswell, 48, is a real estate developer and once served as a South Carolina state representative. Congratulations from some of South Carolina’s most prominent politicians rolled in Tuesday for the Republican winner.
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“Congratulations to Mayor-Elect William Cogswell,” Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “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.”
Rep. Russell Frye (R-SC) also acknowledged the win posting, “Congratulations to my friend and former SC House colleague @CogswellWilliam on winning a tough race. Looking forward to seeing you guide the Holy City!”
