Charleston, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Charleston hosted a candidate forum on pressing local issues, including flooding and affordable housing. Four candidates participated for the contested City Council seats in Districts 4 and 6. The event, moderated by Live 5 News anchor Raphael James, provided voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates about their plans for the city’s future. Key topics discussed included challenges related to climate change and the need for affordable housing. The election is scheduled for November 4, offering residents an opportunity for change in local leadership.
Charleston hosted a forum for City Council candidates on September 17, 2025, at Morris Brown AME Church. The event was organized by the Peninsula Democrats and moderated by Live 5 News anchor Raphael James. Four candidates participated in the forum for two contested seats in District 4 and District 6, focusing on pressing local issues such as flooding and affordable housing.
The candidates for District 4 included Aaron Polkey, a challenger, and Robert Mitchell, the incumbent. In District 6, the candidates were Ben D’Allesandro and William Dudley Gregorie, the incumbent. Aaron Polkey emphasized the need for new leadership and fresh ideas, asking voters to “pick up the baton” from Mitchell. Polkey is an attorney, as well as the president and CEO of the Palmetto Project, where he advocates for public-private partnerships to improve healthcare, education, and voting access. Robert Mitchell has served on the City Council since 1998 and identifies affordable housing as a priority, expressing confidence in his record.
Another District 4 contender, Luqman S. Rasheed, did not attend the forum. Ben D’Allesandro, who owns D’Allesandro’s Pizza, aims to convey the perspective of a small business owner and young parent if elected to City Council. He expressed a desire to enhance Brittlebank Park by adding a public kayak and canoe launch and featuring more community events. Incumbent William Dudley Gregorie has represented District 6 since 2009, focusing on issues of public safety, water management, and stormwater initiatives.
During the forum, candidates faced a series of questions about flooding and affordable housing, both significant issues for Charleston residents. Many locals are increasingly concerned about the effects of climate change and seasonal storms, which exacerbate flooding in the area. The City of Charleston is prioritizing these flooding concerns as part of the upcoming election discourse.
As the forum concluded, it was noted that Sarah Spangler had withdrawn her candidacy shortly after filing, and Suzanne Allen also withdrew prior to the event. The next City Council election date is scheduled for November 4, 2025, making this forum a pivotal opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates regarding their visions for the city’s future.
Key Candidate Details
| District | Candidate | Background | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| District 4 | Aaron Polkey | Attorney, President/CEO of Palmetto Project | New leadership, healthcare, education, voting access |
| District 4 | Robert Mitchell | Incumbent since 1998 | Affordable housing |
| District 6 | Ben D’Allesandro | Small Business Owner | Brittlebank Park improvements, family events |
| District 6 | William Dudley Gregorie | Incumbent since 2009 | Public safety, water management, stormwater initiatives |
Background Context
The City of Charleston has been grappling with significant flooding challenges, a concern heightened by climate change and increasingly severe weather patterns. As the city prepares for the upcoming election, candidates are under pressure to present comprehensive solutions to these infrastructure issues, as well as address the pressing need for affordable housing in the community.
FAQ
1. When and where was the candidate forum held?
The forum was held on September 17, 2025, at Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston.
2. How many candidates participated in the forum?
Four candidates participated in the forum for two contested seats in District 4 and District 6.
3. Who are the candidates for District 4?
The candidates for District 4 are Aaron Polkey (challenger) and Robert Mitchell (incumbent).
4. What are the main issues discussed during the forum?
The main issues discussed during the forum were flooding and affordable housing.
5. When is the next City Council election date?
The next City Council election date is set for November 4, 2025.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Folly Beach Prepares for New Mayor as Tim Goodwin Steps Down
Sarah Spangler Withdraws from Charleston City Council Race
Charleston City Council Elections Set for November
Local Elections Set to Shape Charleston’s Governance
How Technical Schools in Charleston, SC Support Local Industry
Charleston Technical Schools Bridge Education and Employment
Local Healthcare Strategist Sarah Spangler Launches Campaign for Charleston City Council District 6
Sarah Spangler Announces Candidacy for Charleston City Council
Charleston City Councilwoman Caroline Parker Declines Reelection Bid
Charleston County Prepares for Municipal Elections
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston City Council Election Discussion
- Live 5 News: Voters Fill Two Open Seats in North Charleston
- ABC News 4: Charleston County Council Votes on Firearm Discharge
- Charleston City Paper: Challengers Take on Incumbents in Charleston
- Wikipedia: Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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