Charleston, August 20, 2025
News Summary
The upcoming Charleston City Council election features competitive races across multiple districts, shaping the future of local governance. Notably, several incumbents are facing challengers, with only one running unopposed. Key positions such as the Commissioner of Public Works are contested, and voter engagement will be crucial as the election date approaches.
Charleston City Council Elections Scheduled for November 4, 2025
The Charleston City Council election is set for November 4, 2025, featuring several competitive races across five of the twelve districts. Though there will be no mayoral election this year, candidates are vying for key positions on the council, with a significant potential for changes in leadership. Only one incumbent is running unopposed, while others may face tough challenges from political newcomers.
The candidate filing period concluded on August 18, 2025. Notably, Councilwoman Caroline Parker from District 12 has decided not to seek re-election, prompting a contested race among three candidates. The elections could result in turnover within City Hall, as many incumbents are facing opposition that may alter the current dynamics of the council.
Contested Districts Overview
District 2
In District 2, incumbent Councilman Kevin Shealy will be challenged by newcomer Abraham D. Champagne. Shealy’s experience versus Champagne’s fresh perspective sets the stage for an interesting contest.
District 4
District 4 features incumbent Councilman Robert M. Mitchell facing off against three contenders: Suzanne Allen, an artist; Aaron Polkey, a nonprofit executive; and Luqman S. Rasheed, a perennial candidate. This district could see considerable engagement from voters as the candidates present diverse backgrounds and approaches.
District 6
In District 6, incumbent Councilman William Dudley Gregorie will be challenged by two candidates: Ben D’Allesandro, the owner of D’Allesandro’s Pizza, and Sarah Spangler, a healthcare strategist. The presence of candidates from both the business and healthcare sectors indicates a broad spectrum of interests among voters in this district.
District 10
Another significant race occurs in District 10, where incumbent Councilman Stephen Bowden faces William Connor, an engineer. As the city continues to grow and develop, issues such as infrastructure and urban planning are likely to be pivotal in this election.
Commissioner of Public Works
In the race for Commissioner of Public Works, Barbara Dungee Acobe from West Ashley is challenging incumbent Kathleen G. Wilson from James Island. This position oversees the Charleston Water System, which has significant implications for the city, including utility rate adjustments.
Implications of the Election
The upcoming elections are anticipated to bring substantial changes to Charleston City Council’s composition, particularly as incumbents Robert M. Mitchell and William Dudley Gregorie face competitive challengers. If no candidate secures a majority in their respective races, a runoff election will occur on November 18, 2025.
As the election date approaches, the local electorate’s engagement will be critical in determining the future governance of Charleston. With various candidates addressing issues such as urban growth, public works, and community welfare, voters have the chance to influence the city’s direction in the upcoming years.
Background Context
City Council elections in Charleston play a vital role in shaping local legislation and governance. As council members are responsible for addressing key issues affecting residents, including infrastructure, public services, and community development, the elections highlight the significance of voter participation. The upcoming election cycle will be particularly interesting given the absence of a mayoral race, allowing audiences to focus more intently on council-level candidates and their platforms.
FAQ Section
What is the date of the Charleston City Council elections?
The elections will take place on November 4, 2025.
Are there any uncontested races?
Yes, Councilman Mike Seekings from District 8 is running uncontested.
How many districts have contested elections?
Five out of twelve City Council districts have contested elections.
What position oversees the Charleston Water System?
The Commissioner of Public Works is responsible for overseeing the Charleston Water System.
What happens if no candidate receives a majority of votes?
If necessary, a runoff election will be held on November 18, 2025.
Key Features of the Upcoming Elections
| District | Incumbent | Challengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| District 2 | Kevin Shealy | Abraham D. Champagne | Contested |
| District 4 | Robert M. Mitchell | Suzanne Allen, Aaron Polkey, Luqman S. Rasheed | Contested with multiple candidates |
| District 6 | William Dudley Gregorie | Ben D’Allesandro, Sarah Spangler | Contested |
| District 10 | Stephen Bowden | William Connor | Contested |
| District 12 | Caroline Parker (Not Running) | Annette Begner, Deanna Miller, Leslie Skardon | Contested for an open seat |
| Commissioner of Public Works | Kathleen G. Wilson | Barbara Dungee Acobe | Contested |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston City Council Election
- ABC News 4: Sarah Spangler Announces Bid
- Charleston City Paper: Challengers Take On Incumbents
- Count On 2: Caroline Parker Won’t Seek Reelection
- Live 5 News: Spangler Announces Run for City Council
- Wikipedia: Charleston City Council
- Google Search: Charleston City Council Elections
- Google Scholar: Charleston City Council Elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston City Council
- Google News: Charleston City Council Elections
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
