Charleston, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Charleston City Councilman Stephen Bowden has kicked off his campaign for reelection to represent District 10 in the upcoming municipal election. First elected in 2021, Bowden is focused on addressing important local issues such as flooding, development concerns, and enhancing the West Ashley community. As elections approach, he aims to continue advocating for smarter growth and community welfare. The election will see several council positions contested along with early voting set to begin on October 20.
CHARLESTON – Charleston City Councilman Stephen Bowden has announced his campaign for reelection, seeking a second term to represent District 10 in the upcoming municipal election scheduled for November 4, 2024. First elected in 2021, Bowden aims to continue his work addressing significant local concerns, including flooding issues, the fight against “reckless” development, and enhancing the West Ashley community.
Bowden has prioritized key initiatives focused on achieving smarter growth and shorter commutes, while ensuring Charleston remains a livable city for families. His previous term has included efforts to work collaboratively on local development plans and community needs, demonstrating a commitment to the welfare of the neighborhoods within his district.
Charleston’s City Council elections will see half of the 13-member council seats contested this year. The seat held by Bowden is among those open for election, alongside Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8. The election cycle is ramping up, with the filing period for candidates starting at noon on August 4 and concluding at noon on August 18. As the election draws closer, early voting is set to begin on October 20 and will conclude on October 31.
Bowden’s District 10 predominantly encompasses the Bees Ferry Road corridor in West Ashley, which includes neighborhoods such as Shadowmoss, Hickory Hill, and Grand Oaks. The upcoming election will also see various other district representatives announcing their plans. Councilman Kevin Shealy of District 2 has yet to disclose his intentions regarding reelection. Meanwhile, Councilman Robert Mitchell, representing District 4 and serving as the mayor pro tem, declared his bid for reelection, making him the longest-serving member of the council. Additionally, Councilmen William Dudley Gregorie of District 6 and Mike Seekings of District 8 both announced their candidacies for reelection.
Emerging candidates are also making headlines. In District 12, Councilwoman Caroline Parker faces challengers DeAnna Miller and Leslie Skardon, the latter being a businesswoman and nonprofit CEO who has already raised $40,000 for her campaign. Skardon is focusing her efforts on addressing pressing local issues, including potholes, sidewalks, development challenges, and flooding.
Notably, a recent special election in North Charleston filled two city council seats resulting from a corruption investigation that led to the resignation of previous council members. Voter turnout for this special election was recorded at 11.28%, signaling a potentially engaged electorate as the regular elections approach.
As Charleston prepares for this year’s local elections, community participation and awareness will be vital in shaping the future of the city. Candidates continue to craft their platforms, with critical issues like development and community improvement being central themes in their campaigns.
Election Details
- Election Day: November 4, 2024
- Early Voting: October 20 – October 31, 2024
- Filing Period: August 4 – August 18, 2024
List of Districts Up for Election
| District | Current Council Member | Status |
|---|---|---|
| District 2 | Kevin Shealy | Not Announced |
| District 4 | Robert Mitchell | Announced Reelection |
| District 6 | William Dudley Gregorie | Announced Reelection |
| District 8 | Mike Seekings | Announced Reelection |
| District 10 | Stephen Bowden | Announced Reelection |
| District 12 | Caroline Parker | Challenged |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Stephen Bowden?
Stephen Bowden is a local attorney and City Councilman representing District 10 of Charleston. He was first elected in 2021.
What are Bowden’s campaign priorities?
Bowden’s campaign priorities include tackling flooding issues, opposing reckless development, and improving West Ashley.
When is Election Day for the Charleston City Council elections?
Election Day is set for November 4, 2024.
When does early voting begin and end?
Early voting begins on October 20, 2024, and ends on October 31, 2024.
Is there a filing period for new candidates?
Yes, the filing period for candidates is from August 4, 2024, to August 18, 2024.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston City Council Election
- ABC News 4: James Island Businesswoman Runs for City Council
- Charleston City Paper: County Employee Bonuses
- Live 5 News: North Charleston City Council Special Election
- Count on 2: James Island Resident’s City Council Bid
- Wikipedia: City Council
- Google Search: Charleston City Council Election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Local Government
- Google News: Charleston City Council
- Google Scholar: Local Government Elections
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