Charleston County, August 10, 2025

News Summary

Charleston County is gearing up for municipal elections with candidate filings now underway for city council and mayoral positions across 14 communities. The general election is set for November 4. Local elections play a crucial role in influencing residents’ lives, and several incumbents have already filed for reelection. Notably, seats in Hollywood remain contested but have no candidates. The upcoming elections emphasize the importance of voter engagement and local decision-making.

Charleston County Prepares for Upcoming Municipal Elections

Charleston County is gearing up for its municipal elections, with candidate filings currently underway. The general election is set for November 4, 2025, and candidates are encouraged to submit their nominations for various positions, including city council roles and mayor’s office in 14 communities across the county.

Isaac Cramer, the executive director of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, underscored the significance of local elections, noting that while voter turnout tends to be lower than in federal elections, local decisions directly impact residents’ lives. Candidates wishing to compete for the six even-numbered council seats in Charleston must file by noon on August 18. Notably, the odd-numbered council seats and the mayor’s office are not on the ballot this cycle, as they will not be contested until 2027.

As of August 6, 2025, several incumbent council members have declared their intention to seek reelection. Councilman Kevin Shealy has filed for reelection in District 2, while Councilman Robert Mitchell in District 4 faces a challenge from Aaron Polkey. Long-serving Councilman William Dudley Gregorie is also seeking another term to represent District 6, and Councilman Mike Seekings is aiming for a fifth consecutive term in District 8. Meanwhile, Councilman Stephen Bowden plans to run for reelection in District 10 but has not yet filed. Councilwoman Caroline Parker from District 12 has not confirmed her intentions, but two challengers, Deanna Miller and Leslie Skardon, are already in the race.

In addition to the council races, voters will have the opportunity to elect a Commissioner of Public Works, with Kathleen G. Wilson already having filed for that position. The mayor’s position in Mount Pleasant is also under scrutiny, as incumbent Will Haynie looks to secure a third term, although he has not yet filed. His main challenger, Irvin Evans, is actively campaigning. Mount Pleasant also has four council seats up for election, with only Mike Tinkey having filed as of the current date.

One notable absence in filings is in the town of Hollywood, where three council seats are contested but no candidates have entered the race. The filing fee for candidates in Hollywood is $35, and they must be registered voters in Charleston County.

The importance of these local elections is further highlighted by a recent special election in North Charleston that filled two council seats vacated due to a corruption investigation. In the election, Stephanie Ganaway-Pasley won the District 3 seat with over 32% of the vote, while Christopher Emde secured the District 5 seat with 31.5%. Voter turnout for this special election was recorded at 11.28%. This election followed a scandal involving council members Jerome Heyward and Sandino Moses, who both pleaded guilty related to the investigation, while a third member, Mike Brown, pleaded not guilty and has been suspended. Ganaway-Pasley, a former judge and adjunct professor, aims to promote transparency and integrity in her new role, while Emde, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, expressed gratitude for the trust voters have placed in him.

As the filing deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the candidates’ campaigns and voter engagement to see how effective they can be in sparking interest and turnout in the local elections.

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Additional Resources

• Count on 2 News
• Charleston City Paper
• Live 5 News
• ABC News 4
• Post and Courier
• Wikipedia: Elections in the United States
• Google Search: Charleston County elections
• Google Scholar: Charleston local elections
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
• Google News: Charleston County 2025 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.