Charleston, SC, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Several local elections are scheduled in Charleston County for November, including council and mayoral positions in Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Key races include five district council seats in Charleston featuring incumbent members, along with mayoral and council elections in Mount Pleasant and Hollywood. As Election Day approaches, community interest is growing, with both incumbents and challengers preparing for a dynamic electoral season.
Charleston, SC – Several local elections in Charleston County are on the horizon, with races slated for November that include council and mayoral positions in key cities, including Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Election Day is scheduled for November 4, generating significant local interest as voters prepare to head to the polls.
In the City of Charleston, there are five district council seats available this fall. The current incumbents seeking reelection include Kevin Shealy, who represents District 2 in West Ashley; Robert Mitchell, serving District 4 on the Charleston peninsula; and William Dudley Gregorie, holding District 6 since 2009. Mike Seekings is running for his fifth term representing District 8, which covers parts of the lower peninsula and eastern Daniel Island. Additionally, Stephen Bowden serves District 10 in West Ashley. Notably, Caroline Parker, the incumbent for District 12 on James Island, has announced she will not seek reelection, opening the door for new candidates.
The Commissioner of Public Works race is heating up, with Kathleen G. Wilson and Barbara Dungee Acobe as the declared candidates vying for the position. As filing for these local elections is ongoing, the response from the community has been notably robust.
In Mount Pleasant, a mayoral election is set to occur, along with the filling of four council seats. Current contenders for the Town Council include both incumbents and new challengers. The incumbents are John Iacofano, Gary Santos, and Mike Tinkey. Challengers include Alexandra Crosby, Jenny DeSart, Brianna Harmon, Perry Rourk, John Iacofano, Craig Russack, and Kathryn Whitaker. The outcome of the mayoral race and these council positions will significantly shape the town’s governance going forward.
The Town of Hollywood is also gearing up for a general election to fill three town council seats, with candidates Brian Groveman, Genea Mitchell, and Dawn Watson competing for those positions. Voter engagement is expected to be high, especially in competitive districts.
The election landscape has become increasingly dynamic, particularly in the City of Charleston, where incumbents may face stiffer opposition than in previous years. In a recent special election in North Charleston, Stephanie Ganaway-Pasley and Christopher Emde were elected to represent Districts 3 and 5, respectively. Both focus on community engagement and transparency within city governance.
As the November elections approach, key dates for filing and campaigning will continue to be updated. This election cycle is critical, as newly elected council members will commence their terms shortly after the elections, ultimately influencing city policies and decisions in the years to come. Anticipation is building for the candidates’ debates and community discussions that will take place in the lead-up to the election.
Upcoming Election Timeline
- Election Day: November 4
- Filing Deadline: Ongoing updates on candidate filings
Key Races and Candidates
- City of Charleston:
- District 2: Kevin Shealy
- District 4: Robert Mitchell
- District 6: William Dudley Gregorie
- District 8: Mike Seekings
- District 10: Stephen Bowden
- District 12: Caroline Parker (not seeking reelection)
- Mount Pleasant:
- Mayor and 4 council seats: John Iacofano, Gary Santos, Mike Tinkey, Alexandra Crosby, Jenny DeSart, Brianna Harmon, Perry Rourk, Craig Russack, Kathryn Whitaker.
- Town of Hollywood:
- Council seats: Brian Groveman, Genea Mitchell, Dawn Watson
Background Context
The City of Charleston’s council consists of the mayor and 12 district representatives, with the mayor not being up for reelection until 2028. With the recent results in North Charleston indicating a trend toward more community-focused representation, the upcoming elections will be closely monitored for shifts in local governance. The dynamics of each district and community interest will likely yield an engaging electoral season.
FAQ Section
What positions are up for election in Charleston?
The upcoming elections in Charleston include five district council seats, with incumbents and new candidates competing for these positions.
When is Election Day?
Election Day is set for November 4.
Who are the notable candidates in Mount Pleasant?
In Mount Pleasant, the council candidates include incumbents John Iacofano, Gary Santos, and Mike Tinkey, along with challengers like Alexandra Crosby and Jenny DeSart.
Is Caroline Parker seeking reelection?
No, Caroline Parker, the incumbent for District 12, has announced that she will not be seeking reelection.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Who is Running?
- Charleston City Paper: Challengers Take on Incumbents
- Park Record: Early Primary Election Results
- Count On 2: Candidate Filing Open
- AP News: Charleston Mayor Race
- Wikipedia: 2025 United States Local Elections
- Google Search: Charleston Elections 2025
- Google Scholar: Charleston Council Elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- Google News: Charleston Municipal 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.
