Folly Beach, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Folly Beach will experience a leadership shift as Mayor Tim Goodwin concludes his tenure after 15 years. He will not seek re-election, paving the way for new candidates. Five individuals are vying for the mayoral position, along with three city council seats open for election. In nearby Isle of Palms, Mayor Phillip Pounds is up for re-election, while Sullivan’s Island will see Mayor Pat O’Neil run unopposed. This election cycle is crucial as it sets the stage for future governance and community priorities.
Folly Beach will see a significant change in leadership as Mayor Tim Goodwin steps down at the end of his fourth term, marking the first time in 15 years that a new mayor will be elected. Goodwin, who first joined the Folly Beach City Council in 2002, has decided not to seek a fifth term, emphasizing the necessity for new leadership perspectives.
In the upcoming election, five candidates are competing to fill the vacancy left by Goodwin. The candidates include D.J. Rich, a city council member for four terms and co-owner of Planet Follywood; Katherine Houghton, an elected council member since 2020; Chris Bizzell, who has been on the city council since 2023 and has a background in web and app development; Ann Peets, a marketing professional who previously lost a city council runoff in 2023; and Elton Culpepper, a former mayor of Walterboro and real estate agent with an extensive background in local governance.
Moreover, on Folly Beach, three city council seats are also open for election. Incumbent council members William Farley and Skip Fink will be running against four challengers: Jimmy Rawls, an anesthesiologist; Blair Holladay, a retired pathologist; Annie Whiting, a construction project manager; and John McFarland, founder of Save Folly’s Future, an organization focused on limiting short-term rentals on the island.
Shifting focus to neighboring Isle of Palms, incumbent Mayor Phillip Pounds is up for re-election, competing against city councilman and real estate agent Scott Pierce, as well as retired Army Colonel Jon Regan Walters. Additionally, four council seats are available, with current members John Bogosian and Katie Miars seeking re-election. Among the new candidates for the Isle of Palms council are David Cohen, a planning commission member; Zach Lary, owner of a security company; Bev Miller, a former councilwoman from Johns Creek, Ga., and county poll manager; Kristina Swingle, a property manager; and U.S. Air Force veteran Zach Moore.
Lastly, Mayor Pat O’Neil of Sullivan’s Island is running unopposed for re-election. The council seats on Sullivan’s Island will also see incumbents Justin Novak, Scott Millimet, and Gary Visser vying for the opportunity to retain their positions against challengers Melanie Burkhold, a nurse, and Laura Schroeder, a planning commission member.
This election cycle represents a pivotal moment for both Folly Beach and Isle of Palms as they prepare for new leadership and potential changes in city governance. The outcome will likely influence local policies and community priorities moving forward.
FAQ
What prompted Mayor Tim Goodwin to step down?
Mayor Tim Goodwin expressed the need for fresh leadership, stating it is time for someone else to bring a new perspective to the role.
Who are the candidates running for Folly Beach mayor?
The candidates vying to replace Tim Goodwin include D.J. Rich, Katherine Houghton, Chris Bizzell, Ann Peets, and Elton Culpepper.
Are there other elections happening in Folly Beach?
Yes, three city council seats are also being contested, with incumbents William Farley and Skip Fink competing against challengers Jimmy Rawls, Blair Holladay, Annie Whiting, and John McFarland.
What is happening in the Isle of Palms election?
Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds is running for re-election against challengers Scott Pierce and Jon Regan Walters, alongside elections for four council seats.
Is anyone running unopposed?
Yes, Mayor Pat O’Neil of Sullivan’s Island is running unopposed for re-election.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Folly Beach and Isle of Palms Mayor & Council
- Wikipedia: Folly Beach
- ABC News 4: Municipal Elections Guide
- Google Search: Folly Beach mayor election 2025
- Charleston City Paper: Municipal Seats Filing Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Isle of Palms
- My Horry News: North Myrtle Beach Mayor Reflects
- Google News: Municipal Elections South Carolina
- Charleston City Paper: Challengers for Charleston Council
- Google Scholar: Folly Beach Elections
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