Who's Running? 2025 Lowcountry Municipal Election Guide

Key Races in Lowcountry Municipal Elections

While there are no major national races to draw voters to the polls this fall, several cities in the Lowcountry will see important elections for city council and mayoral positions. These local contests are expected to generate significant interest, particularly in Charleston and Mount Pleasant, where key races are shaping up.

Charleston City Council Elections

Charleston’s City Council is set for a busy election season, with five district seats up for grabs. Each district has its own set of candidates vying for the position. Here's a breakdown of the current and potential contenders:

District 2
This district covers West Ashley and is currently represented by Kevin Shealy. His main challenger is Abraham D. Champagne.

District 4
Located on the Charleston peninsula, this seat is held by Robert Mitchell, who also serves as mayor pro tem. He faces competition from Suzanne Allen, Aaron Polkey, and Luqman S. Rasheed.

District 6
This district is near the west side of the Charleston peninsula. William Dudley Gregorie, a long-time council member since 2009, is running for re-election. His challengers are Sarah Spangler and Ben D'Allesandro.

District 8
This district includes parts of the lower peninsula and the east edge of Daniel Island. Mike Seekings, who is seeking his fifth term, is the current holder. No challengers have been listed for this race.

District 10
This district is located in West Ashley, specifically on the western side of Bees Ferry Road. Stephen Bowden holds the seat, and he faces a challenge from William Connor.

District 12
This district is on James Island. Caroline Parker, the current holder, will not be seeking re-election. The candidates for this seat include Annette Begner, Deanna Miller, and Leslie Skardon.

Public Works Commissioner Race

In addition to the council races, voters will also choose a new Commissioner of Public Works. The candidates for this position are Kathleen G. Wilson and Barbara Dungee Acobe.

Mount Pleasant Elections

Mount Pleasant is also experiencing a competitive race for mayor and town council seats. The current mayor, Will Haynie, is facing a challenge from Curt Thomas.

The Mount Pleasant Town Council consists of the mayor and eight at-large council members. Voters will elect four of these seats in November. Some of the candidates include:

• Alexandra Crosby
• Jenny DeSart
• Brianna Harmon
• John Iacofano (incumbent)
• Perry Rourk
• Craig Russack
• Gary Santos (incumbent)
• Mike Tinkey (incumbent)
• Kathryn Whitaker

Other Local Elections

Other towns in the area, such as Hollywood, are also holding elections. The Town of Hollywood will have a general election for three town council seats. The council is composed of a mayor and six at-large council members. The candidates for these seats include Brian Groveman, Genea Mitchell, and Dawn Watson.

Important Dates for Filing

Filing for all local municipal elections is still open, but there are specific deadlines that candidates must meet. Here are some key dates:

• Sullivan’s Island: Filing closes August 21 for mayor and three council seats.
• Lincolnville: Filing closes August 22 for mayor and three council seats.
• Ravenel: Filing closes August 22 for three council seats.
• James Island: Filing closes August 25 for three council seats.
• Meggett: Filing closes August 29 for two council seats.
• Awendaw: Filing is open from August 18 to September 2 for mayor and three council seats.
• Kiawah Island: Filing closes September 2 for mayor and two council seats.
• Rockville: Filing closes September 2 for mayor and four council seats.
• Folly Beach: Filing is open from August 22 to September 5 for mayor and three council seats.
• Seabrook Island: Filing closes September 5 for mayor and four council seats.
• Isle of Palms: Filing opens August 29 and closes September 8 for mayor and four council seats.

As the filing period continues, additional candidates will be added to the list for each race. This webpage will be updated accordingly as more information becomes available.