A Republican won the Charleston mayoralty for the first time in 146 years

In a historic turn, former South Carolina Republican Rep. William Cogswell won the mayoralty of Charleston on Tuesday, marking the city's first Republican mayor since 1877.

Cogswell received 51.03% of the vote in the runoff, beating the incumbent mayor, John Tecklenburg, who reached approximately 48.97%.

"The people have spoken and we're ready for a new direction. A new direction that's smart, safe, and sound. A new direction that puts our citizens and residents first. And a new direction that puts labels aside so that we can find pragmatic solutions to our problems," Cogswell said in his victory speech.

The former representative will be sworn in in January 2024 to begin his term as mayor. He has already outlined plans for the city, highlighting issues during his campaign, such as enacting new zoning ordinances, increasing funding for recreational leagues and community centers, and focusing on localized approaches to flooding and affordable housing.

Republicans praise Cogswell's victory

Once the results were officially certified this Wednesday, Republicans praised the citizens' decision and congratulated the newly elected mayor.

"Congratulations to William Cogswell and his team on winning his mayoral campaign. This win is representative of the shifting momentum we're seeing all across the state, as there are now GOP mayors in three of the largest cities in South Carolina: Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. This is what happens when Republicans work together as a team to promote our principles and win," South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick said in a statement.

South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott also congratulated Cogswell via social media. "Republicans continue to make history in South Carolina (…) Proud to support my friend and the next mayor of Charleston," he shared.

"Congratulations to Charleston Mayor-elect William Cogswell on his major victory! Charleston will now have a Republican mayor for the first time since 1877!" wrote the GOP from its official X account.