Tecklenburg is Charleston’s new mayor

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Charleston businessman John Tecklenburg jumped to an early lead Tuesday night in the runoff election for mayor and never let go.

During a speech the started just before 9 p.m., Tecklenburg singled out his wife, his son who managed the campaign, and Ginny Deerin who it appears pulled all of her support two weeks ago into Tecklenburg’s corner.

But Tecklenburg says now the work of managing a city begins.

He said he wanted to look at improving basic city services, setting a high standard of ethics in the city’s government, make it easier for residents to talk to elected officials, implement greater tourism management, manage growth, add a senior center in West Ashley and a community center in Daniel Island, as well as focus on drainage and flooding problems around the city.

“This year was a defining moment in our city’s history,” he said, referring to the mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church. “It was an assault on humanity, an assault on civilization.”

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Tecklenburg said he was moved by the city’s reaction, leading with grace and compassion after the shooting, helping those hurting the most to heal. He said he wanted to see that carry through to all parts of the city — education, the jobless, and housing affordability.

“That’s how we earn the name of being the Holy City is by helping our brothers and sisters,” Tecklenburg said, paraphrasing John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what Charleston can do for you, but what you can do for Charleston.”

Tecklenburg captured 57.5 percent of the vote, compared to 42.5 percent for S.C. Rep. Leon Stavrinakis, according to unofficial results.

Stavrinakis called Tecklenburg to concede the race shortly before taking the stage at his campaign party, calling on everyone to put their support behind Tecklenburg as he takes over the city.

“It was all about the place we love — Charleston. Nothing has changed. It’s still all about this place,” he told supporters. “Tomorrow morning the race is over. It’s all about Charleston.”

Outgoing Mayor Joe Riley made stops at both campaigns and released a statement before Tecklenburg was declared winner.

“The community has been fortunate to have two fine candidates. John Tecklenburg will be an excellent mayor and he is looking forward to working with him during this transition period. Tonight is their night,” he said.

The results will be certified Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Charleston County Election Commission. Riley’s last day is Jan. 11; Tecklenburg will take over the following day.

Just 270 votes separated the two candidates in the six-way general election two weeks ago, but on Tuesday Tecklenburg’s won by 3,527 votes. The total turnout Tuesday was about 19 percent.

Tecklenburg will be the first new Charleston mayor in 40 years. He and Stavrinakis were the top finishers two weeks ago in a six-way nonpartisan race to succeed Joe Riley who is retiring after 10 terms in office. Riley has served as mayor longer than anyone in Charleston’s 345-year history.

There were also runoff elections for Charleston City Council and Mount Pleasant Town Council.

Gary White captured 52 percent of the vote to beat Shawn Pinkston in Charleston City District 1.

James Lewis, Jr. had about 54 percent of the vote in Charleston City District 3, defeating Jimmy Bailey.

In Mount Pleasant, Will Haynie and Jim Owens took the two remaining town council seats. Haynie had 39 percent and Owens had 36.5 percent. Chris O’Neal finished with 24 percent of the vote.