2 of SC’s 3 largest cities electing mayors

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Voters in two of South Carolina’s three largest cities are electing mayors.

Voters go to the polls Tuesday to select the first new mayor in Charleston in 40 years. Six candidates are vying to replace Joseph P. Riley Jr. who is retiring after 10 terms. He has served as mayor of the state’s second-largest city longer than anyone in Charleston’s 345-year history.

Because the field is so crowded, there will likely be a runoff in two weeks.

In North Charleston, the state’s third-largest city, Mayor Keith Summey faces three challengers. Summey has been mayor for 21 years. All 10 city council seats in North Charleston are also being decided, although one incumbent has no opposition.

Columbia is the state’s largest city where there are city council contests Tuesday.