2015: Deerin formally enters mayor’s race

Longtime politico Ginny Deerin today announced that she has joined the race for mayor of Charleston to replace her former boss, Joe Riley. Earlier this year, Deerin opened a campaign account but had not formally announced her candidacy.

Here’s what she said today in an email announcement:

“I’ve run a multi-million dollar non-profit organization, and been a small business owner. I worked with Mayor Joe Riley, led community efforts in Charleston, and I’m a mother and grandmother.  All of this has prepared me to take the reins at this pivotal point in Charleston’s history.

“My vision for Charleston is that we are a beautiful, interesting, educated, fun, diverse, healthy city that’s easy to get around in and economically strong. To get there – we need to preserve the things that are working for us, fix those that aren’t, and add more good to an already great city.”

Deerin is the seventh candidate to announce her candidacy, although two candidates (Dick Elliott and Henry Fishburne) recently dropped out. Also in the race are:

• William Dudley Gregorie, member of Charleston City Council, district 6.
• Leon Stavrinakis, state representative, West Ashley
• John Tecklenburg, commercial Realtor and former city economic development director.
• Paul Tinkler, attorney and former city council member.

Other leaders reportedly considering a bid for mayor include:

• Aubrey Alexander, member of city council from West Ashley.
• Wendell Gilliard, S.C. state representative.
• Dean Riegel, member of city council from West Ashley.
• Mike Seekings, member of city council from the peninsula.
• Maurice Washington, former city council member.