Beaufort, September 16, 2025
News Summary
In the recent local elections, incumbent Mayor Phil Cromer secured reelection with 57% of the vote, defeating challenger Josh Scallate. With a strong voter turnout of 72%, Cromer’s focus for his next term includes addressing critical infrastructure issues, particularly the repairs needed for Waterfront Park. The elections also resulted in the reelection of two City Council members. Candidates had previously emphasized the importance of managing Beaufort’s growth while preserving its unique character.
Beaufort – In the local elections held on November 5, incumbent mayor Phil Cromer secured reelection against challenger Josh Scallate, garnering 3,263 votes (57%) to Scallate’s 2,363 votes (42%). This significant voter turnout of 72% represented a strong engagement among Beaufort County residents.
Mayor Cromer, who has previously served as a City Council member, emphasized the importance of managing the city’s growth while preserving its unique character. He takes office amid pressing issues, primarily the deteriorating condition of Waterfront Park, which requires millions in repairs. This situation has raised concerns over past negligence in the maintenance of city facilities.
In conjunction with the mayoral race, the elections also contested two City Council seats involving four candidates: Neil Lipsitz, Mitch Mitchell, Josh Gibson, and Julia Crenshaw. Incumbents Mitchell and Lipsitz were reelected, receiving 2,622 and 2,371 votes, respectively. Their challengers, Crenshaw and Gibson, were not able to secure enough support.
The local campaign highlighted various issues, with candidates presenting their visions for tackling various growth-related challenges. These included ongoing construction projects, particularly a number of new apartment buildings, as well as significant infrastructure concerns regarding roads, parks, and stormwater systems.
Josh Scallate, a 33-year-old firefighter and the youngest City Council member, advocated for fresh ideas and improved management approaches, particularly in relation to the repairs needed at Waterfront Park. If he had been elected mayor, Scallate would have required a special election to fill his council seat; however, this situation was avoided with Cromer’s successful reelection.
The past political landscape of Beaufort indicated a context of resident dissatisfaction, reflected by the voters’ overwhelming rejection of the 2024 Transportation Sales and Use Tax Referendum. Many citizens expressed fatigue over previous government initiatives, indicating a desire for change and better infrastructure management.
In state legislative races, incumbents including Shannon Erickson, Michael Rivers, Chip Campsen, and Tom Davis successfully retained their seats, marking a continuation of the current political representation in the state.
With his new term, Cromer intends to prioritize addressing critical issues surrounding the Waterfront Park and enhancing the overall infrastructure of Beaufort. His plan aims to balance necessary development with the preservation of the city’s charm and attractiveness.
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Cromer | 3,263 | 57% | Reelected |
| Josh Scallate | 2,363 | 42% | Defeated |
| Mitch Mitchell | 2,622 | – | Reelected |
| Neil Lipsitz | 2,371 | – | Reelected |
| Julia Crenshaw | – | – | Defeated |
| Josh Gibson | – | – | Defeated |
FAQ
Who won the Beaufort mayoral election?
Phil Cromer won the election, securing 3,263 votes against Josh Scallate’s 2,363 votes.
What were the main issues in the election?
The main issues included repairs needed for Waterfront Park, growth-related construction projects, and infrastructure concerns such as roads and stormwater systems.
What was the voter turnout in the election?
The voter turnout was 72% of registered voters in Beaufort County.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- WSAV: Who is Running for Mayor of Beaufort?
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Jasper Election Results 2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Google Search: Beaufort Local Elections
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
