‘Literally every vote will matter,’ candidate says in SC race separated by one vote
One vote.
That’s what’s separating two candidates in South Carolina’s most closely contested race from Tuesday’s primaries.
After all the precincts turned in their ballots, Kenneth Cosgrove held the narrowest margin possible over Stan Tzouvelekas in their race for a seat on the Greenville County Council. Cosgrove called the situation “crazy.”
Cosgrove had 2,660 votes (50.01 percent), holding an edge over Tzouvelekas’ 2,659 votes (49.99 percent).
“I was texting my constituents yesterday and said ‘Literally every vote will matter. It’s going to be that close,’” Cosgrove told The State Wednesday. “And today I was getting messages back saying, ‘You were right!’ ”
Even though 100 percent of the precincts have reported, the Republican primary for the county council seat in District 22 is not finalized.
Tzouvelekas told The State that absentee ballots and provisional votes still need to be counted in the election to fill the seat vacated by Bob Taylor.
“It’s a close race, but it’s not over. It’s not final,” Tzouvelekas said.
Even if the final margin grows beyond one vote — for either Cosgrove or Tzouvelekas — if it remains separated by 1% or less, then a recount will be held, according to both candidates.
“I’m going to look at the steps the state has in place and let the rules play out,” Tzouvelekas said. “Essentially it’s a tie right now but I want to win, obviously.”
The winner will face Democrat Samantha Wallace in the general election on Nov. 3 to represent the district that includes the “North Main area of downtown Greenville and stretches up Wade Hampton Boulevard toward Bob Jones University,” the Greenville News reported.
Both Tzouvelekas and Cosgrove are Greenville natives and relative political newcomers.
Tzouvelekas works for RealtyLink, a real estate company that he said focuses on commercial business and has found homes for national chains and restaurants in Greenville.
Formerly a candidate for city council in 1999, Tzouvelekas said he ran because he was motivated to help the county’s need for development, and listed public safety and traffic issues as other campaign priorities. He said his years working in real estate make him a good candidate to guide the growing community.
Cosgrove said this was the first elected office he has ever pursued, calling himself a political outsider. He runs a family business, Piedmont Petroleum Corp., which is 31 gas stations and convenience stores called Citgo Corner Mart in South Carolina’s Upstate — including 22 in Greenville County.
His ability to make a budget and spend wisely were the chief qualifications Cosgrove cited in his desire to join county council, in a year where there will be great financial challenges because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He said, if elected, he wants to support small businesses and families.
Regardless of the outcome, both candidates said they enjoyed the campaign and respected their primary opponent.
“Stan’s a good guy, and I’m grateful for the way the campaign unfolded,” Cosgrove said.
There was no negative campaigning and both candidates said they did not have plans to drag out the primary beyond the state and county’s next steps in determining a winner.
“I’m grateful for the support I received from everybody who voted, and I’m grateful for every single vote,” Cosgrove said.
