CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Joe Riley was sworn in to office for what would be the first of ten terms as mayor of the Holy City on Dec. 15, 1975.
Riley would serve as the city’s mayor for over 40 years. The Bishop England High and Citadel graduate earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1967 and served six years in the state House of Representatives.
Riley never lost a mayoral election, running many times unopposed. The only election he lost was the Democratic primary in 1994 for governor.
During Riley’s time as mayor, Charleston saw significant revitalization and growth, including the development of many new parks and recreational attractions…