Image by Gregorie for Mayor

By my count decades-long Charleston Mayor Joe Riley now has two challengers: the previously announced writer David Farrow and now Charleston City Councilman William Dudley Gregorie.

His general message is that "35 years is just too long for one mayor" and, presumably, that he's a change for the better.

[Gregorie represents District 6, an area that includes part of Charleston's west side including the region around the RiverDogs' ballpark and much of the West Ashley St. Andrew's area. Large PDF map.]

The Post and Courier first spotted this relatively surprising news and has a short post, but the real meat of the news here comes by way of the 70-second video embedded up top. 

Gregorie's campaign website has also been activated and carries a similar message: 

I am running for the mayor of the city of Charleston because it’s time for a change. When government is run by career-politicians, often the needs and the desires of the people of the city are neglected. Thirty-five years is just too long for one mayor.

As a result, our city lacks energy and fresh ideas for our future. If you think that government should work for the people and not the other way around, if you think that our taxes and our franchise fees are too high, and if you think it is important that we protect the quality of life for our children and grandchildren, please vote for me, William Dudley Gregorie, as the new Mayor of the city of Charleston. Together, we can create a city that works for everyone. It’s time for a change!

Gregorie last ran for Charleston's mayorship back in 2007, where he received 29% of the vote. A Charleston City Paper profile of him from back then can be read here, and you can check out a bio of sorts on the City of Charleston's website.

• We'll be sure to keep you posted, and keep up with it on our Charleston Mayoral Election topic page.