Gilliard, Middleton face runoff

Wendell Gilliard appears to have narrowly missed winning outright the downtown Charleston House District 111 Democratic primary.

With all precincts reporting, Gilliard, a sitting Charleston City Councilman, collected about 46 percent of the vote, according to unofficial returns.

He's set up to face second-place finisher Clay Middleton in a runoff. Middleton finished with 38 percent.

Since no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote, under state law, the top two will face off in a June 24 runoff. The winner likely will determine who wins the seat because no Republican has filed.

Finishing third was Maurice Washington, who drew about 16 percent. Late Tuesday, he said he wasn't ready to make a call on endorsing either candidate.

The three-way race was to fill the open seat created by state Rep. Floyd Breeland's retirement. It pitted two political veterans who have served at least two terms on Charleston City Council against Middleton, a young Iraqi war veteran who currently works for one of the biggest political veterans in the state, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn.

All three had emphasized the need to improve public education.

On the stump, Gilliard, 53, highlighted his work as a councilman, including his efforts to shut down an adult bookstore next to the Maryville neighborhood in West Ashley. He also started, and has been widely associated with, Project Cool Breeze, which collects and distributes fans and air conditioners.

Middleton, 26, is making his first bid for public office. He is the Lowcountry coordinator for U.S. House Majority Whip Clyburn.

Middleton has worked for Clyburn since 2003, except for serving a year in Iraq in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551, or skropf@postandcourier.com.