A New Year, a New Mayor for the City of Georgetown

Jay Doyle was sworn in as the mayor of Georgetown on Thursday morning at Rainey Park, marking a historic shift in both local leadership and South Carolina politics.

Doyle, a retired entrepreneur, is the first Forward Party candidate to win a partisan election in South Carolina since 1894. He secured 56% of the vote in the November 2025 general election, defeating the Republican incumbent in a race that lacked a Democratic challenger.

During his inaugural remarks, Doyle emphasized a “common sense” approach and focused on the city’s economic future.

“My New Year’s resolution is to work to bring back to the community the economic vitality that we had when we had a working seaport and two working mills,” Doyle said.

The ceremony was held at Rainey Park, a site chosen for its historical significance as the United States prepares for its 250th anniversary. The park is named for Joseph Rainey, a Georgetown native and the first African American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

State Senator Ronnie Saab administered the oath of office while Doyle’s wife, Suzanne, held the Bible. The event was attended by approximately 80 people, including leadership from the Forward Party.

Former Mayor and Council member Brendan Barber served as emcee for the ceremony which included an inspiring invocation by Bishop Robbie Davis and the singing of “God Bless America” by Della Prioleau.

The transition of city leadership continues next week. Newly-elected city council members Sharon Melton and Hobson H. Milton are scheduled to be sworn in Friday, Jan. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the Georgetown Municipal Courtroom. Council Member Jessie Walker took the oath earlier Thursday in a private ceremony.

Click on the photos for this event below: