Greenville City Councilmember Wil Brasington announced his candidacy for mayor on Sept. 22.
Brasington is the first candidate to publicly launch a mayoral campaign for the 2027 election. He has served on Greenville City Council since 2017, representing District 4. Brasington most recently ran unopposed for his council seat in the 2025 general election.
Brasington’s campaign centers around “keeping Greenville, Greenville” for current and future residents. He believes the city must intentionally manage its growth to protect Greenville’s character, neighborhoods and quality of life. Brasington also plans to focus on ensuring continued safety of every city resident.
“Growth should lift all of Greenville, not just the parts of it people put on postcards,” Brasington said in a statement. “My vision is for a safe city that manages growth thoughtfully, serves every neighborhood and remains a place where people can build their lives for generations to come.”
Greenville’s mayoral seat has been held by Knox White since 1995. The South Carolina General Assembly passed a new law in May that requires the city of Greenville to hold nonpartisan elections starting in 2027. Brasington previously ran as a Republican in the 2025, 2021 and 2017 elections.
“This is not a responsibility I take lightly,” Brasington said in a statement. “Since joining City Council in 2017, I’ve worked to make our city better and stronger in every measurable aspect. Now I’m asking for the opportunity to continue that work as Greenville’s next mayor.”
Brasington previously served on the city’s Planning Commission before running for local office. He is a past president of the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association and a former commissioner of the Greenville Water System. Brasington has also held leadership positions with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Greenville Revitalization Corporation, Greenville County Redevelopment Authority and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas.
Brasington currently works as the CEO of the Clemson Alumni Association. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in 2000 and has a master’s in business administration from the University of South Carolina. Brasington and his wife, Laura, live in Greenville with their two children, Elizabeth and Wilson.
