After serving since 2008, Florence Mayor Stephen Wukela announced on October 10, 2019 at the Florence Chamber's annual luncheon that he would not be seeking a 4th term. Wukela spoke about the importance of maintaining Florence's infrastucture of roads, water, and sewer and managing the revenue from the penny sales tax. He also said:
"The single biggest threat to our Future success as a city is racial division. We must recognize and practically address our history of division in this City, black and white, North from South."
-- WPDE
Since learning of Wukela's intentions, George Jebaily is the only candidate to announce he is officially seeking the office. Jebaily has been a member of the city council since 2014, you can find him @JebailyforMayor
Jebaily announced on October 18, and it seemed that he would run unopposed until Mike Reichenbach made a Facebook post Wednesday evening. Reichenbach said that he has received numerous requests to run for the office, and that he would need some time to pray for guidance and also to consult his family, specifically his wife. Reichenbach owns three car dealership, including the local Ford/Lincoln dealership on Coit Street in Florence. He has served as the Chair-Elect of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of Leadership Florence, Leadership South Carolina, McLeod Health Foundation, FDTC Foundation, an SC DNR Game Warden and commissioned in the South Carolina Military Department. Mike's wife, Charisse, also serves the community by joining the Florence 1 Schools Fellows in Education, McLeod Health Fellows and is a Church Youth Group Leader.
Filing for the November 2020 general election opens in March. The primary election will be held in June.