CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. easily beat three opponents Tuesday to win a ninth term in what he called the most difficult year of his political career.

Mr. Riley received more than 60 percent of the vote with a few precincts remaining to report results. His closest challenger, retired federal worker William Gregorie, received about 28 percent.

Voters in this city of 106,000 went to the polls almost five months after a furniture store fire claimed the lives of nine firefighters and left Mr. Riley's opponents calling for change.

"The tragic fire has been the most difficult challenge that I have faced," Mr. Riley said. "I'm determined to have our response to that loss a positive memory in this community."

Mr. Riley, 64, also defeated a city police officer and a contractor for another four-year term.

The mayor is credited with overseeing a revitalization of Charleston during his three decades in office, including a transformation of the downtown area, the creation of new parks and the establishment of Spoleto Festival USA.