Meet Columbia’s new mayor and City Council members

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The votes are in, Columbia. You’ve done your civic duty + it’s time to welcome our city’s newest officials. 🗳️

To recap: This year we cast votes to elect a mayor, along with City Council seats for at-large, District 1, and District 4. While District 1 + 4 races were decided on Nov. 2, the races for mayor and the City Council At-Large seats went to a runoff.

You can stop refreshing those election trackers , because we’re here to share the results. Say hello to...

🏛️ Daniel Rickenmann, Mayor

A longtime resident of Columbia, Daniel Rickenmann was first elected to City Council as an at-large member in 2004, and again in 2017 where he served District 4. A 1992 graduate of the University of South Carolina, he was owner and partner in several restaurants in the city, including Birds on a Wire, MO MO’s Bistro, Ben and Jerry’s, and The Filling Station. He is currently a partner in several ventures including renewable energy development and a food production company.

Rickenmann’s campaign focused on seven areas:

  • Prioritize public safety
  • Support small business owners
  • Repair infrastructure
  • Build better and more affordable housing
  • Create job opportunities that promise advancement
  • Generate growth by finishing projects
  • Bring innovation to our city government

🏛️ Aditi Bussells, City Council At-Large

Aditi Bussells is a public health researcher who received her PhD in public health at the University of South Carolina.

🏛️ Tina Herbert, City Council District 1

Tina Herbert is currently an attorney with the Mickle & Bass firm in Columbia and is a resident of North Columbia. She previously worked as the director of the Office of Business Opportunities .

🏛️ Joe Taylor, City Council District 4

Joe Taylor is the former S.C. Secretary of Commerce and currently a businessman and developer in the Midlands.

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David is based in Columbia, SC where he’s lived since graduating from UofSC’s School of Journalism in 2006. In his 20+ years in the Soda City, he founded Scene SC, an outlet covering the SC music scene, and has contributed to local publications including SCETV, Jasper Magazine, Free Times, and The Post and Courier. He currently serves on boards for One Columbia for Arts and Culture and the Jam Room Music Festival.