Nineteen-year-old Caymen Watts made waves Monday afternoon with his campaign announcement to be Columbia’s mayor as he seeks to unseat two-term incumbent Justin McKenzie.
Watts, who is running as a republican, was introduced Monday at The Elevation Church by his father, Cedric, who said he believes his son is ready for the moment to lead Columbia into the future.
Watts announced his candidacy, set goals for his mayorship if elected and addressed his age with his opening statement.
“The true measure of our success isn’t just in what we’ve accomplished but in what we will achieve together,” Watts started. “Columbia stands at a pivotal moment. We have the opportunity to build a stronger, more inclusive, more prosperous community — one where every resident feels valued, included and empowered.
“To realize this vision, we must commit to restoring trust, expanding opportunities and working together to create a real lasting change. … I know what some of you might be thinking — I’m young, which I am — but with that comes fresh perspectives, bold ideas and the energy we need to create a real change. Age does not equal effectiveness. What matters is hard work, vision, dedication and the ability to bring people together. I believe my approach can help us embrace new opportunities, adapt to challenges of the future and also inspire the young generation to be the next leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators in our community.”
Some of the other points he referenced throughout his speech were uplifting the younger generation, enhancing job training, emphasizing education, prioritizing fiscal responsibility and providing resources for mental health. Watts highlighted enhancing afterschool programs and referenced his time in the Boys and Girls Club growing up in Columbia.
“When we invest in our young people, we invest in a future that benefits everyone,” Watts said. “I will make strategic investment opportunities that will ensure the growth of our city. We will ensure that every resident has a voice in how their tax dollars are spent. By strengthening business development, attracting new businesses and creating more job opportunities, we can build a stronger economy that benefits everyone.”
During the question and answer portion of his announcement, Watts said it’s important to build relationships with the entire community to cross party lines. He also agreed with community concerns about the lack of jobs and family homes and vowed to make those issues a priority. Then one of the community members in attendance addressed the elephant in the room.
“If you’re really serious about being the youngest mayor in the City of Columbia, you’re going to have to figure out how to beat the one that is already in there,” the citizen said. “Just because you’re African American, you’re going to get a lot of African American votes, but that’s not enough. That’s not going to win. You’re going to have to have some people not just behind these stained glass windows but out in public.
“I ran two elections. Twice I was a candidate for two different positions. In these areas, I got a lot of pats on the back, had a good name in the community, paid taxes in the city and county, had all the church people patting me on the back, issuing out plaques and telling me how great thou are, but when you get to those polls inside that little private booth, it’s going to be totally different.
“I want you to keep this zeal that you have, but competition in anything can break your zeal. If you think you can win it and you think everybody’s for you, then those results come and you just had your family voting for you, that can really hurt your ego. You need to really find out how you’re going to beat McKenzie. McKenzie hasn’t done a bad job. We’ve had growth, we’ve had a few jobs come in. You’re going to have to figure out how you’re going to get enough people and build your coalition to believe your message. … If you’re really serious about this, you’re going to have to figure out how to dethrone, so to speak, the much-loved, hard-working mayor for the City of Columbia.”
Watts responded with a simple “thank you.”
At the conclusion of the question and answer session, Libby Watson, Watts’ campaign manager, voiced her support for Watts.
“I have gotten to know the passion he has for our town and our community here in Columbia, but most importantly I have gotten to know his heart. He is such a wonderful human,” she said. “I believe the fact that he is choosing to spend his time, at his age, focusing on making our city a greater place speaks volumes on the values that he has and the person that he is. You are to be commended, Caymen.”
During an exclusive interview with the C-P following his announcement, Watts addressed his lack of experience as he makes his first foray into politics.
“I believe my experience in life, and also knowledge I will soon to learn more of and insight I will soon to gain more of, will be beneficial to me along this process. Teamwork and creating relationships through continuous partnerships will help me along this process in my experience,” he said. “But also being in contact with the key community leaders and also knowing every department and the way it’s functioning, being involved and having insight in every department will be beneficial to me along this process. Learning doesn’t stop. No matter what age you get to or are at, you still have a lot more to learn. I don’t plan to stop learning. I plan to learn as much as I can, especially during this short timeframe. That’s my mission.”
Watts, who graduated from Columbia High School in May 2024, earned his real estate license post graduation and works for Ascension Realty. He also owns his own real estate investment company, Watts Dream Investments.
Glen McKenzie initially announced his intention to run for mayor as a republican as well, but he has since withdrew, leaving the incumbent and Watts.
The mayor’s race will be decided April 1 in the primary election as there are no candidates running for the democrat party.
