The field is set for City of Columbia elected officials as the municipal election cycle is right around the corner. Many of the current officials are running for reelection unopposed, but there are candidates challenging incumbents for both the mayor’s office and Ward 4 alderman.
Two-term Republican Mayor Justin McKenzie is running to lead the city for a third term but will face a pair of challengers in the republican primary April 1. Running against McKenzie as republicans are Caymen Watts and Glen McKenzie. If any of the three candidates securing the majority of the vote in the primary — 50% plus one — they will be the mayor-elect as there is no candidate representing the democratic party.
If none of the candidates receive a majority of the votes, there will be a run-off three weeks later on April 22 between the top two vote getters.
“Hopefully what we’ve been able to do and what I’ve been able to do throughout our community will speak for itself,” Justin McKenzie said. “I’ve worked hard for our city and will continue to do so. I really hope people are satisfied and will reelect to me.”
Democrat Wendell Hammond (Ward 1 Alderman), Republican Jason Stringer (Ward 2 Alderman), Democrat Anna Evans (Ward 3 Alderwoman) and Republican Andrea Porter (Alderwoman-at-Large) are all running for reelection unopposed.
The only other seat up for grabs is in Ward 4 between Republican Mike Smith, who currently holds office, and Democrat Gwendolyn Hammond. That race will be decided during the June 3 General Election.
While the aforementioned candidates have all submitted their statements of intent to run for office, neither political party has certified its candidates yet.
There will be future stories about candidates that are facing challengers in their races in the C-P.
