Daniel Rickenmann Secures Re-Election as Columbia Mayor; Two Council Seats Head to Runoff
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Voters in Columbia decisively returned Mayor Daniel Rickenmann to office for a second term in Tuesday’s municipal election, while opting to send two key city council races to a runoff.
In a race defined by debates over public safety, economic development, and affordable housing, Rickenmann secured a clear mandate, avoiding a runoff by capturing approximately 62% of the vote, according to complete but unofficial results. His primary challenger, Jessica Thomas, finished with roughly 33% of the vote, and Wade Fulmer Jr. garnered about 6%.
Rickenmann, a former city councilman first elected mayor in 2021, ran on his first-term record, highlighting lower crime rates, efforts to fill police vacancies, and strategies to stimulate economic growth.
“We’ve laid a strong foundation, but the work is far from over,” Rickenmann told supporters Tuesday night. “This result is an affirmation that Columbia wants to keep moving forward, focusing on safe neighborhoods, smart growth, and an economy that works for everyone. I am grateful for the trust placed in me to continue leading this city.”
His challengers had offered a different vision. Thomas campaigned on increasing trust in local government and prioritizing income-based housing solutions, arguing that the city’s cost of living was outpacing residents’ incomes. Fulmer’s platform centered on transparency and curbing the growth of luxury apartments, suggesting city priorities had skewed too far toward developers.
The mayoral race was one of four contests on the ballot for Columbia voters. While Rickenmann’s victory was decisive, the city council’s final makeup remains unsettled.
District 1 Decided, Two Seats Unresolved
In the District 1 race, incumbent Tina Herbert secured her re-election bid, defeating challenger Christa Williams. Herbert took home a strong 63% of the vote to Williams’ 37%. The race was a rematch of their 2021 contest, with Herbert focusing on affordable housing initiatives and redevelopment in North Columbia.
However, two other critical seats—one At-Large and the District 4 representative—failed to produce an outright winner, as no candidate in either race cleared the 50%-plus-one-vote threshold required to avoid a runoff.
The closely watched At-Large council race will advance to a second round. Challenger Sam Johnson emerged as the top vote-getter with 47.4% of the ballots cast. He will face incumbent Aditi Bussells, who secured 43.2% of the vote. Two other candidates, Jared Johnson and Tony Bowen, were eliminated.
Bussells campaigned on her record of transparency and supporting first responders, while Johnson focused his message on restoring neighborhoods and increasing police staffing.
A similar outcome occurred in the race for the District 4 seat. Peter Brown led the three-candidate field with 46.7% of the vote. He is set to face Julie Lumpkin, who finished second with 29.6%. The third candidate, Ashley McCall, was knocked out of the running with 23.7%. Brown, a business owner, focused on managing the city’s rapid development, while Lumpkin campaigned on bringing a “moderating voice” to the council and addressing concerns about aging infrastructure.
The results signal a degree of continuity for the city at the executive level, with voters endorsing Rickenmann’s leadership. However, the upcoming runoffs for the At-Large and District 4 seats will be critical in determining the legislative dynamics and balance of power on the city council for the next four years.
Voters in those districts will return to the polls for the runoff election, which is scheduled for November 18.
FAQ
Who won the 2025 Columbia, SC mayor’s election?
Incumbent Daniel Rickenmann won re-election for a second term as mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, in the general election on November 4, 2025.
Did Daniel Rickenmann win outright, or is there a runoff?
Daniel Rickenmann won outright with approximately 62% of the vote, successfully avoiding a runoff.
What were the final vote percentages for the Columbia mayoral race?
Based on unofficial results, Daniel Rickenmann received about 62%, Jessica Thomas received about 33%, and Wade Fulmer Jr. received about 6%.
Are there any runoffs for the Columbia City Council?
Yes, two seats are heading to a runoff: the At-Large council seat and the District 4 council seat.
Who is in the runoff for the Columbia City Council At-Large seat?
Challenger Sam Johnson (who received 47.4% of the vote) and incumbent Aditi Bussells (who received 43.2%) are in the runoff.
Who is in the runoff for the Columbia City Council District 4 seat?
Peter Brown (who received 46.7% of the vote) and Julie Lumpkin (who received 29.6%) are in the runoff.
Who won the Columbia City Council District 1 race?
Incumbent Tina Herbert won her re-election bid for the District 1 seat, defeating Christa Williams with 63% of the vote.
When is the 2025 runoff election in Columbia, SC?
The runoff election for the At-Large and District 4 seats is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
What were the main issues in the Columbia mayoral election?
The primary issues included public safety (specifically filling police vacancies), economic development, affordable housing, government transparency, and managing urban growth.
How long is a mayoral term in Columbia, SC?
The mayor of Columbia serves a four-year term. Daniel Rickenmann’s new term will begin in January 2026.
