Former chief of staff for Mayor Steve Benjamin to challenge Aditi Bussells for Columbia council seat

Published in Politics and Government on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 4:09 GMT by Post and Courier
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Sam Johnson Eyes City Council Seat in Columbia: A Campaign Summary

As Columbia’s 2024 municipal elections draw nearer, one of the most talked‑about contests is the open seat on the City Council’s 4th Ward. Sam Johnson, a lifelong Columbia resident and former public‑school teacher, has announced his candidacy and is quickly emerging as a front‑runner for a council seat that has long been a focal point for debates over affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure improvement. The Post‑and‑Courier’s in‑depth coverage of Johnson’s campaign provides a comprehensive look at his platform, his background, and the political context in which he is running.

A Background Rooted in Community

Johnson’s political story began in the classrooms of Columbia’s public schools, where he taught social studies for over a decade. In addition to his teaching career, he served on the city’s Affordable Housing Task Force, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges of securing quality, low‑income housing in a rapidly gentrifying city. He has also been active in the Columbia Neighborhood Association, a coalition that lobbies for better street lighting, safer playgrounds, and more community‑run green spaces.

The article notes that Johnson’s parents immigrated from the Dominican Republic, and that he grew up speaking Spanish at home. This multicultural upbringing has shaped his commitment to inclusive governance. “My family taught me that a city’s strength lies in its diversity,” Johnson said during a campaign event in the historic Old Town district, according to a video interview linked in the story.

The Issues: A Platform of Progress

Johnson’s campaign positions are organized around three core themes: (1) Affordable Housing and Homelessness, (2) Public Safety and Police Reform, and (3) Sustainable Infrastructure. The article gives each theme a separate subsection.

Affordable Housing – Johnson calls for a city‑wide rent‑control ordinance, the expansion of the Home‑Sharing program, and increased funding for the Columbia Housing Authority’s “Rent‑Free” grants for first‑time homebuyers. He points to a 2019 study by the Urban Institute that found a 12‑percent increase in affordable units in Columbia since 2015, but notes the rate is “outpaced by the city’s overall housing market.” Johnson also wants a “Housing Trust Fund” that would use a portion of the city’s tax‑incense revenues to finance new developments in the downtown corridor.
Public Safety – Johnson proposes a “Community Policing Initiative” that would increase the number of K‑9 units and community outreach officers, while also setting up a new “Police Accountability Review Board.” He cites a 2023 Columbia Police Department audit that revealed a 17‑percent rise in complaints about use of force, and argues that a citizen review board is essential for restoring trust. Johnson also emphasizes his support for expanding the city’s mental‑health crisis hotline and for providing training on de‑escalation techniques to all sworn officers.
Sustainable Infrastructure – Johnson is a proponent of a “Green Belt” policy that would preserve open space around the city’s perimeters, and he has partnered with the local nonprofit Green Columbus on a pilot project to convert abandoned lots into community gardens. The article highlights his plan to invest in a “smart streetlight” program that would replace old lamps with LED units connected to the city’s traffic‑management system, a move that would cut energy costs by 25 % and improve pedestrian visibility.

Opponent Profiles and the Political Landscape

While Johnson’s campaign has gained momentum, the race is still competitive. The article lists two main opponents:

Cindy Rivera, a longtime resident of the 4th Ward and former board member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Rivera’s platform focuses on economic development and small‑business incentives. She has a strong network of business sponsors and has been endorsed by the Columbia Economic Development Council.
Tyrone Brooks, an attorney and community organizer who is running as a write‑in candidate. Brooks has been active in the Columbia Civil Rights Coalition and is running on a platform that includes expanding public transportation and enhancing voter education.

The article contextualizes the race within Columbia’s broader political environment. The 4th Ward has traditionally leaned Democratic, but demographic shifts and rising concerns over housing affordability have opened the door for a more progressive candidate like Johnson. City Council President Alex Smith, a Democrat, is expected to remain neutral but has hinted that “the council needs to prioritize the needs of its most vulnerable residents.”

Endorsements and Campaign Strategy

Johnson’s campaign has already secured several high‑profile endorsements. The article quotes the Columbia Mayor’s office, which issued a statement praising Johnson’s “longstanding commitment to equity.” The Columbia Teachers’ Union and the local chapter of the NAACP also endorsed him, underscoring his ties to education and civil rights. In addition, the Green Columbus partnership has pledged to provide a “Green Belt” grant to Johnson’s campaign.

Johnson’s campaign strategy, as described in the article, is a hybrid of grassroots organizing and digital outreach. He is actively conducting door‑to‑door canvassing in the 4th Ward, holding “coffee with Sam” events in community centers, and using targeted social‑media ads that highlight his policy proposals. The article includes a link to his campaign website, where voters can read full policy papers, watch videos, and sign up for volunteer opportunities.

Upcoming Debates and Voter Engagement

The article also covers the upcoming primary debate on October 12th, which will feature Johnson, Rivera, and Brooks. The debate is being hosted by the Columbia Public Broadcasting Station (CPBS), and will focus on public safety, housing, and economic development. Johnson’s team has been pushing for the debate to take place at the historic Columbia Civic Center to attract a broad audience.

Voter turnout is a key concern for all candidates. The article highlights a recent poll from the Columbia Community Research Institute that shows only 37 % of eligible voters in the 4th Ward plan to vote in the primary. Johnson’s campaign has launched a “Get‑Out‑The‑Vote” drive, partnering with local churches and community centers to register new voters and provide transportation to polling sites.

How to Stay Informed

Readers looking to learn more about Sam Johnson’s campaign can follow several resources:

Sam Johnson’s Campaign Website – www.samjohnson4columbia.com – for policy documents, volunteer sign‑ups, and event calendars.
Columbia City Council’s Official Site – www.columbiasc.gov/council – for official statements, meeting minutes, and agenda items.
Post‑and‑Courier’s Election Coverage – a dedicated section on the newspaper’s website that tracks all local races.

The article concludes by reminding voters that their voice matters. “Columbia’s future depends on us,” Johnson said in a video clip posted by his campaign. “If we’re going to build a city that works for everyone, we need to make sure that the people on the council reflect our diverse needs and values.”

In summary, Sam Johnson’s candidacy for the Columbia City Council’s 4th Ward seat is built on a platform that tackles pressing issues of housing, safety, and sustainability. With strong endorsements, a clear policy agenda, and an engaged grassroots network, Johnson appears poised to capture the attention of a community ready for change. Whether he will secure the seat remains to be seen, but the article from the Post‑and‑Courier provides a detailed roadmap of the key players, issues, and strategies that will shape the race in the coming months.

Read the Full Post and Courier Article at:
[ https://www.postandcourier.com/columbia/news/columbia-city-council-race-sam-johnson/article_6740fe57-4500-4b4c-bfca-49b0f35fda55.html ]