Daniel Rickenmann, mayor-elect of Columbia. | Facebook/Daniel Rickenmann
Daniel Rickenmann, mayor-elect of Columbia. | Facebook/Daniel Rickenmann
Daniel Rickenmann is set to become the mayor of Columbia, after winning a mayoral runoff over Tameika Isaac Devine on Nov. 16.
“Congratulations to Mayor-Elect Daniel Rickenmann @Rickenmann & Councilwoman-Elect Aditi Bussells @aditisrivastav on their big wins tonight. @CityofColumbia is a special place and I know they will serve us well,” outgoing Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin tweeted.
When he is sworn in on Jan. 4, Rickenmann will become the capital city’s third mayor in just over 30 years, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Though the election was technically nonpartisan, Rickenmann drew support from state Republicans, while his opponent gained strong Democratic endorsements, including former President Barack Obama.
According to the Charlotte Observer, the two candidates had previously served together on the City Council and garnered the most support in the Nov. 2 election, though neither reached the majority needed to secure the win.
At that time, Rickenmann finished with about 44% of the vote while Devine held just over 30%.
Rickenmann finished with 52% of the runoff vote, the The Post and Courier reported. He represented District 4 on the council following two terms as an at-large council member.
Benjamin, the city’s first Black mayor, opted against seeking re-election after serving 10 years in office.
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