Balance Of Richland County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Chelsea Richard is a Democrat and an epidemiologist and nonprofit executive, currently serving as vice president of operations at the Central Carolina Community Foundation. She is running for Richland County Council District 5, aiming to bring a fresh, results-driven perspective to county-level decisions by applying her decade of experience in fixing complex problems at the state level.

Priorities: expanding access to child care · managing growth through infrastructure improvements and affordable housing efforts

Allison Terracio is a Democratic incumbent who represents Richland County Council District 5 in South Carolina. First elected in 2019, she currently serves as a Richland County Council Member.

Priorities: Ensuring wise spending of affordable housing funding and creating sustainable programs · Comprehensive planning for St. Andrews neighborhoods · Improving transportation and transit services

James Thompson is a Democratic civil rights attorney and U.S. Army veteran from Wichita, Kansas. He ran for Kansas' 4th Congressional District in 2017 and 2018, and for a judicial position in 2020. Thompson's background includes overcoming homelessness and poverty as a youth.

Priorities: Protecting and improving the Affordable Care Act, including access to mental health care

Darrell "DJ" Jackson Jr. is a Democratic candidate who has filed to run for the Richland County Council District 11 seat. A Columbia native, he holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Carolina and a master's degree from Webster University. Jackson Jr. brings over 15 years of experience in public administration and social program management to his first bid for public office.

Priorities: Managing growth while preserving Lower Richland’s character · Rural economic development that improves the quality of life and creates opportunities for individuals and families to prosper · Smart growth for traffic and transportation infrastructure

John Crangle is an attorney, professor, and ethics lobbyist with over 30 years of experience. He ran as a Democratic candidate for the South Carolina House of Representatives District 75 in 2018 and for an at-large seat on the Columbia City Council in 2021. Crangle has advocated for government reforms and served as the former director of Common Cause South Carolina.

Priorities: Advocate for hiring more police officers within the city and increasing their pay. · Impose a curfew on bars at 12:30 a.m. · Promote economic development to attract businesses and jobs.

Eva Prioleau is a Democratic Party candidate running for election to the Richland County Council District 11 in South Carolina. She is scheduled to appear on the Democratic primary ballot on June 9, 2026.

Jim Reese is an Oklahoma farmer, businessman, and Republican politician. He served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1987 to 2001. Reese was appointed by Governor Mary Fallin to serve as Oklahoma Commissioner of Agriculture and Secretary of Agriculture from 2011 to 2018, and previously served as the Oklahoma State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Priorities: Advocacy for Oklahoma agriculture and rural areas · Reducing federal regulations impacting agriculture · Supporting policies that bolster agricultural efforts

Kimberly Snipes is a Democrat running for Richland County Council District 1. She currently serves as the Community and Special Projects Director for the South Carolina Bar and is the Chair of the Lexington-Richland District 5 School Board, overseeing 25 schools and over 17,000 students.

Priorities: Fixing roads and planning for responsible growth to protect community character · Supporting local businesses and fostering economic opportunity for jobs and innovation · Ensuring responsive government through meaningful community engagement

William Riley is a Democratic candidate. No specific biographical details or information regarding the offices or jurisdictions he is seeking are available in the provided research notes.

Jamie Devine is a community leader, nonprofit executive, and advocate. He has served as a member of the Richland County School District One Board of School Commissioners, including multiple terms as Chairman. Devine is also the President and CEO of Community Assistance Provider, Inc., a nonprofit focused on expanding access to affordable housing and economic opportunity.

Priorities: Promoting practical regional cooperation to solve shared challenges like transportation, economic development, public safety, and environmental protection. · Supporting responsible economic development that attracts good-paying jobs, supports local small businesses, and invests in infrastructure.

Don Weaver is a Republican candidate for Richland County Council, District 6, where he has served as Councilmember since January 2023. A University of South Carolina graduate, he has resided in Richland County for over 35 years and is the founder and CEO of Prime Financial Services.

Priorities: Ensuring government transparency and accountability · Supporting public safety and law enforcement