I'm running for mayor because I believe it's time for a change in our city. Columbia has faced tough challenges in recent years, but I'm optimistic about our future.

With new energy, new ideas, and a new commitment to this city, we can build a better local government and revitalize Columbia. I hope you'll join me.

Steve and his wife Deandrea have been married for seven years. They have two little girls, Bethany (4) and Jordan Grace (2). Together they enjoy reading lots of books, taking trips at EdVenture, and playing at Chuck E. Cheese.

The Benjamins live in Northeast Columbia and are members of Saint John Baptist Church.

As mayor of Columbia, Steve will work for you. By opening up city government, he will bring new voices into the process and make local government accessible and accountable to all people in Columbia.

Steve has worked tirelessly on community issues for years, serving on boards of numerous charities and seeking solutions to local challenges by means outside of government. As mayor, Steve will fight for change from within.

Meet Steve

What Bold New Leadership Means

March Madness

Submitted by Sam Johnson on Mon, 03/08/2010 - 9:55am

Steve Benjamin wants to be your next Mayor of Columbia! He has been doing what it takes to make that happen. Along with supporters like you, Steve has been knocking on doors and calling folks personally in the community to inform them on why he would to lead the City of Columbia!

We encourage you to join us every Saturday as we make it our mission to the neighborhoods all across Columbia. We will meet at the Benjamin for Mayor HQ (1529 Washington Street) at 10am. If you are interested in assisting please feel free to email that campaign at info@stevebenjamin.com.

Benjamin Financial Cuts

Submitted by Steve Benjamin on Thu, 03/04/2010 - 1:00am

COLUMBIA, SC - Columbia mayoral candidate Steve Benjamin called on the Mayor and all City Council Members to forgo half of their city salaries for two years as part of a larger plan to eliminate waste and maximize efficiency within Columbia's City Government.

Supporter Conference Call

Submitted by Sam Johnson on Tue, 02/23/2010 - 2:24pm

It has been truly wonderful to have your support as we have launched a campaign driven at delivering leadership, accountability, and vision to the city of Columbia.

Officially Filing and Mayoral Forums!

Submitted by Steve Benjamin on Sun, 02/07/2010 - 5:22pm

This was a fantastic and eventful week as we continued our push to bring Bold, New Leadership to the city of Columbia! Because of the energetic response that we have gotten from supporters all over the city, we have been able to effectively address the key challenges that our city is facing:

Investing in public safety, ending fiscal irresponsibility, and creating jobs that put citizens back to work.

Statement on Vandalism of City Hall

Submitted by Joey Oppermann on Wed, 12/30/2009 - 5:41pm

Earlier today Steve issued the following statement on the racial graffiti found on City Hall this morning:

“I was disgusted this morning to learn that what should be a symbol of inclusion in our representative democracy had been vandalized with bigotry and intolerance.

This incident was clearly designed to frighten and intimidate but it has had the opposite result.

This is exactly why we need a new leader who can unify all of us behind a new vision for Columbia, and I am now more than ever dedicated to that cause.

I have absolute faith that our city’s police force will identify and apprehend those responsible but, more importantly, I have faith that the people of Columbia will come together to reject this kind of illegal and unacceptable activity.

The challenges facing our city are as serious as the stakes are high. We cannot address them distracted by ignorance. We cannot overcome them if we are divided by hate.
We are one people. We are one Columbia. Only by coming together can we make this a city of vision, opportunity, and hope for all.”