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 (5) and Jordan Grace (3). 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

Benjamin to tour Congaree River

Submitted by Michael Wukela on Fri, 04/16/2010 - 12:42pm

COLUMBIA, SC – Columbia Mayoral Candidate Steve Benjamin will be touring the Congaree River today starting at 4:00 PM as part of his ongoing discussion about the need to protect Columbia’s waterways.

All media interested in attending should contact Michael Wukela at 843-409-2320.

Video of the full tour will be provided upon request.

What: Benjamin for Mayor River Tour

Benjamin releases campaign ad “One Columbia”

Submitted by Sam Johnson on Mon, 04/12/2010 - 12:50pm

COLUMBIA, SC – Columbia Mayoral Candidate Steve Benjamin took another huge step today in the race for Columbia's future by tackling the airwaves with his campaign’s first television advertisement.

Innovation and Arts

Submitted by Steve Benjamin on Sun, 04/11/2010 - 6:25pm

I truly believe that Columbia can become the most talented, educated and entrepreneurial city in America.

In order for this vision to become a reality we must have a thriving arts community.

The arts enrich the spirit of our city, whether on canvas or the stage, established institutions or upstart funky musicians---they bring us together.

The Common Sense Budget

Submitted by Steve Benjamin on Thu, 04/01/2010 - 1:29pm

Columbia doesn’t have a revenue problem – it has a priorities problem!

As mayor, Steve Benjamin will start over from zero and build a budget that accurately represents Columbia’s priorities and makes Public Safety JOB NUMBER ONE!

It’s time to take the budget out of the back room and set a clear course for fiscal responsibility that reduces the city’s fleet, maximizes technology, and eliminates waste in all departments.

This is how we start putting Common Sense back in Columbia’s Budget.

Ministers Endorse Benjamin

Submitted by Sam Johnson on Wed, 03/31/2010 - 4:24pm

“We need a mayor who believes in what Columbia can be.”

COLUMBIA, SC – A group of local ministers stood in support of Steve Benjamin’s Campaign to be Mayor of Columbia at a news conference Wednesday saying, “Now, more than ever, we need a mayor who believes in what Columbia can be.”

“One candidate has stepped forward with a vision of hope and optimism, a vision of promise and renewal, a vision to bring us together as ONE people – ONE Columbia,” said Rev. Willie Givens “That’s why we are proud today to announce that we are supporting Steve Benjamin for Mayor of Columbia.”