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 the Eau Claire community and are members of Saint John Baptist Church in Columbia.

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

A message from Joey

Submitted by Joey Oppermann on Tue, 10/13/2009 - 11:01am

Hello, and welcome to the new Steve Benjamin for Mayor website! My name is Joey Oppermann, and I'm the campaign manager for Steve's campaign for mayor of Columbia.

I've known Steve since I worked for him as a college student at USC back in 2002. His guidance at that time helped lead me to choose a career of public service to my state and community, and he's been a role model of mine ever since. I'm excited and humbled to be part of his campaign to bring real, positive change to Columbia.

Benjamin: "I'm Running"

Submitted by Laurin Manning on Wed, 08/05/2009 - 10:08am

Today Steve Benjamin sent the following email:

Dear Friend,

I am running for mayor of Columbia, and I want you to be among the first to know.

In the city elections just eight months away, we will face a clear choice -- change or more of the same in Columbia. As a business leader, a resident of Columbia for over twenty years, and a member of dozens of community boards, I have dedicated my life to bringing about real and dramatic change in my community. That's what I intend to do as the next mayor of our state's capital city. I'll focus on bringing people together, and, when necessary, blowing past the bureaucracy and holding people accountable.