A March special election will determine who fills Taylor’s seat on Columbia Council
A special election for Columbia City Council will be held March 28, after the unexpected passing of Columbia District 4 councilman Joe Taylor, according to Richland County Elections Director Terry Graham.
Taylor, a longtime South Carolina and Columbia leader, died unexpectedly this week. His death was confirmed Thursday morning by Columbia leaders.
Taylor joined City Council in January, after being elected to the seat in November 2021. He represented the northeastern district of the city.
From 2005 to 2011, Taylor served as South Carolina’s commerce secretary and is credited with luring big businesses to the state — including Boeing.
State law outlines how municipalities must fill a council seat if a member dies while in office.
Candidates can file to run for the open seat beginning noon Jan. 13, the third Friday after the seat became vacant, Graham said.
Candidates will have 10 days to file to run, or until noon on Jan. 23.
The election will occur March 28. Voters who wish to cast a ballot in that election must be registered by Feb. 27.
The victor will serve the three years that remain of Taylor’s 4-year term on council, Graham said.
