West Columbia, Irmo mayors face re-election foes

West Columbia Mayor Joe Owens and Irmo Mayor Hardy King face re-election challenges at the Nov. 3 ballot.

Both have encountered power struggles with other leaders in their communities.

Owens faces former mayor Bobby Horton and challengers Archie Ard and Madison Duncan. King is opposed by Town Councilman Paul Younginer.

The infighting has carried over to council races in each community as all incumbents face challengers.

Filling for municipal races is finished in eight Lexington County communities, continuing in Chapin until Monday.

Ballots in Pine Ridge, Springdale, Summit and Springdale could be canceled and all candidates elected automatically since there are no contests for any posts.

This story was originally published August 28, 2015 at 7:15 PM with the headline "West Columbia, Irmo mayors face re-election foes."