News Summary

Aiken’s City Council candidate filing has started, with four Republican candidates already nominated ahead of the upcoming elections. Key issues such as zoning growth, public safety, and community communication are emerging as priorities for the candidates. With the filing window open until mid-July for party candidates and late August for independents, the race is heating up. A notable absence in District 2 leaves room for new leadership. Primaries are set for August and the general election will follow in November.

Aiken, SC – Filing for candidates wishing to fill seats on the Aiken City Council has officially commenced as of July 8, 2025, ahead of the elections scheduled for November 4, 2025. Four Republican candidates have already submitted their nominations, marking the beginning of what is anticipated to be a competitive electoral season.

The candidates who filed on the first day include Pete Messina, who is running for District 4; Kent Cubbage, a candidate for District 5; and two candidates vying for District 6, Clayton Clarkson and Barbara Morgan. Filing for candidates seeking party nominations will continue until noon on July 14, with independent candidates able to file by petition until August 21.

As the election approaches, key issues are already being mentioned by the candidates. Pete Messina, a member of the Aiken Planning Commission, has shared his apprehensions regarding the city’s zoning ordinances. He pointed out concerns over uncontrolled growth and overpopulation, particularly highlighting the recent approval for over a thousand new homes in just six months. Messina believes that the city is not prepared for such rapid expansion.

In the District 5 race, Kent Cubbage aims to promote more strategic growth, enhanced fiscal stewardship, and a stronger emphasis on public safety. Drawing from his background as a communications specialist and former biology professor at Aiken Technical College, Cubbage hopes to bring a wealth of experience to his campaign as he seeks to fill the seat currently held by Councilwoman Andrea Gregory, who has announced she will not be running for a third term.

In District 6, both Clayton Clarkson and Barbara Morgan are contending for the seat that will be vacated by Councilman Ed Woltz, who has also decided not to pursue another term. Clarkson is advocating for the preservation of Aiken’s unique character, alongside plans for common-sense growth and a revamping of the city’s zoning ordinances. He has emphasized the importance of reinvesting in infrastructure and improving collaboration with the county government as necessary steps for the city’s future.

Meanwhile, Barbara Morgan, a former solicitor for South Carolina’s Second Judicial District and current member of the Aiken Design Review Board, has stated the need for improved communication between city leadership and its residents. She expressed that citizen involvement is crucial in crafting effective solutions to the city’s challenges, referencing past issues like the “brown water crisis.”

Adding another layer of interest to the upcoming elections is the race for the District 2 seat, currently held by Democrat Lessie Price, who has not yet filed for reelection. This development presents an opportunity for voters in that district to explore new leadership ahead of the elections.

Primaries for the City Council elections have been scheduled for August 12, 2025. Should a runoff be necessary, it will take place on August 26. This primary election will determine which candidates from the respective parties will advance to the general election in November.

Following the municipal elections, the newly elected council members will be sworn in on November 24, 2025, concluding a pivotal electoral cycle for Aiken residents. With a mix of incumbents not running for reelection and new faces stepping forward, the November election is shaping up to be a significant event in the city’s governance and future direction.

With candidate filing still ongoing and pivotal votes on the horizon, Aiken residents are encouraged to engage in the electoral process and consider the implications of these elections on their community. All parties involved continue to face pressing issues surrounding growth, infrastructure, and resident engagement, which will undoubtedly be central topics as the elections draw near.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Filing Period Opens for Aiken City Council Candidates
• Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
• Post and Courier: Aiken City Council Candidates 2025
• Google Search: Aiken City Council Elections 2025
• WJBF: Filing Opens for Four Aiken City Council Seats
• Encyclopedia Britannica: City Council
• MSN: Filing Period Opens for Aiken City Council Candidates
• Google News: Aiken City Council Candidates

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.