Aiken, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Filing for Aiken City Council candidates commenced recently, with four council seats open for contest in the upcoming election. Current council member Lessie Price is running unopposed while several new candidates have emerged, each focusing on community involvement, growth, and local issues. Key dates include the election on November 4 and swearing in on November 24, highlighting an active political landscape in Aiken.
Aiken, SC – Filing has begun for candidates running for Aiken City Council, with the process starting on July 7 and closing on July 14, 2025. Four council seats are set to be contested in the upcoming election on November 4, 2025. Candidates can file by petition until August 21, 2025, while party primaries are scheduled for August 12, and a potential runoff on August 26, 2025. Newly elected council members will be sworn in on November 24, 2025.
Current District 2 Council member Lessie Price, who has been in office since 1987, is running for reelection and is currently unopposed. She emphasizes her commitment to public safety, infrastructure improvements, and attracting businesses to Aiken. In District 4, Jacob Ellis has filed to run, having previously participated in the 2021 election as a write-in candidate. His focus is on preserving Aiken’s growth while respecting the perspectives of its residents.
In District 6, Lisa Smith is advocating for community engagement in city planning and wishes to alter the current direction of the council’s decision-making process. During a recent forum hosted by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce on October 3, 2025, candidates, including Ellis and Peter Messina, presented their platforms and highlighted critical local issues such as smart growth, community engagement, traffic management, zoning laws, and fiscal responsibility. Messina, a civil engineer, aims to leverage his municipal experience to improve traffic and zoning in Aiken.
Other candidates have also emerged in the race, including Kent Cubbage, a Republican with 30 years of community service, seeking to promote collaboration within the council. Braylen Waldo emphasizes youth mentorship and creating community opportunities, while Barbara Morgan, a former solicitor, calls for improved transparency regarding water quality and traffic issues. The candidates collectively stress the importance of community involvement in shaping Aiken’s future while preserving its unique charm amid ongoing growth.
The election signifies a pivotal moment for Aiken, offering residents the opportunity to influence the city’s governance and direction. The growing interest from several candidates indicates a vibrant political landscape, where discussions surrounding key issues and community priorities are at the forefront. Residents are encouraged to engage in the electoral process, as their votes will determine the future leadership of Aiken City Council.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
- Filing Period: July 7 – July 14, 2025
- Candidates can file by petition: until August 21, 2025
- Party Primaries: August 12, 2025
- Potential Runoff: August 26, 2025
- Election Date: November 4, 2025
- Swearing in of Newly Elected Council Members: November 24, 2025
Candidate Overview
| Candidate Name | District | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Lessie Price | District 2 | Public safety, infrastructure improvements, business attraction |
| Jacob Ellis | District 4 | Preservation of growth, respect for citizens’ perspectives |
| Lisa Smith | District 6 | Community engagement in city planning |
| Peter Messina | – | Traffic management, zoning improvements |
| Kent Cubbage | – | Collaboration within the council |
| Braylen Waldo | – | Youth mentorship, community opportunities |
| Barbara Morgan | – | Transparency in water quality and traffic issues |
FAQ
What dates should I remember for the Aiken City Council election?
Filing Period: July 7 – July 14, 2025
Candidates can file by petition: until August 21, 2025
Party Primaries: August 12, 2025
Potential Runoff: August 26, 2025
Election Date: November 4, 2025
Swearing in of Newly Elected Council Members: November 24, 2025
Who is running for Aiken City Council?
Current District 2 Council member Lessie Price is running unopposed for reelection. Jacob Ellis has filed to run for District 4, and Lisa Smith is running for District 6. Other candidates include Peter Messina, Kent Cubbage, Braylen Waldo, and Barbara Morgan.
What are the key issues the candidates are focusing on?
The candidates highlighted issues such as smart growth, community engagement, traffic management, zoning laws, and fiscal responsibility.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken City Council Candidates
- WJBF: Filing Opens for Aiken City Council Seats
- WJBF: Aiken City Council Rejects Tiny Home Project Proposal
- Post and Courier: Letter – Messina Has Skills to Handle Growth
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
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.
