Aiken, SC, October 5, 2025

News Summary

The Aiken Chamber of Commerce hosted a breakfast forum where City Council candidates presented their visions and motivations ahead of the upcoming election. With three council seats available and incumbents not seeking reelection, candidates discussed key issues such as smart growth, traffic management, and community engagement. The event allowed voters to gain insights into the candidates’ priorities and plans for Aiken’s future.

Aiken, SC – The Aiken Chamber of Commerce held a “First Friday Means Business” breakfast on October 3, 2025, where candidates for the Aiken City Council participated in a lively forum. With three City Council seats available as current council members are not seeking reelection, the event provided a platform for prospective representatives to outline their visions for the city’s future.

District 2 incumbent Lessie Price opened the event by introducing herself and the candidates vying for the council positions. Each candidate was granted two minutes to introduce themselves and explain their motivations for running. Molly Jones, chair of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce executive board, facilitated the discussion by posing four key questions to the candidates, followed by a lightning round of quick responses and a 30-second vision statement.

Candidates Overview

Among the candidates, Jacob Ellis, a Democrat and an employee at Home Depot, advocated for the preservation of Aiken’s unique character while promoting opportunities for the youth. He emphasized a commitment to smart growth and accountability, seeking to connect both the traditional and modern aspects of Aiken.

Peter Messina, a Republican and a civil engineer, is currently part of the city Planning Commission. His campaign focuses on effective zoning and traffic management to improve living conditions in Aiken, preserving the city’s charm through strategic development.

Kent Cubbage, also a Republican, works as a communications specialist at Savannah River National Laboratory. With a background as a biology professor, he has worked closely with the community for 30 years and has served on the city Planning Commission. He plans to foster collaboration with constituents to ensure a vibrant business community.

Braylen Waldo, a Democrat and senior security specialist at Savannah River National Laboratory, represents the youth and advocates for transparency and community engagement, aiming for a thriving environment for all residents.

Barbara Morgan, another Republican candidate, has previously served as a solicitor for South Carolina’s 2nd Judicial Circuit and is a member of the Aiken Design Review Board. Her campaign touches on important issues such as water quality, traffic management, and governance, advocating for a city that is affordable for young families and supportive of local entrepreneurs.

Lastly, Lisa Smith, a Democrat with experience in mortgage banking and the local equine community, is calling for greater diversity in representation within the council and improved living standards for every resident.

Upcoming Elections and Community Concerns

As the Aiken City Council prepares for the upcoming election scheduled for November 4, four council seats will be on the ballot. The filing deadline for candidates is July 14, followed by party primaries on August 12.

Recent discussions during a city council work session highlighted critical issues, including an ongoing brown water problem affecting the community. While civil engineer Lee Rogers indicated that the discolored water is not a health risk, resident Robert Leishear raised concerns about potential health dangers and urged the city to adopt technology solutions to address these issues.

Conclusion

The forum organized by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce gave voters insight into the priorities of each candidate. With three seats open and vital issues at stake, the November 4 election will be crucial in shaping Aiken’s future.

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Aiken City Council Candidates Chamber Forum
• Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
• WJBF: Filing Opens for Four Aiken City Council Seats
• Google Search: Aiken City Council election
• WFXG: Aiken City Council Holds Work Session to Review Brown Water Situation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: City Government
• WJBF: Aiken City Council Rejects Tiny Home Project Proposal
• Google News: Aiken City Council
• WFXG: Aiken City Council Votes Down Dyches Road Tiny Home Project
• WJBF Video: Aiken City Council Rejects Tiny Home Project Proposal

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.