OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.
In a stunning reversal, a county that previously voted 68 percent in favor of Joe Biden has flipped to back Republicans.
As job approval numbers plummet for the Biden administration, all factors are pointing to a red wave next year during midterm elections.
In Columbia, South Carolina, Republican Daniel Rickenmann has won the runoff mayoral race.
“It was an incredible thing,” Rickenmann said during his victory speech.
“Everyone who supported us. It’s about one Columbia. We are not divided; we are united!”
He received 52 percent of the vote, according to The State news outlet.
The election results will soon be certified by the city’s election commission.
FINAL: @Rickenmann will be the 37th mayor of Columbia, South Carolina. pic.twitter.com/1DGm09mVRn
— Chris Trainor (@ChrisTrainorSC) November 17, 2021
More from Western Journal:
Rickenmann’s victory might seem like it’s no big deal, but the recent political past of the region is worth noting. Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and the largest city in Richland County, which voted for Joe Biden for president with 68.4 percent of the tallies in the 2020 election, according to Politico.
Congratulations to Mayor-Elect Daniel Rickenmann @Rickenmann & Councilwoman-Elect Aditi Bussells @aditisrivastav on their big wins tonight. @CityofColumbia is a special place and I know they will serve us well.
— Steve Benjamin (@SteveBenjaminSC) November 17, 2021
Even more shocking is that Columbia is in a congressional district where Democrats have a 17 percent party registration advantage, and Biden surrogate Jim Clyburn is their representative.
The mayoral seat currently is held by Democrat Steve Benjamin, who has served in the office for 11 years.
Rickenmann ran his campaign with public safety being his “top priority,” his website states, which likely is what put him over the top.
Columbia is safer than only 2 percent of American cities, according to Neighborhood Scout, meaning residents are looking for a change in their community.
