Columbia city council elections end in runoff

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Both races for open Columbia City of Council seats ended in runoffs Tuesday night. In the race for the at-large seat, currently held by Cameron Runyon, Howard Duvall earned 39% of the votes. Andy Smith earned 26%. The two will face each other in a runoff on November 17. The incumbent, Runyon, told ABC Columbia that he is happy to have had the opportunity to serve the city the past four years, and he has no regrets. In the District 2 race, Ed McDowell earned 38% of the vote. Aaron Bishop had 35%. The two will also face off in a runoff on November 17. The District 2 seat is currently held by Brian DeQuincey Newman, who did not seek reelection. Voter turnout in the municipality was low. About 13% of voters came out to cast their ballot. Though, that’s slightly lower than the average for municipal elections, which is normally around 10%.