Reese for Richland
Fighting for responsible growth, transparent leadership, and a stronger Richland County. Join the movement.
Check Voter Registration — scvotes.gov
Countdown to the Campaign Cookout
Jim's Backyard Cookout — April 18th, 6:30 PM
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Richland County deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers results.
Managing county growth thoughtfully and sustainably while respecting the character of Irmo, Dutch Fork, Ballentine, Chapin, and surrounding communities. Growth is inevitable — but it must be responsible growth anchored in tradition, with infrastructure that keeps pace.
Delivering results and reducing waste. A more efficient county government that works for the people it serves — ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and county services run effectively for every family in District 1.
Building trust with residents through open, honest decision-making. Greater transparency in how decisions are made. Giving every resident a real voice in shaping the future of their county.
"Richland County is growing, and we need leadership that manages that growth responsibly while protecting the communities people already call home. I'm running to ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely, decisions are made transparently, and residents have a real voice in shaping the future of this county."— Jim Reese
Born and raised in Irmo, South Carolina, Jim is the youngest child of parents who met at Fort Jackson and chose to build their lives in the Midlands. After graduating from Newberry College with a B.A. in Communications, he married his childhood sweetheart, Elisa Meetze — who has also lived in Irmo her whole life.
Jim pastors at Forward City Church in Columbia, where he serves on the Lead Team as Ministries Pastor. He and Elisa are raising their four children in the Irmo community, deeply rooted in the neighborhoods they love.
Jim is a homegrown conservative Republican leader building on the good work of Councilman Jason Branham. He draws inspiration from public servants like Nathan Ballentine, Chip Huggins, Bill Malinowski, and Jason Branham — leaders who have faithfully served this community.
"I'm running for Richland County Council because I love this community. Irmo, Dutch Fork, Ballentine, and Chapin are home for our family, and I want to leave them better than I found them."
Lifelong Irmo Resident
Husband & Father of 4
Pastor & Community Leader
Newberry College Graduate
Make sure you're registered to vote for the June 9th primary!
Check Registration at scvotes.govJim officially announces his run for Richland County Council District 1.
Watch on Instagram →Hear Jim speak about responsible growth and what it means for our communities.
Watch on Instagram →Jim talks about why Irmo, Dutch Fork, Ballentine, and Chapin are home for his family.
Watch on Instagram →
April 2026 • The Post and Courier
Jim Reese is among the Richland County Council candidates profiled by The Post and Courier ahead of the June 2026 Republican primary. Read where he stands on growth, taxes, and the priorities of District 1 families.
Read the Full Article →
March 2026
Jim Reese, a Republican and lifelong Irmo resident, officially launched his campaign for District 1 — pledging responsible growth and transparent leadership for all of Richland County.
Follow the Campaign →
Saturday, April 18th • 6:30–8:30 PM
Come hang out and kick the campaign into high gear! Kids and families welcome. Meet Jim, get plugged in, and be part of something real.
RSVP Now →
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
The Republican primary is June 9th. Mark your calendar, register to vote, and get your neighbors to the polls for Richland County District 1.
Register to Vote →Help us spread the word across Irmo, Dutch Fork, Ballentine, and Chapin.
Put a sign in your yard and show your support. We'll deliver right to your door — free of charge.
Request a SignTake the campaign on the road. Request a free "Reese for Richland" bumper sticker today.
Request a StickerPin your support. Request a free "Reese for Richland" campaign button to wear and share.
Request a ButtonShare Jim's story door to door. Request palm cards to hand out in your neighborhood.
Request CardsWhether you can donate, volunteer, plant a sign, or just spread the word — every bit helps win District 1.
Even $20 goes a long way — that's about what one big campaign roadside sign costs. Sponsor a sign today and help us win District 1.
Donate NowFill out the form and get plugged in. We need door-knockers, sign-planters, and event helpers. Your time is the most valuable thing you can give.
Join the TeamConfirm you're in Richland County Council District 1 and make sure you're registered to vote.
Richland County Council District 1 covers the communities of Irmo, Dutch Fork, Ballentine, and Chapin — the heart of the Midlands. Jim Reese was born and raised right here, and he's running to keep these communities strong.
Every contribution fuels our campaign to build a better community for Irmo, Dutch Fork, Ballentine, and Chapin.
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