Republican • Richland County Council • District 1

Jim
Reese

Reese for Richland

Fighting for responsible growth, transparent leadership, and a stronger Richland County. Join the movement.

Check Voter Registration — scvotes.gov
Donate Now See the Platform
Jim Reese — Republican Candidate for Richland County Council District 1

Countdown to the Campaign Cookout

Jim's Backyard Cookout — April 18th, 6:30 PM

--Days
--Hours
--Mins
--Secs
The Platform

A Vision for Richland County

Richland County deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers results.

Responsible Growth

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.

Efficient Government

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.

Transparency & Accountability

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
Jim Reese with his family — professional portrait Jim Reese with wife Elisa and four children The Reese family at Forward City Church
About Jim

A Husband, Father & Community Leader

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.gov
From the Campaign Trail

See Jim in Action

Campaign Announcement

Jim officially announces his run for Richland County Council District 1.

Watch on Instagram →

Jim's Vision for District 1

Hear Jim speak about responsible growth and what it means for our communities.

Watch on Instagram →

Community First

Jim talks about why Irmo, Dutch Fork, Ballentine, and Chapin are home for his family.

Watch on Instagram →
News & Updates

Campaign Updates

Featured Coverage
Richland County Council candidates 2026 — The Post and Courier
In the Press

June 8, 2026 • The Post and Courier

Richland County Council Candidates Talk Smart Growth and Public Safety

Jim Reese, the sole Republican candidate for District 1, calls for "responsible growth anchored in tradition" — pushing transparency on development, prioritizing first responders and infrastructure, and pressing hard questions about traffic, schools, stormwater, and long-term community impact before major projects are approved.

Read the Full Article →
Jim Reese officially files for Richland County Council District 1
Campaign News

March 2026

Jim Reese Announces Campaign for Richland County Council District 1

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 →
Richland County Council candidates 2026 — The Post and Courier
In the Press

April 2026 • The Post and Courier

Jim Reese Featured in The Post and Courier

Jim Reese is among the Richland County Council candidates profiled by The Post and Courier ahead of the 2026 election. Read where he stands on growth, taxes, and the priorities of District 1 families.

Read the Full Article →
Person casting a ballot on Election Day
Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Statewide Primary Election Day — Go Vote!

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 →
Show Your Support

Request a Free Sign or Sticker

Help us spread the word across Irmo, Dutch Fork, Ballentine, and Chapin.

Yard Sign

Yard Sign

Put a sign in your yard and show your support. We'll deliver right to your door — free of charge.

Request a Sign
Bumper Sticker

Bumper Sticker

Take the campaign on the road. Request a free "Reese for Richland" bumper sticker today.

Request a Sticker
Campaign Button

Campaign Button

Pin your support. Request a free "Reese for Richland" campaign button to wear and share.

Request a Button
Hand Out Cards

Hand Out Cards

Share Jim's story door to door. Request palm cards to hand out in your neighborhood.

Request Cards
Get Involved

Join the Team

Whether you can donate, volunteer, plant a sign, or just spread the word — every bit helps win District 1.

Donate

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 Now

Volunteer

Fill 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 Team

Follow & Share

Follow Jim on Facebook and Instagram. Like, comment, and share to help us reach more people across Irmo, Dutch Fork, Ballentine, and Chapin.

Facebook Instagram
Your District

Are You in District 1?

Confirm you're in Richland County Council District 1 and make sure you're registered to vote.

District 1 Communities

Irmo, Dutch Fork, Chapin & Beyond

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.

Irmo Dutch Fork Ballentine Chapin
Where is District 1? Situated between the Broad River and Lake Murray — Irmo, Ballentine, Dutch Fork, and Chapin

Not sure if you're in District 1? Check your voter registration or find your polling place.

Check at scvotes.gov
Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We've Got Answers.

District 1 covers the communities of Irmo, Dutch Fork, Ballentine, and Chapin. You can confirm your district and check your voter registration at scvotes.gov. If you're not sure, that's the place to find out.
The Republican primary is Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The general election is in November 2026 (date TBD). Mark your calendar, get registered, and make sure your friends and neighbors in District 1 do too!
We'd love to get a sign in your yard! Fill out our request form and we'll get one to you. Signs help the campaign reach more neighbors and show community strength.
Thank you for your generosity! Even $20 goes a long way — that's about what one big campaign roadside sign costs. Donate securely here. Every contribution makes a real difference for our community.
We need door-knockers, sign-planters, event helpers, and more! Fill out the Join the Team form and we'll plug you in. Your time is one of the most valuable contributions you can make to this campaign.
Jim's Backyard Campaign Cookout is April 18th from 6:30–8:30 PM. Kids and families welcome! Sign up here. Follow Jim on Facebook and Instagram for more event announcements.
The Richland County Council is the legislative body for Richland County. Council members represent their districts, approve the county budget, set policy on zoning and land use, oversee county services, and advocate for their communities. District 1 deserves a representative who lives here, knows the community, and will fight for it every day.