Election Information:This Municipal Election will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Your address indicates you live in the district for this race.To find your Election Day polling location, go to: https://vrems.scvotes.sc.gov/Voter/Login?PageMode=PollingPlaceEARLY VOTING: If you prefer to vote prior to November 4, 2025, you can vote during a two-week early voting period Monday, October 20 through Friday, October 31, except Saturday and Sunday, at the Richland County Voter Registration and Elections Office: 2020 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29204. The early voting center will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.ABSENTEE VOTING: You may be eligible to vote absentee by mail. For details on eligibility and how to submit your request, see this SC Election Commission Voting Absentee page: https://www.scvotes.gov/absentee-voting.Position Description:The City of Columbia has a nonpartisan council-manager form of government, including the mayor and 6 council members who serve 4-year alternating terms. The mayor is elected at-large. The council includes 4 single-member seats and 2 at-large seats. The mayor and council members have equal votes and are responsible for making policy, enacting laws, and appointing the City Manager. To serve as Mayor or Council Member a person must be a resident of the city, at least 18 years of age and registered to vote.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone
803-603-3486
Campaign Email
votejulielumpkin2025@gmail.com
Education
BA, University of South Carolina (USC); MSPH, USC; Business Entrepreneur Certificate, University of NC Kenan-Flagler Business Sch.
Qualifications
Will apply communications, management, market research, conflict resolution skills used in career in public health-environmental services, at state health department (SCDHEC), as program manager, grant-writer, strategic planner. Later, I was writer/editor of environmental assessments and provided pandemic influenza consulting, Coastal Science & Engineering, Columbia SC. 40-year resident of District 4.
I'm running for City Council District 4 because residents, and I as the candidate, want more balanced representation in our city governance. Decisions appear to be made without the full participation of council as a whole and without consideration for neighborhoods and other interested stakeholders; e.g. the creation and announcement of the Recovery Community Center at Hope Plaza was a surprise to many community organizations who should have had input. I will advocate for inclusive deliberative processes on Council, which I believe is one of the primary needs at this time. My presence on Council will bring a moderate, thoughtful, consensus-builder to its leadership.
First, I would do my homework to see where the gaps are in housing programs in Columbia. The City does have several programs in place to assist residents with home ownership, including a city-sponsored loan program and restoration of historic homes to increase available homes on the market. The City also partners with Dream Key, which seeks to transform communities and develop affordable housing. On the other hand, Richland County has the highest eviction filing incidence in the State, numbering over 72,000 between 2020-2025. Records of eviction filings are a huge obstacle to families being re-housed. I support Bill H.4270 which removes an eviction filing record after 6 years. We must seek to ensure employment with a livable income.
Mayor Rickenmann reported a reduction in crime in Columbia in recent years. While this is good news, the type of violence occurring seems to be related to the easy availability of guns. These include car break-ins to steal guns, drive-by shootings in neighborhoods, and murders at outdoor parties and Air B&B's. With the passage of an open carry law in SC, we are sending a message encouraging the presence and use of guns in our community. At minimum, I would partner with law enforcement to hold educational forums on the meaning and impact of this law on our citizens. I would advocate to repeal it. This state law clearly affects Columbia and every community in SC. Despite a strong gun lobby presence, we need to prioritize citizen safety.
As a representative for District 4, I would be proactive in restoring mine and the City's relationship with neighborhoods. Now that the City has launched downtown revitalization projects and developed the Vista and the BullStreet District, it's time to give more attention to the neighborhoods whose citizens support city efforts with their tax dollars. This includes being more responsive to District 4 residents by text, email, and phone, attending neighborhood association meetings, and advocating for neighborhood concerns as a whole as represented by SPAN, Six Policies & Aims for Neighborhoods. SPAN includes reasonable and common sense recommendations to support economic growth while maintaining the character and safety of neighborhoods.
Campaign Phone
8036101714
Campaign Email
Info@mccallforsc.com
Education
MSW
I chose to run for office because I believe Columbia needs leaders who will show up, listen, and take action on the issues that affect everyday people. As a social worker, mother, and business owner, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges families face with housing, safety, and access to resources. I’m stepping up because I want to make sure our city invests in community health, creates real opportunities for growth, and improves the overall quality of life for all residents.
Affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing the city, and it requires a multi-pronged approach. I would work to increase partnerships with local developers and nonprofits to expand the supply of mixed-income and affordable units, while also strengthening protections for renters so families aren’t priced out of their neighborhoods. At the same time, we need to prioritize the upkeep of existing housing stock and expand access to programs that help residents with repairs and maintenance.
I also believe the city should take a leadership role in connecting residents to resources—whether that’s rental assistance, first-time homebuyer support, or workforce development opportunities that help families achieve long-term stability.
Reducing crime means addressing both safety and the root causes behind it. I would invest in community policing that builds trust between officers and neighborhoods, expand youth and workforce programs that give people real opportunities, and strengthen access to mental health and social services. By pairing smart enforcement with prevention and support, we can create safer communities where people feel protected and valued.
Beyond housing and public safety, my priorities are centered on community health, economic growth, and improving quality of life. That means expanding access to health and wellness resources, supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs, and investing in better infrastructure like transportation, parks, and neighborhood services that make daily life easier for families. My goal is to create a city where every resident has the chance to thrive, no matter their background or zip code.
