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Columbia council appoints Brian McKelvey to Ward 5 seat; one councilor votes no
Summary
Brian McKelvey was appointed to fill the Ward 5 vacancy until the next regular city election in November 2026. McKelvey said he received more than 2,100 votes in a previous run; council approved the appointment with one dissenting vote from a council member.
The City Council appointed Brian McKelvey to fill the Ward 5 council seat at its Jan. 9 meeting. The appointment will last until the next regularly scheduled City of Columbia general election in November 2026, at which point the seat will be on the ballot.
McKelvey addressed the council during the public portion of the item and summarized his community outreach and prior public service: “I come today seeking the appointment of Ward 5. I got over 2,100 votes when I ran in August, and I would appreciate your consideration.” He noted previous service on the county commission and town‑hall meetings he held in the ward.
Council members moved and seconded the appointment and voted to approve it. The roll call recorded one opposing vote; one council member said the nominee had not been elected by his peers when serving on the county commission and therefore opposed the appointment. The council scheduled McKelvey’s swearing‑in for the February meeting.
McKelvey will serve until the November 2026 general election and may run to fill the remaining portion of the term at that time.
