Moe Baddourah to Run Against Columbia Mayor

First-term Columbia city councilman Moe Baddourah announced Tuesday that he's running for Columbia mayor, making him the first challenger to current Mayor Steve Benjamin. 

Baddourah, a 34-year Columbia resident and owner of Moe's Grapevine restaurant, said his business background gives him the experience necessary to lead city government. 

“Business experience is a much-needed commodity in government,” Baddourah said. “Business people often have unique insights, particularly on economic development and on issues facing the business community. And I think business people also bring common sense and innovative problems solving abilities to the table."

The businessman is the first challenger to incumbent Steve Benjamin, who was elected as the first black mayor of Columbia in April 2010.

Baddourah says the biggest difference between himself and Benjamin is his approach to public service.

“My philosophy is simple: I believe public service should be about serving the community and improving the lives of ordinary citizens,” he said. “The people’s interests aren’t well-served when politicians award important jobs to friends or create new government positions for campaign workers.”

Baddourah won the District 3 seat on city council last year in a runoff election, beating Daniel Coble, the son of former Mayor Bob Coble. 

The election for mayor will be in November, after city council voted last year to move city elections from the spring to the fall.