Daniel Rickenmann


Daniel Rickenmann is an American businessman and politician, serving as the 71st mayor of Columbia, South Carolina.

Early life and education

Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Rickenmann is the son of immigrants from Switzerland. He attended the University of South Carolina in 1987.

Political career

2004 City council election

In 2004, Rickenmann was elected as an at-Large representative for Columbia City Council. He held the position until 2013 when he chose not to run for reelection. He ran again for city council in 2017, winning the election as a representative from Columbia's fourth district.

2021 mayoral election

After confirmation on February 2021 that incumbent Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin would not seek re-election, Rickenmann announced his bid for the office. Other candidates were At-Large Columbia City Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine, attorney Sam Johnson, and former Columbia City Councilman Moe Baddourah. On November 16, 2021, Rickenmann won the runoff election against Isaac Devine with 52% to 48% of the vote. He was sworn in as mayor of Columbia on January 4, 2022.
Rickenmann ranked Number 2 in The Post and Courier Columbia Power List 2023. and 2024. He ranked number 6 on the Post and Courier Columbia's 2025 Power List.
While candidates for the office of mayor in Columbia, South Carolina, are officially non-partisan, Rickenmann is a Republican. Conversely, his opponent in the 2021 election, Tameika Isaac Devine, is a Democrat. Devine was endorsed by former U.S. president Barack Obama and United States [House of Representatives|House Whip] Jim Clyburn. Previously, Columbia had historically voted for Democratic candidates, including Joe Biden for U.S. president by nearly 40 points. Its two previous mayors, Bob Coble and Steve Benjamin, were Democrats.

Endorsements

In June 2023, Rickenmann endorsed Tim Scott in the 2024 [United States presidential election].

2025 Mayoral election

In March 2025, Rickenmann announced his re-election bid for Mayor. He faced challenges from Jessica Thomas and Wade Fulmer Jr., and won re-election on November 4, 2025.

Mayoral race endorsements

Rickenmann was endorsed by The State Newspaper.
Rickenmann and other city officials will be sworn in on January 5, 2026.

Electoral history

CandidateVotes%
Daniel Rickenmann9,39861.53
Jessica S. Thomas4,94332.36
Wade Fulmer Jr.8455.53
Write-in890.58
Total15,275100%

CandidateVotes%
Daniel Rickenmann10,60652
Tameika Isaac Devine9,78948
Total20,395100%

CandidateVotes%
Daniel Rickenmann8,41743.51
Tameika Isaac Devine5,84630.22
Sam Johnson4,71024.35
Moe Baddourah3641.88
Write-in90.05
Total19,346100%