FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

My mother taught me to lead with grace, stand firm in truth, and to give love, especially when it’s hard. She taught me that service isn’t about the spotlight. It’s about the work – the real, sometimes quiet, work of showing up for others, no matter what.

Which is why I have always believed that oaths, well, they mean something.

And, as an elected representative of the community, you take one. It’s a signal that let’s everyone around you know that you hold yourself to the highest standard possible.

In our family that standard is woven like a tapestry. They weave the threads from Matthew 25’s “…Whatsoever you do for the least of these; you do unto me.”  

Threads that allow my two beautiful girls to understand that they are born with a duty that requires them to ALWAYS treat others the way they want to be treated. 

It is the Golden Rule after all.

It is those continuing threads – that deep understanding of also knowing that during their lifetime, as I have experienced in mine, that they to will experience racism and inequity. Both blatant and underlying. That when other’s privilege presents a hurdle that they must constantly leap over – that they will showcase excellence and unmatched bravery. 

Over the past few days, things have been said about me, about my campaign, and the people who support me that are not true. Let me be crystal clear: I condemn racism, bigotry, and hate in all forms. Full stop. Those words and those actions have no place in either campaign, in our community, or in the city we all love.

But I also know that moments like this are tests – tests of character, faith, and focus. And I refuse to lose sight of what matters most: building a city that works for all of us – that works for you.

So to my daughters, Kennedy and Olivia, I want you to know that public service is sacred. It is not about power, it’s about purpose. It’s about treating people with the same dignity and respect that you would want for yourselves. It’s about standing tall when it would be easy to stay silent. It’s about showing grace when the world presents noise.

You are growing up in a world that doesn’t always play fair, but you will always have the choice to respond with kindness, with courage, and with conviction. That’s what I hope to model for you and for every child seeing what leadership looks like.

As civil servants, as a duly elected ambassador, our actions are bigger than us, they directly reflect the people we serve. It is our responsibility to remember the true weight of the office we seek to hold. It is also our duty to make sure that we uphold the high standards our community members expect from us, and more.  

I’m running for City Council At-Large because I believe in this city – in our neighborhoods, in our people, and in the belief that Columbia can lead with unity, not division. I’ve spent my life giving back to the city that helped raise me, serving on boards that support small businesses, mentoring young people, and working alongside neighbors to make Columbia stronger.

My record is one of collaboration, not confrontation or condemation. I’ve built partnerships that have brought real opportunity, housing, and investment to every corner of our community. Because progress should never be partisan – it should be personal.

What Columbia deserves is a public servant who lifts people up. Who unites communities, not divides them. Someone who understands that leadership isn’t about looking for ways to promote yourself; it’s about finding ways to truly serve others.

To every single person watching this race: don’t let moments like this make you cynical about public service. Let them fuel you. Let them remind you exactly why character matters; why truth matters.

Columbia, we are more than this moment. In a city represented by every race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and identity, it is important for us to never loose sight of what’s at stake: safer neighborhoods, better, more affordable housing opportunities, and continued growth opportunities.

So let’s turn down the noise and turn toward each other. Let’s finish what we started, together.

Make your voice heard. Get out and vote!

With gratitude and resolve,

Sam Johnson
Candidate, Columbia City Council At-Large