Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Columbia City Councilman Moe Baddourah announced Tuesday he's running for mayor.
Baddourah, who owns Moe's Grapevine, is the first person to announce he'll challenge incumbent Mayor Steve Benjamin in next year's municipal elections.
Baddourah says he'll tout his business experience during the campaign.
"Business experience is a much-needed commodity in government," he said in a statement. "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."
Baddourah currently represents District Three, which incorporates several neighborhoods, including the Rosewood Community. He was elected to the post in 2012.
In his statement announcing his candidacy, Baddourah criticized Benjamin for what Baddourah says was the creating of city positions for campaign aides.
Baddourah also said he would work to prevent violent crime.