Vera Elwood has won the special election to represent Columbia’s Second Ward on the City Council, defeating Ken Rice with 56.6% of the vote, or 1,480 ballots.

This election was brought on by the resignation of former Councilwoman Lisa Meyer in a closely watched race.

Elwood, a longtime librarian and community advocate, campaigned under the theme “A Columbia for All,” with priorities including full staffing of city departments, better public infrastructure, and safer, more accessible streets.

Her grassroots outreach and commitment to transparency won her wide-ranging support from labor unions, former council members, state representatives, and firefighters.

Rice, chief operating officer at Pickleman’s Franchising, emphasized public safety and increasing resident input, gaining endorsement from Meyer.

With an above-expected 12.58% voter turnout, Elwood’s victory signals a shift to more inclusive, community-focused leadership for Ward 2.