Leadership should start with listening.
"I'm running because every resident of District 11 deserves to be seen, heard, and represented. Leadership should not happen behind closed doors. It should start with listening, continue with transparency, and result in action people can feel in their daily lives."
"I have spent my career helping students, families, and communities build pathways to success. Now I'm ready to bring that same servant leadership to Richland County Council."
Read James's Story
Four promises to District 11
The values that guide how James will serve — every meeting, every vote, every neighborhood.
Integrity
Honest, transparent leadership that earns and protects the public's trust.
See the priority ›Engagement
Real opportunities for residents to be heard, respected, and included in decisions.
See the priority ›Accountability
Clear commitments, follow-through, responsiveness, and measurable progress.
See the priority ›Results
Turning ideas into action that improves quality of life across District 11.
See the priorities ›
A life dedicated to opportunity
Dr. James M. Thompson I is a lifelong Richland County resident, educator, leader, advocate, ordained minister, husband, and father. His career has been dedicated to helping people access opportunity — from classrooms to college readiness programs to workforce development.
He began his career as a science teacher, later led a federally funded $3 million GEAR-UP program, served as an assistant principal in Richland County School District One, worked in higher education as a professor and academic dean, and currently serves in workforce development with the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
Learn More About JamesPriorities for District 11
Practical priorities connected to the real concerns of District 11 neighborhoods.
Economic Opportunity & Workforce Development
Connecting residents to training, jobs, small business growth, and pathways to long-term stability.
Learn more ›Strong Communities & Safe Neighborhoods
Community-informed approaches to public safety, youth opportunity, and neighborhood quality of life.
Learn more ›Education-to-Career Pathways
Partnerships that help students, families, and workers prepare for college, careers, and local opportunity.
Learn more ›Transparent & Ethical Leadership
Making county government more responsive, accessible, and accountable to residents.
Learn more ›Infrastructure & Quality of Life
Listening to neighborhood concerns about roads, drainage, growth, public spaces, and essential services.
Learn more ›Every Voice Heard
Regular listening sessions, town halls, surveys, and community updates so residents can participate.
Learn more ›Trusted by Neighbors. Rooted in Service.
Educators, parents, faith leaders, small business owners, and neighborhood advocates across District 11.
"James listens first, leads with integrity, and follows through. He understands families, schools, and the needs of our community."
"He has spent his whole career opening doors for students and workers. That's exactly the kind of leadership the county needs."
"A servant leader in the truest sense — grounded in faith, family, and a real commitment to this community."
This campaign is powered by people like you
Pick a way to help — every action moves District 11 forward.
Donate
Fuel literature, signs, and voter outreach.
Volunteer
Knock doors, make calls, help at events.
Request a Yard Sign
Show your support across District 11.
Host a Meet & Greet
Introduce James to your neighbors.
Subscribe for updates & ways to help
Prepare to Vote in the Election
Mark these dates and make your plan to be heard. Every voice counts in District 11.
Tuesday, June 9
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
May 8, 2026
by 5:00 PM
May 26, 2026
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
May 29, 2026
by 5:00 PM
June 7, 2026
by 5:00 PM
Help us reach every voter in District 11
This is a grassroots, people-powered campaign. Your contribution helps print literature, host community events, place yard signs, and share James's message of honest, transparent, results-driven leadership.
Secure contributions are processed through ActBlue. Paid for by Friends of Dr. James M. Thompson I for District 11 Campaign. Contributions are not tax-deductible.