Molder secures second term as Columbia Mayor over challenger Matthews

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder took the proverbial "victory lap" after securing his second term in office following Tuesday's General Election, according to Maury County Election Office final unofficial results.

Molder maintained a steady lead in the nonpartisan election as precinct totals were counted throughout the night.

Early voting numbers, which included about 20% of registered Maury County voters, showed Molder taking an early lead with 3,553 votes over his opponent, former Columbia City Councilwoman Debbie Matthews, who drew 2,280 votes. In the end, Molder's numbers from all 22 Maury County precincts garnered 6,107 votes versus Matthews' 4,353 votes, or approximately 58.2% versus 41.5% respectively.

Overall, Tuesday's election resulted in 29,883 votes, or about 43% of Maury County's 69,714 registered voters. The totals do not include provisional ballots.

"During the election, I think people are focused on selecting a mayor that can bring people together, even if we have different opinions," Molder said on Election Day as he visited First Family Baptist Church of Columbia precinct. "That's what I've been hearing. There are plenty of issues that can bring unity."

Columbia native Matthews, who ended her day at the same poll, said she was moved by the "graciousness and kindness" of voters during her campaign, while door-knocking and talking with voters at the polls. Throughout her campaign, Matthews fiercely focused on the importance of managing growth, retaining emergency personnel and preserving Columbia's character, while unapologetically leaning on Republican, conservative values.

Molder rang in his victory Tuesday night with friends, family and his fellow supporters at The Mulehouse, where the newly-elected mayor delivered a speech, and later topped off the night with a celebratory balloon drop.

Molder's speech initially focused on what he believes is the proper approach to local city politics, which he said isn't about partisanship or which side of the fence a potential voter might stand on, but about the community as a whole.

"And now is the right time to put the city's best foot forward," Molder said.

"We needed to set an example, and tonight we showed the world that common sense, decency and positivity can still rule the day in politics. This campaign was about our future, looking forward, about building on the last four years, but playing on the next four years. Columbia voters sent a message tonight that we are a city on the move, and that with our momentum we have what it takes to unite this community."

Molder later thanked everyone involved with his campaign, the ones who put in the long hours of contacting constituents, placing signs in yards and getting the word out about the importance of citizens participating in local elections.

"This was something bigger than just me or you, but about our community and uniting it with positivity. This win is not about me, but about the city of Columbia," Molder said.

Molder also recognized incoming Vice Mayor Randy McBroom, who defeated his opponent Bryant Jackson, as well as the lasting legacy of outgoing Vice Mayor Christa Martin, who is leaving office after serving 30 years on Columbia City Council.

"Christa has been with me on this from the very beginning, and never hesitated, never flinched, because she knew the stakes were high in this election and that it would require hard work," Molder said. "Tonight, we know that there has been no better public servant in the city of Columbia than Christa Martin."

Finally, Molder addressed all of the children in attendance, asking them to "take in this moment," because many of his supporters on the campaign trail were young people, who helped in various aspects as handing out yard signs to waving at cars along Tradewinds Drive and getting a hands-on experience in what it's like to run for election.

"In life, all you have is your word, your friends and your community, and I want you to remember that I will always, always have your back," Molder said.

"As I look out in this room, I see so many people who worked tirelessly to make this place better, who don't need the title of public office. More importantly, I see opportunity, faces in this crowd who can and should join the cause to make Columbia better. I see future council members, school board members and, yes, even future mayors. I would challenge all of you to take pride in your community by engaging in your community."

Kerri Bartlett contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Columbia, TN Mayor's race results