Ja'maal Mosely (Blythewood Town Council At-large, South Carolina, candidate 2025)
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Ja'maal Mosely ran for election to the Blythewood Town Council At-large in South Carolina. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]
Mosely completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Ja'maal Mosely provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 12, 2025:
- Birth date: August 16, 1977
- Birth place: Columbia, South Carolina
- High school: A.C. Flora High School
- Associate: Community College of the Air Force
- Bachelor's: American Military University
- Military service: United States Air Force, 2014
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Spiritual
- Profession: Military
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Blythewood First, Always Forward
- Campaign website
- Campaign Facebook
Elections
General election
General election for Blythewood Town Council At-large
The following candidates ran in the general election for Blythewood Town Council At-large on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
| Patricia Davis Hovis (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Rich McKenrick (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Corey Mitchell (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Ja'maal Mosely (Nonpartisan)  | |
| Marcus Taylor (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Roberta Young (Nonpartisan) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Mosely in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Ja'maal Mosely completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mosely's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Ja’maal Mosely is a dedicated public servant, community advocate, and U.S. Air National Guard veteran running for Blythewood Town Council. A lifelong South Carolinian, Mosely has served his country as a CBRN Subject Matter Expert and Trainer on South Carolina's WMD Civil Support Team, where he developed a reputation for strategic thinking, teamwork, and leadership under pressure.
Locally, he serves as Chairman of the Blythewood Planning Commission, where he is known for asking tough questions, respecting every speaker, and making fair, data-driven decisions in the best interest of residents. His campaign for Town Council is rooted in restoring respect, improving safety, and ensuring responsible growth that prioritizes infrastructure before overdevelopment.
Mosely believes leadership is about service, not status. He has spent years organizing community events, mentoring youth and veterans, and leading a nonprofit—Reel Heroes Fishing, a veteran-led organization promoting mental wellness and outdoor education through fishing.
His vision for Blythewood centers on safer roads, stronger neighborhoods, and a thriving local economy that keeps dollars in town. With a blend of military discipline, civic experience, and neighborly compassion, Mosely is committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and action—building a Blythewood that works for everyone.
www.BlythewoodForward.com- Safe Roads, Smart Growth Blythewood’s growth must be responsible, not reckless. Mosely believes roads and infrastructure should be fixed before approving more neighborhoods. Safety around schools and neighborhoods comes first. Every development decision must consider traffic impact, emergency response access, and quality of life for existing residents.
- Keep Dollars Local Blythewood deserves more local retail, dining, and small business opportunities—so residents don’t have to drive to Columbia for everything. Mosely supports attracting the right kind of business growth that aligns with Blythewood’s character while keeping our dollars circulating within the local economy to strengthen schools, parks, and services.
- Restore Respect and Accountability in Leadership Mosely stands for straightforward, respectful leadership that puts people before politics. As a Planning Commission Chairman and veteran, he leads with discipline and fairness—listening to residents, respecting differing opinions, and making decisions based on facts, not favoritism. His campaign embodies a simple promise: “Service over status—leadership with integrity.”
I am passionate about local hiring, public safety, conservation, and community connection. I supports policies that prioritize local workers and businesses for town projects, helping keep dollars in Blythewood. A strong advocate for safe roads, reliable infrastructure, and effective drainage, it is my belief that safety begins with responsible planning.
As an outdoorsman and nonprofit founder, Mosely champions greenspace preservation and clean waterways so families can enjoy outdoor events with confidence. His mission is to build a safe, respectful, and engaged community where every resident feels proud to live, work, and gather.
As an outdoorsman and nonprofit founder, Mosely champions greenspace preservation and clean waterways so families can enjoy outdoor events with confidence. His mission is to build a safe, respectful, and engaged community where every resident feels proud to live, work, and gather.
The Blythewood Town Council plays a unique and vital role in shaping the daily life of residents. Unlike higher levels of government, this office is closest to the people—where decisions about roads, zoning, development, safety, and community spaces are made. Council members help set the direction for growth, ensuring that policies reflect the town’s values and protect its character. The position carries the responsibility of balancing progress with preservation, enforcing local ordinances, approving budgets, and guiding how public resources are used. In short, the Town Council is where state laws meet local action, making it the most immediate and impactful layer of government for the citizens it serves.
I’ve always looked up to people who embodied strength, purpose, and conviction. As a child, my heroes were Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee—fearless men who combined mastery of their craft with discipline, confidence, and deep thought. But just as influential were my uncles, who were veterans and blue-collar workers. They showed me that real greatness is measured by work ethic, humility, and how you treat people.
I also draw inspiration from the men and women in my community who mentored me to think beyond myself—to serve, to stand up for others, and to stay connected to where I come from. Their examples shaped my belief that leadership is about courage, consistency, and compassion—the kind of steady influence that lifts everyone around you.
I also draw inspiration from the men and women in my community who mentored me to think beyond myself—to serve, to stand up for others, and to stay connected to where I come from. Their examples shaped my belief that leadership is about courage, consistency, and compassion—the kind of steady influence that lifts everyone around you.
The most important characteristics for an elected official are humility, integrity, and accountability. True leadership is rooted in service, not status—listening before speaking, and acting with respect for every resident, even in disagreement. Humility keeps an official grounded and connected to the people they serve, while hubris leads to division and poor judgment. An effective leader values collaboration over ego, seeks truth over popularity, and remains focused on doing what’s right for the community, not what’s convenient for politics.
The core responsibilities of a Town Council member are to provide fair-minded leadership, accountability, and service. That means offering straight answers, open choices, and no hidden agendas while making decisions rooted in fairness and facts. It means having the courage to stand with the people, even when it’s not popular, and the discipline to act with consistency and respect. Most importantly, it means being a servant leader—working with you, for you, every day—to ensure Blythewood grows safely, responsibly, and with its residents at heart.
I want my legacy to be one of service, integrity, and impact—a reminder that leadership is about what you give, not what you gain. I hope to leave behind a Blythewood that’s safer, stronger, and more connected because I cared enough to listen, act, and lead with intention.
Whether through my work in uniform, on the Planning Commission, or in the community, I want people to remember that I stood for fairness, accountability, and opportunity for all. My goal is to inspire others—especially the next generation—to serve with purpose, to protect what makes our town special, and to build something lasting together. If, years from now, Blythewood is a better place to live, work, and raise a family, then my service will have meant something.
Whether through my work in uniform, on the Planning Commission, or in the community, I want people to remember that I stood for fairness, accountability, and opportunity for all. My goal is to inspire others—especially the next generation—to serve with purpose, to protect what makes our town special, and to build something lasting together. If, years from now, Blythewood is a better place to live, work, and raise a family, then my service will have meant something.
The first major historical event I remember was the Challenger explosion in 1986. I was in third grade, sitting in my classroom at the original F.W. Bradley Elementary School. Growing up in Barhamville-Kendalltown—the community that produced Astronaut Charles W. Bolden—I was fascinated by space travel and proud of our local connection to the stars. This particular shuttle mission was inspiring because it would carry the first grade school teacher into space. But that excitement quickly turned to shock and disbelief as the Challenger broke apart before our eyes. The room fell silent. Some classmates even ran outside, convinced they could see smoke in the sky. It was a moment of collective heartbreak shared by children across the nation.
My very first job was at a screen-printing shop when I was 13 years old. That’s where I learned how to take my hand-drawn designs, cut them into film, burn screens, and press apparel—skills that sparked my lifelong appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship. I worked there for about a summer before moving on to my next job as a bagger at the Kroger on Forest Drive. I’m still in touch with the screen-printing shop owner today, a reminder of the strong hometown connections and lasting relationships that continue to shape who I am.
My favorite book is Mastery by Robert Greene. It’s a powerful exploration of how purpose, discipline, and self-awareness lead to greatness—not through shortcuts, but through dedication and lifelong learning. The book resonates deeply with me because it mirrors my own philosophy: that true leadership and personal excellence come from consistent effort, humility, and the willingness to evolve.
Mastery reminds me that every experience—whether success or setback—is part of the process of becoming who you’re meant to be. It’s not just a book about achievement; it’s a blueprint for growth, patience, and the quiet strength that defines real mastery in life and leadership.
Mastery reminds me that every experience—whether success or setback—is part of the process of becoming who you’re meant to be. It’s not just a book about achievement; it’s a blueprint for growth, patience, and the quiet strength that defines real mastery in life and leadership.
If I could be any fictional character, I would be Santiago from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. His journey represents the search for purpose, faith, and self-discovery—values that mirror my own path in life. Santiago learns that the real treasure isn’t found at the destination, but within the journey itself—the lessons, the people, and the transformation along the way.
I relate to his perseverance, his courage to follow intuition even when others doubt him, and his belief that every challenge carries meaning. Like Santiago, I strive to live with intention, stay grounded in faith, and trust that every step—no matter how uncertain—is guiding me toward my higher purpose.
I relate to his perseverance, his courage to follow intuition even when others doubt him, and his belief that every challenge carries meaning. Like Santiago, I strive to live with intention, stay grounded in faith, and trust that every step—no matter how uncertain—is guiding me toward my higher purpose.
I struggle—and manage well—with PTSD. It’s a part of my life shaped by years of service and experiences that tested my limits mentally and emotionally. While it’s been one of my greatest challenges, it’s also been one of my greatest teachers. It’s taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of mental wellness—especially for veterans and first responders.
Living with PTSD has strengthened my resolve to help others find balance, healing, and purpose. It reminds me daily that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance, honesty, and the courage to keep showing up—for yourself, your family, and your community.
Living with PTSD has strengthened my resolve to help others find balance, healing, and purpose. It reminds me daily that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance, honesty, and the courage to keep showing up—for yourself, your family, and your community.
With Blythewood’s new Council-led form of government, this is a historic moment in how our town operates and makes decisions. Many residents may not realize that this change gives the Town Council greater authority and responsibility over growth, infrastructure, and community priorities.
This new structure demands a different kind of leadership—one that isn’t loud, but deliberate. It requires influence that moves with intention, not impulse, and a steady hand capable of balancing progress with preservation. Council members now play a direct role in shaping Blythewood’s future, ensuring decisions reflect the town’s values, protect its character, and serve the people who call it home.
This new structure demands a different kind of leadership—one that isn’t loud, but deliberate. It requires influence that moves with intention, not impulse, and a steady hand capable of balancing progress with preservation. Council members now play a direct role in shaping Blythewood’s future, ensuring decisions reflect the town’s values, protect its character, and serve the people who call it home.
I believe it is beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience serving on at least one of the Town’s local boards or commissions. That experience provides valuable insight into how our local government functions, how ordinances are applied, and how decisions impact residents and businesses. Serving in those roles helps future council members understand the importance of due process, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that decisions are informed, balanced, and made in the best interest of the community.
The most helpful skills for this office are leadership, discipline, foresight, and a deep understanding of community development—qualities I’ve demonstrated throughout my service.
As Chairman of the Blythewood Planning Commission, I’ve guided smart growth while protecting the town’s character. As a veteran and Homeland Security professional, I bring strategic thinking, calm under pressure, and years of experience safeguarding communities. And as a community advocate, I’ve stood for fairness, accountability, and stronger neighborhoods.
I am already doing the work—and ready to do more.
The Blythewood Town Council holds a unique and vital position in local government because it stands at the crossroads of preserving small-town character and managing the realities of rapid growth. Few offices have such a direct impact on daily life—shaping how neighborhoods develop, how roads and infrastructure evolve, and how community identity is maintained amid change.
This council’s role is to balance progress with preservation—to welcome new industry and opportunity while protecting what makes Blythewood special. As growth accelerates, council members must guide it with strategy, readiness, and respect for the town’s history and people. The strength of this office lies in its ability to ensure that Blythewood’s future remains rooted in the same neighborly values that built it.
This council’s role is to balance progress with preservation—to welcome new industry and opportunity while protecting what makes Blythewood special. As growth accelerates, council members must guide it with strategy, readiness, and respect for the town’s history and people. The strength of this office lies in its ability to ensure that Blythewood’s future remains rooted in the same neighborly values that built it.
Before my appointment to the Planning Commission, one of my mentors told me his best friend lived in Blythewood and insisted we meet. That introduction changed everything. His friend—a lifelong Blythewood resident—took me on a drive through the entire 29016 area, sharing his family’s deep roots in the town, dating back to before the Civil War. As we rode, he told stories behind the street names, the people, and the legacy of the community. His pride in Blythewood was unmistakable, as was his concern for its future.
I told him then that I wanted to serve on a local board or committee to help preserve the character and beauty that make this place feel like home. Not long after, I was appointed to the Planning Commission by Mayor Bryan Franklin. My mentor passed away after my first year of service, but his friend and I are still close—and that conversation remains one of the most meaningful experiences that strengthened my commitment to Blythewood and its people.
I told him then that I wanted to serve on a local board or committee to help preserve the character and beauty that make this place feel like home. Not long after, I was appointed to the Planning Commission by Mayor Bryan Franklin. My mentor passed away after my first year of service, but his friend and I are still close—and that conversation remains one of the most meaningful experiences that strengthened my commitment to Blythewood and its people.
I’m deeply proud to serve our country—a responsibility that continues to shape my character, discipline, and sense of duty. Serving has taught me the true meaning of leadership, sacrifice, and teamwork, and it reminds me every day of the importance of protecting and uplifting the communities we call home.
Equally, I’m most proud of my family and children. They are my greatest motivation and my grounding force. Everything I do—whether in uniform, on the Planning Commission, or in the community—is driven by my desire to set an example for them: that service, integrity, and compassion are the truest measures of success.
Equally, I’m most proud of my family and children. They are my greatest motivation and my grounding force. Everything I do—whether in uniform, on the Planning Commission, or in the community—is driven by my desire to set an example for them: that service, integrity, and compassion are the truest measures of success.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
