Darrell “DJ” Jackson, Jr. announced that he has filed to run for the Richland County Council District 11 seat in the June Democratic primary.
Jackson said he is running for his first term in public office because “this community is home. It’s the place that shaped my values and my commitment to service.”
District 11 is currently represented by Richland County Councilwoman Chakisse Newton, who has chosen not to run for a third term.
“District 11 is growing rapidly, and we must be intentional about how we guide that growth,” Jackson said. “We need thoughtful leadership that improves infrastructure and traffic flow, strengthens public safety, supports economic development in our rural communities, and ensures our seniors can age with dignity in the communities they helped build.”
Jackson’s top issues include:
– Managing growth while preserving Lower Richland’s character
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Rural economic development that improves the quality of life and creates opportunities for individuals and families to prosper
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Smart growth for traffic
and transportation infrastructure
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Building strong and safe communities
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A practical and compassionate approach to homelessness
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Supporting seniors to age in place
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Regional cooperation for a better future
Darrell “DJ” Jackson is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. He also holds a master’s degree in business management from Webster University and is a graduate of George Washington University’s Certified Public Management Program and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from George Washington University.
Jackson has over 15 years of experience in public administration, public relations, media relations, and social program management. Before being appointed COO of the Bible Way Church of Atlas Road and Executive Director of the Midlands Community Development Corporation (MCDC), Jackson worked in Washington, DC, and Atlanta, Georgia. “Like many people, I left for a season to gain experience and broaden my perspective. Through my work with local governments such as Fulton County, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., I had the opportunity to see firsthand how strong leadership, thoughtful planning, and collaboration can move communities forward.” According to Jackson, those experiences helped him better understand how local governments address challenges like infrastructure, housing, economic development, and public safety.
DJ Jackson served as Acting Deputy Director of Fulton County’s Aging and Youth Services Department (AYSD) in Atlanta. In this role, he managed the daily operations of Fulton County’s human services. Jackson has also served as the director of Communications and External Affairs for the District of Columbia’s Mayor’s Office on Aging (DCOA), the Communications Director for Council Member Kenyan McDuffie (D – Ward 5), and the media director for The Caraway Group, Inc., overseeing all media and public relations projects for the agency’s clients and developing strategic crisis communication plans for clients such as Microsoft, AT&T, ColorOfChange, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation.
Currently, DJ Jackson serves on the Columbia Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, where he chairs the Development Committee, and on the Eastfair Neighborhood Association, where he served as President 2020-2025. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
“Since returning home, I’ve worked tirelessly in the community, partnering with organizations and initiatives that focus on strengthening neighborhoods, supporting seniors, and creating opportunities for people to thrive. That work has reinforced my belief that when communities come together with a shared vision, real progress is possible,” Jackson said. “I left to gain experience. I came home to serve. And now, I’m ready to lead!”
Darrell Jackson Jr. is the son of Senator Darrell and Willie Mae Jackson.
For more information, contact Darrell “DJ” Jackson at 803.730.5941.
