Dr. Aditi Srivastav Bussells, an Indian American public health researcher, last month announced her candidacy for the councilmember-at-large seat on the Columbia, South Carolina, Council.
The seat has been held by Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine for nearly two decades. However, when Mayor Steve Benjamin confirmed he would not seek reelection this year, Devine announced she would run for the mayoral seat, creating a clear pathway for those seeking the at-large seat for the first time in almost 20 years, according to a The State report.
Bussells, 31, is the director of research at the Childrenâs Trust of South Carolina, which focuses on the prevention of child abuse and neglect.