When voters in District 7 head to the polls on Tuesday, they'll have a choice in the Democratic primary between incumbent Gwendolyn Davis Kennedy and challenger Torrey Rush.

The district covers northern Richland County, including Spring Valley.

The winner faces Republican Celestine Parker in November.

Name: Torrey Rush

Age: 34 

Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Current

Prior experience (political/civil/etc): 7 years on County Board of Zoning Appeals 

Family: Wife, Darci Strickland Rush, and 3 girls -- Logan Rush 7, and twins Layla and Lauren Rush, 5 

Education: B.S. Liberty University

Campaign website: www.rushforcouncil.org  

Why are you seeking this office? 

Finding innovative new ways to improve county infrastructure; Working to recruit desirable new industry, and well-paying jobs, to Richland County; Improving our education system by ensuring local schools receive the support they deserve and teachers have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively; Finding a permanent funding solution for the bus system.  

What makes you the best person for the job?

I bring integrity, accountability and selfless leadership to the seat.  

What are the most important issues you would address if elected? 

Finding innovative new ways to improve county infrastructure; working to recruit desirable new industry, and well-paying jobs, to Richland County; Improving our education system by ensuring local schools receive the support they deserve and teachers have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively; Finding a permanent funding solution for the bus system.   

What are some of the repeated concerns you've heard from residents of District 7, and how would propose to address them? 

Everything revolves around quality of life. Whether it is infrastructure, transportation or safety. People need the basics, especially our elderly population. I will fight to ensure the basic needs of the district citizens are met. Also we must find ways to attract commerce to Richland County; I feel that will be critical to future growth.  

Are there any other comments you'd like to make, or would you like to discuss something not raised in our questions?

No, thanks.

Editor's Note: To read the profile of incumbent Council member Gwendolyn Davis Kennedy, click here.