ONTARIO — Ontario’s 4th Ward councilman Josh Bradley has secured his spot on the Republic ticket in the race for the city’s mayor.
Bradley bested two other candidates, Mayor Kris Knapp and at-large councilman Troy Sapp, in Tuesday’s primary race. He will face off against Democrat Cody Zeigler in the November general election.
Just over 15 percent of eligible voters in the city weighed in on the issue, with more than 53.7 percent (397 votes) casting a vote for Bradley, according to final, unofficial vote totals from the Richland County Board of Elections.
Knapp received 34.6 percent of the vote (256 votes), while Sapp received the remaining 11.6 percent (86 votes), per the board of elections.
Bradley said he was humbled by the result and grateful for the community’s support.
“Every step of this campaign has been about listening, whether it’s about events or on the sidewalks, just in casual conversations,” Bradley said.
“I just want the citizens of Ontario to know that I hear them. I’ve heard about what they think is working, what they think is missing and what we need to do to improve the city of Ontario.”
Bradley, 43, has served as 4th Ward councilwoman since in 2020. He has spent the last 24 years working as a firefighter and paramedic with the Springfield Township Fire Department.
Bradley was re-elected to his council seat in November 2023, to a term expiring at the end of 2027. His replacement on council will be chosen by the Republican Central Committee.
Knapp: “I respect the voters”
November will mark the first contested mayoral election in Ontario since former Mayor Randy Hutchinson was elected in 2013.
Knapp, 56, was appointed to Hutchinson’s term in July 2024. His appointed term runs through the end of 2025.
Knapp said he’s looking forward to continuing as the city’s leader for the next eight months.
“We still have a lot of great things that are happening in the city,” he said.
Knapp said he’s grateful for the support of his family, friends and the public officials who endorsed him.
“I also want to thank the Republican party for appointing me,” Knapp said.
“The support I had was tremendous and I respect the voters. My only disappointment was the turnout.”
Sapp, 39, has served on Ontario City Council since 2021. His term expires at the end of 2025.
“Obviously it’s not the outcome we were hoping for, but the voters spoke,” Sapp said.
The at-large councilman said he hopes to be able to run to retain his seat in the November election and possibly run for mayor again someday.
“I learned a lot during this time,” Sapp said.