ONTARIO — A new mayor is in town, and his name is Josh Bradley.
Bradley, a Republican, and Democrat Cody Zeigler each made their case to lead a community they said has been steadily growing and changing over the years.
According to unofficial results from the Richland County Board of Elections, Bradley received 1,004 votes compared to 394 votes for Zeigler.
Voter turnout, according to the Richland County Board of Elections, was 18.04 percent of registered voters in Ontario.
Bradley will serve a four-year term and earn $56,650 annually. The next mayor will succeed Mayor Kris Knapp, who was appointed in 2024.
‘Ontario’s strength comes from its people’
Humbling and exciting all at once, is how Bradley described his election.
“It is hard to put into words,” he said. “Ontario is my home. Being chosen to serve as mayor is something I do not take lightly.”
Bradley said he plans to listen first — arranging meetings with department heads, council members and community partners to align goals and strengthen collaboration.
His family tops the list of thank-you’s, he said — his wife, Amy, their kids and his parents, who have given him their full support.
“I have such a wonderful supporting cast,” Bradley added. “They have been beside me every step of the way.”
Bradley also thanked the many volunteers who gave up weekends and evenings to help with his campaign.
“And of course, every resident who took the time to get involved,” he said. “They are the reason I ran.”
Bradley is looking forward to working with residents, businesses and city employeesto keep Ontario moving in the right direction.
“I truly believe Ontario’s strength comes from its people,” he said.
Who is Josh Bradley?
Bradley, 43, is an Ontario resident and graduate of Ontario High School.
He served 24 years as a first responder and gained additional experience on Ontario City Council.
In 2020, Bradley started a term as 4th Ward councilman and won re-election in 2023. He currently chairs the Economic Development Committee and serves on the Safety and Finance committees.
Bradley previously told Richland Source he made the decision to run for mayor because he believes Ontario’s residents should shape the city’s future.
He said he has a proven record of turning community input into action with the Comprehensive Plan. He added the ideas came directly from community surveys to ensure residents had a voice in the process.
“Keeping residents at the center of decision-making is a priority,” he said.
“This is all about serving the community, managing growth responsibly and making sure Ontario stays a great place to live and raise a family,” he said.
Zeigler gives kind words for Bradley
“I really do wish him the best because him being successful helps all of us in Ontario,” Zeigler said.
While the results weren’t what he had hoped for, Zeigler said the experience and opportunity to put himself out there has been life-changing.
“I would like to thank my family, friends, the Democratic Party, my campaign manager Venita Shoulders and treasurer Brenda Brooks,” he said. “They believed in me from the start and were supportive through the entire journey.”