While much of the attention is placed on the upcoming November election, at least one local resident already has his sights set on a mayoral run in 2021.

Monroe County Coroner Bob Hill announced Friday morning that he is tossing his hat into the ring for the office of Columbia mayor.

“I have thrown around the idea of running for mayor for the past couple of years and I feel the time is right to seek this position,” Hill stated in a Friday morning Facebook post. “I was born and raised here and I’m Columbia proud!”

The 1994 Columbia High School graduate added that he would continue to serve as coroner should he win the race for mayor on April 6, 2021.

Hill, a Republican, said he would strongly support the local schools and law enforcement as part of his mayoral campaign.

“Our schools and law enforcement are the best in the area and I will continue to support both with everything I have,” Hill said. “No defunding or reduction of budget will happen in this city if I’m mayor.”

Hill confirmed his mayoral run with the Republic-Times on Monday. 

“I will be releasing more information in the next couple of months as to why I want to run and things I would like to see for Columbia,” he told the paper.

Hill has been a Monroe County Republican precinct committeeman and served as a deputy coroner for several years prior to his election as coroner in November 2016, succeeding Vicki Koerber as she won a seat on the Monroe County Board.

Hill is seeking re-election as coroner this fall and is currently unopposed.

Those considering candidacy for local municipal and school board positions will begin circulating petitions beginning in September with official filing not until mid-December.

The current mayor of Columbia, Kevin Hutchinson, who has served in that role for the past 15 years, has not yet announced his intentions for 2021. 

Hutchinson did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

There is at least one other potential candidate for Columbia mayor in 2021, with announcements expected as the date for petition pick-up draws closer.