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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Brian DeQuincey Newman will become the city of Columbia's next councilman to represent District II.

Newman beat out Harold "Puff" Howard in Tuesday's runoff election by more than 100 votes.

According to the Richland County Election Commission, the unofficial final results came back with Newman bringing in 800 votes.  Howard trailed with 669.

The race had been ongoing since and the seat was left vacant in March when former longtime councilman E.W. Cromartie resigned.  Cromartie admitted failing to pay more than $25,000 in federal income taxes and making more than $200,000 in cash deposits and withdrawals just below the IRS minimums for transaction reporting rules.

Newman becomes the first new councilman for the district in 25 years.

Check out our Political Page for related news.