Rob Rain announced on Friday his candidacy for the Spartanburg City Council District 2 seat.
Rain, 34, said he believes strongly in public service and understands the important role City Council plays in shaping the future of the community.
“Spartanburg is experiencing tremendous growth and economic success,” Rain said. “I believe we must continue to build upon this foundation by placing a greater emphasis on recruiting new investment and quality jobs into the city.”
Rain said he would bring a fiscally sound approach to his decisions on City Council, while seeking opportunities to support public education and quality of life enhancements.
“Spartanburg is a city that values partnerships, both to improve the lives of families and to elevate the community as a whole,” Rain added. “If elected, I look forward to working alongside my fellow residents, community organizations and city leadership to build a brighter future.”
Rain is the president of the Industrial Division of Johnson Development Associates, where he is responsible for the sourcing, development, and management of JDA’s industrial projects. Prior to joining JDA, he worked for WJ Partners Portfolio Company, Mobile Communications America, and in private equity for EnCap Investments.
Rain also spent four years as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, leading infantry units in Iraq and Afghanistan. He received a Bronze Star with Valor for actions in multiple enemy engagements in Afghanistan. After completing his time in the military, Rain received a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Rain has served on the Board of Directors of the Spartanburg Area Conservancy (SPACE), the Spartanburg County Technical Advisory Committee for Area Performance Planning, and in various roles at Westminster Presbyterian Church from Usher to the Westminster Master Plan Finance Committee.
He and his wife, Dargan McMaster Rain, have two girls, Beth and Anne, and a boy, Robert.