A general election will be held on May 19, 2026 in Columbus-Muscogee County, Georgia for mayor, Columbus City Council for odd-numbered districts, and Muscogee County School Board for even-numbered districts. The election is being held alongside other elections and primaries.
Mayor Incumbent Mayor Skip Henderson is term-limited and unable to seek a third consecutive term.
Candidates
Isaiah Hugley, former city manager (2005-2025) Joanne Cogle, city councilmember (2023-present) Chris Breault, attorney Steve Kelly, Army veteran Jaketra Bryant, licensed counselor Mark LaJoye, retired Russell County, Alabama sheriff's deputy and perennial candidate for Muscogee County sheriff
City Council
District 1 Incumbent Byron Hickey, who was appointed to replace Jerry "Pops" Barnes, is not running for a full term.
Simi Barnes, licensed counselor Karen Gaskins, former Columbus Police Department sergeant
District 3 Incumbent Bruce Huff is retiring.
Sherrie Aaron Jake Golden IV, teacher Zack Lee, filmmaker
District 5
Charmaine Crabb (incumbent), real estate agent Robert Wadkins Jr, attorney
District 7 Incumbent Joanne Cogle is retiring to run for mayor.
Laketha Ashe Chiara Richardson Rebecca "Becca" Zajac, nonprofit manager
At-Large District 9 Incumbent John Anker, who was appointed to replace Judy Thomas, is running for a full term.
John Anker (incumbent) Cathy Cooke, dentist Rocky Marsh, Army veteran and federal budget analyst John Van Doorn
School Board
District 2
Nickie Tillery (incumbent)
District 4
Naomi Buckner (incumbent)
District 6
Mark Cantrell (incumbent) Bob Roth
District 8
Margot Schley (incumbent) Joshua Smith
At-Large Member
Kia Chambers (incumbent) Sadiyah Abdullah Kevin Miller
References