Who’s running for Columbus Council in 2022? Take a look at the candidates
Muscogee County residents will head to the polls in 2022 to pick their Columbus Council representatives.
Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be on the ballot May 24. Runoffs would be held on June 21, if needed.
District 9 is an at-large district, meaning all eligible Columbus voters can cast a ballot in that race. For the remaining seats, only residents who live in the district can vote for their councilor.
Visit the Georgia Secretary of State website at https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/ to find out which district you reside in and where to vote.
A handful of candidates have already announced they will run. The Ledger-Enquirer will update this list as the field expands.
This list was last updated Feb. 14.
District 1
District 1 incumbent Jerry “Pops” Barnes told the Ledger-Enquirer that he plans to run for reelection. Barnes, an Army veteran, was first elected to the Columbus Council in 2006.
No challengers have entered the race so far.
District 3
District 3 incumbent Bruce Huff told the Ledger-Enquirer that he plans to run for reelection. Huff co-owns Huff International Funeral Home with his brother, Charles. Huff was first elected to the council in 2010.
Challenger Demarco “D1” Johnson filed a declaration of intent form to run for the District 3 seat, according to online records from the Muscogee County Elections and Registration board.
Johnson, a Spencer High grad, is a certified leadership development coach and president of Boyz 2 Men Development, a local mentoring and counseling nonprofit.
District 5
District 5 incumbent Charmaine Crabb told the Ledger-Enquirer that she will seek re-election. Crabb, a local realtor, was first elected to the council in 2018.
Carmella Morales will challenge Crabb for the seat. Morales filed a declaration of intent form Jan. 11, according to the Muscogee County Elections and Registration Office.
John Quincy Adams III filed paperwork Feb. 4, declaring his candidacy for District 5, according to the Muscogee County Elections and Registration Office.
District 7
District 7 incumbent Mimi Woodson will not seek reelection, she told the Ledger-Enquirer.
Four challengers have entered the race so far. Laketha Ashe told the Ledger-Enquirer that she will seek the seat. She filed her declaration of intent form Nov. 15
Juanita Taylor filed her declaration of intent form Jan. 11.
Joanne Cogle filed paperwork to run for the District 7 seat on Jan. 26. Cogle founded local gym Crossfit CSG, according to the business’ website.
Architect Siavosh Etemadi filed his declaration of intent form on Jan. 27. Etemadi unsuccessfully challenged Woodson for the seat in 2018.
District 9
Judy Thomas currently holds the District 9 seat. She told the Ledger-Enquirer that she plans to run for reelection.
Two challengers have announced they will run for the seat.
Vickie Williams-Wiley held her campaign kick-off event Nov. 15 and has also filed a declaration of intent.
John “Doug” Redmond filed his declaration of intent to run for the District 9 seat on Dec. 7.
Alyssa “Nia” Williams announced in early November that she would run for the office, but she posted on social media that she suspended her campaign in late January.
This story was originally published November 16, 2021 at 1:55 PM.