Columbus resident faces ethics probe after listing governor as mayoral campaign chair
The Georgia State Ethics Commission is investigating an individual who listed Gov. Brian Kemp as their campaign chairman in a Declaration of Intention to Accept Campaign Contributions to run for Columbus mayor.
Charlita Nicole Grant filed the form on Oct. 3, listing Kemp as the campaign committee chairman and treasurer.
Kemp’s office declined to the Ledger-Enquirer’s request to comment on the form but confirmed the governor is not affiliated with Grant’s campaign.
Declarations of intention are not vetted by the Muscogee County Elections & Registration Office, executive director Nancy Boren told the Ledger-Enquirer. Candidates don’t have to submit fees, verification or any documentation except to complete the form, Boren said. The requirements to qualify in March for the May 19 ballot are much stricter.
“The Council will set qualifying fees in January of 2026 which are calculated using 3% of the annual salary of the office.” Boren told the L-E in an email. “I anticipate the qualifying fees will be $1950 for Mayor, $420 for Council, and $360 for school board. However, those amounts are not certain until they are set by Council.”
When Grant filed her form, Boren and her staff noticed “obvious issues with the form,” she said.
Grant’s declaration of intention form no longer is available on the Muscogee County Elections & Registration website.
The ethics commission was made aware of the form Oct. 8, Steven Knittel, deputy director and general counsel to the commission, told the Ledger-Enquirer in an email.
“This is an active investigation at this time,” he said. “And we are not able to comment on the substance of active investigations.”
The Ledger-Enquirer didn’t reach Grant for comment.
Seven candidates are listed on the Muscogee elections office website as filing declarations to run for Columbus mayor:
- Licensed professional counselor Jaketra Bryant
- Columbus Councilor Joanne Cogle of District 7
- Columbus Councilor Byron Hickey of District 1
- Fired city manager Isaiah Hugley
- Muscogee County School District maintenance worker Steven Jones
- U.S. Army veteran Steven Kelly
- Former Muscogee County sheriff’s candidate Mark LaJoye.
This story was originally published October 16, 2025 at 11:29 AM.
