Columbus Councilor Bruce Huff not seeking reelection — but endorses a candidate
Columbus Councilor Bruce Huff announced during Tuesday night’s Columbus Council meeting he will not seek reelection.
Huff has represented District 3 for four terms since he was first elected to the council in 2010.
“I’m deeply grateful to the residents of District 3 for the trust they have placed in me over the years and to my family for their unwavering support throughout this journey together,” Huff said during the Jan. 27 meeting.
He plans to serve the residents of District 3 and complete the responsibilities of his current term, according to a news release sent about an hour before the meeting started.
During his time as a councilor, Huff worked to advance infrastructure investment, economic development and community-focused initiatives in District 3, the release says.
“Over the course of his tenure, he has played a role in helping secure more than $300 million in infrastructure investments benefiting the district and the broader city,” the release says.
These projects will improve transportation, enhance public safety, strengthen schools and position the community for long term growth, Huff said.
“This work has never been about recognition,” he said. “It has always been about results for the people we serve.”
Huff endorsed Jake Golden in the 2026 election for the District 3 seat. Golden is a pastor and educator, according to his LinkedIn page. He is principal of South Highlands Middle School in Union Springs, Alabama, and was principal of Phenix City Elementary School from 2020-25.
Golden attended the council meeting, but he did not speak during the session.
“Years ago, (Golden) told me he would never run for this seat until I was sure I was no longer running,” Huff said. “And I’m sure.”
As of Tuesday, the Muscogee County Board of Elections and Registration website doesn’t show Golden has filed a declaration of intent to accept campaign contributions, but the official qualifying period to be on the May 19 ballot isn’t until the first week of March. The declared council candidates for the District 3 seat are Sherrie Aaron and Zack Lee.
Columbus Councilors’ reaction
The other councilors took a moment to thank Huff for the leadership and mentorship he has provided during his tenure on the council.
Councilor Toyia Tucker of District 4 thanked Huff and his wife, Charonda, for their friendship and advice. Councilor Glenn Davis of District 2 told Huff he was surprised by this announcement. Davis said he appreciates his working relationship with Huff and he would miss him.
Councilor Travis Chambers of citywide District 10 said he was “wearing the phone out” when he took office in 2024, and Huff always answered his call.
“You were patient,” Chambers said, “and I appreciate it. Most of all, I appreciate your friendship.”
This story was originally published January 27, 2026 at 8:11 PM.
