Columbus mayoral candidates weigh in on Cogle dropping ‘divisive’ consultant
Columbus mayoral candidates have begun responding to the news of a fellow candidate, Columbus Councilor Joanne Cogle of District 7, dropping a political consultant from her campaign after learning and some residents complained that he self-identified as a Christian nationalist.
Ben Garcia, president of Magnolia Grove Consultants, previously described himself as a Christian nationalist on his Instagram profile. The phrase has since been removed from his profile.
Christian nationalists want the government to promote or enforce the Christianity in government or a theocratic state, according to a definition by Britannica. This ideology is most commonly associated with the right wing of the Republican Party. The Columbus Council and mayor are nonpartisan offices, meaning they aren’t supposed to represent a political party.
Cogle dropped Garcia, who had been managing her campaign, in late January or early February after she learned about his views, she told the Ledger-Enquirer.
“These views recently came to my attention and do not align with my personal values or with the nonpartisan approach that defines my campaign and my public service,” Cogle said. “My focus has always been and will continue to be on practical solutions for Columbus: public safety, infrastructure, economic growth and quality of life for all residents.”
In emails to the Ledger-Enquirer, Columbus mayoral candidates or a campaign representative shared their reaction to Cogle’s association with Garcia.
Trip Tomlinson, a campaign co-chair for mayoral candidate Isaiah Hugley, called Cogle’s hiring of Garcia “divisive.” Hugley was city manager for 20 years until the Columbus Council, in a 7-3 vote, fired him in May. Cogle is among the councilors who voted yes on that motion.
“Whether Ms. Cogle knew of her campaign manager’s views or whether she didn’t vet him, it speaks to her lack of judgment,” wrote Tomlinson, husband of former Columbus mayor Teresa Tomlinson. “Our campaign is focused on Isaiah’s experience, his accomplishments, and his vision for the city’s next chapter. Isaiah is the best one for the job, and we are working every day to make sure the voters know that too.”
Mayoral candidate Steve Kelly said candidates are responsible for exercising their due diligence in their campaigns.
“One of my central goals, both in this campaign and as Mayor, is to build bridges and close gaps,” Kelly wrote. “Columbus is a diverse city; effective leadership requires respecting that diversity and avoiding unnecessary division, all while keeping the focus on policy, performance, and results.
Mayoral candidate Jaketra Bryant said the incident was “shocking” and happens too often in politics.
“In these hard times in our country and state, we need leadership that focuses on bringing people together,” Bryant wrote. “My campaign is focused on bringing people together to solve real problems. No matter who you are or what you believe. Progress only happens when everyone is included.”
Mayoral candidate Mark Lajoye did not respond to the Ledger-Enquirer’s request before publication.
This story was originally published February 11, 2026 at 1:40 PM.
