Cathy Cook sworn in as citywide Columbus councilor following defeat of John Anker
In her swearing at Tuesday’s Columbus Council meeting, Dr. Cathy Cook asked the public to keep the board “lifted” as she begins her term as citywide District 9 councilor.
Cook defeated former councilor John Anker, who ran as an incumbent for the District 9 seat, in the June runoff election. Anker had been controversially appointed to the seat after former Columbus Councilor Judy Thomas stepped down for health reasons in 2025.
Since she also won the special election, Cook will complete Thomas’ original term through the end of 2026 before beginning her regular term in January 2027.
Superior Court Judge Benjamin Richardson administered the oath to Cook at the start of Tuesday’s meeting. Mayor Skip Henderson and the other Columbus councilors greeted Cook as she took her seat.
Cook was overjoyed and humbled by the opportunity to serve on the Columbus Council, she said.
“I fall in the footsteps of many who have come before me — who are great in this community,” Cook said in a speech. “And I sit alongside great leaders who will work together to govern this city.”
She is proud to join the ranks of influential leaders, like A.J. McClung, and plans to stay true to her faith, Cook said.
“All I ask is that you keep us lifted,” Cook said. “And that when I don’t make the decision that you like, you still speak to me at the grocery store.”
