Q&A with Robert Wadkins Jr., candidate for District 5 seat on Columbus Council
Editor’s note: This is one of the Ledger-Enquirer Q&As with candidates running for a contested seat on the Columbus Council. Early voting for the 2026 local nonpartisan election, which coincides with the Georgia primary, begins April 27, and election day is May 19.
The 10-member Columbus Council’s District 5 seat is filled by property manager and real estate agent Charmaine Crabb, who is seeking reelection. Her opponent in the election is Robert Wadkins Jr., an attorney with Columbus law firm Wadkins, Wallace & Danley.
Here is the Ledger-Enquirer’s emailed interview with Wadkins:
Why are you running for this position?
“I’m running for City Council District 5 because I’m a lifelong resident of District 5. I was born here, grew up here, and chose to come back to start a business and raise my family. I want my children to have the same opportunities to do that themselves, but our city needs to be safe, strong, and thriving economically. I believe I can help Columbus keep moving forward.”
Why should District 5 residents vote for you?
“I’ve seen where our community has been, and I have a vision for how it can grow. I care about transparency, equity, and solutions, and I have the experience to put solutions into action. I will take my 16 years of experience and professionalism from the courtroom to the council chamber. If I am your District 5 City Council representative you will see results that impact your quality of life in Columbus.”
What is the most significant problem you want to address, and what will be your solution if elected?
“People have lost trust in our City Council, they are tired of political theater. I want to be part of a collaborative team that restores trust in our local government. Local government should work FOR YOU — not for the people sitting in the government seats. My aim will be to restore professionalism and efficiency in council meetings, streamline permitting and licensing processes to help small businesses open faster, review and remove outdated or ineffective ordinances, and improve transparency and responsiveness from our council seats to concerned citizens.”
What is your occupational and educational background?
“After graduating from St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School in 2001, I went on to study History at the University of Georgia and earned my Law Degree from the University of Alabama in 2010. I promptly returned to Columbus to open my own criminal defense firm. I’ve handled thousands of criminal cases in my 15-year career. I’ve since merged with other local attorneys, Ben Wallace and Tristan Danley, to form Wadkins, Wallace & Danley, where I practice today.”
What is your community involvement and history of leadership roles?
“Committed to helping Columbus grow and evolve, I am consistently involved in causes and organizations that enhance our community — I am currently serving as Board Chairman for Direct Services, as Treasurer for the Columbus Bar Association, and as Vice Chairman for the newly formed Columbus Sports and Entertainment Authority.”
What else should the L-E’s readers know about you and your campaign?
“My campaign isn’t really about me. It’s about evolving a city we love, our home, into a safer, stronger, and thriving next phase — a phase of growth that our children will inherit and be proud to invest in themselves. I want to deliver a better Columbus for you today and for the next generation tomorrow.”