Columbus Council District 3 race: latest updated results in 2026 election

Here are the latest updated results for Columbus Council District 3 race in the 2026 election.

The 10-member council’s District 3 seat is filled by Bruce Huff, who isn’t seeking reelection. Competing for the seat are veteran and entrepreneur Sherrie Aaron, pastor and educator Jake Golden IV and filmmaker Zack Lee.

The following election results are from the Muscogee County Elections and Registration Office, with all precincts completely reporting:

Aaron won the race, receiving about 56% of the vote, while Lee is in second place with about 24%. Golden is in third place with about 20% of the vote.

Aaron centered her platform on improving the “lack of economic opportunity and resources” in District 3. Her focus was on improving infrastructure around the district, creating pathways for youth employment and increasing opportunities for workforce development.

Aaron spoke to the Ledger-Enquirer about her victory, saying that she feels “very honored.”

“I appreciate District 3 showing up for me, and I promise to show up and advocate for them,” she said.

Aaron will be sworn into office in January.

Golden promised to bring “consistent leadership” to District 3, centering his platform on improving the infrastructure in the district and prioritizing youth engagement. Huff endorsed Golden.

The Ledger-Enquirer didn’t reach Golden for comment about the election results.

During his campaign, Lee focused his platform on supporting local businesses to create livable wages, advocating for stronger youth, after-school and senior programming, and promising more transparency in city government.

Lee reflected on his campaign experience in a post-election interview with the Ledger-Enquirer.

“The whole process has been great,” Lee said. “I’m glad the community got out and voted. The community wants change, so this is a result of the change that they want. … I enjoyed meeting, you know, meeting people in the community as I was knocking on doors and just being in rooms that I wasn’t involved in, so this was a great thing.”

Lee also expressed gratitude to his campaign team and family for supporting him throughout his campaign. He also congratulated all the candidates and the respective winners for each district.

“I want to just congratulate all those guys and definitely give my hats off to Sherrie and her team for really putting in that work and doing what she’s supposed to do to get the win,” he said.

Lee said his next steps are to continue pursuing film in the local community. He also said he might run again for office.

“Next time, I’ll be able to run again or put my hat in something else to really help move the city forward in a great light and shed light on the city,” he said. “That’s where you’ll see me at.”

Live results

7:20 p.m. (advance and absentee votes)

1. Sherrie Aaron - 1,436
2. Zack Lee - 614
3. Jake Golden IV - 527

9:20 p.m. (with 13 of the 25 precincts reporting)

1. Sherrie Aaron - 1,877
2. Zack Lee - 794
3. Jake Golden IV - 645

10:40 p.m. (with all precincts reporting)

1. Sherrie Aaron - 2,109
2. Zack Lee - 914
3. Jake Golden IV - 728

This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 7:55 PM.