Columbus Council District 1 race: latest updated results in 2026 election
Here are the latest updated results for the Columbus Council District 1 race in the 2026 election.
The 10-member council’s District 1 seat is filled by Byron Hickey, who isn’t seeking reelection. Competing for the seat are licensed professional counselor Simi Barnes, daughter of the late Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes, and retired Columbus police officer Karen Gaskins.
The following election results are from the Muscogee County Elections and Registration Office, with al precincts completely reporting:
Barnes won the race, receiving about 60% of the vote, while Gaskins received 40%.
During her campaign, Barnes centered her platform around transparency, community-oriented development and public safety, proposing initiatives such as a quarterly in-person town halls to increase constituent engagement, strengthening partnerships with local nonprofits and other organizations, and increasing funding for crime prevention programs.
Barnes told the Ledger-Enquirer that her victory feels “surreal,” expressing her gratitude for the voters in District 1. “I am so grateful for the people of District One who believe in me enough to go out and cast their vote,” Barnes said. “I am eternally grateful. My dad is looking down, smiling at me.” Gaskins advocated for a leader who is “results-driven,” focusing her platform around building more affordable housing options, encouraging small-business growth, investing in walkable districts and improving streetscapes.
Hickey initially filed in August to run for mayor but withdrew from that race in January, citing a health concern. So the race for the council’s District 1 seat is a special election, and the winner will be immediately sworn into office after the results are certified, instead of waiting until January to fill the remainder of Hickey’s four-year term, which ends in January.
District 1 also has a regular election on the ballot, and the winner of that race — with Barnes and Gaskins still the only candidates — will take office in January.
Live results
7:20 p.m. (advance and absentee votes)
- Simi Barnes - 2,188
- Karen Gaskins - 1,224
9:20 p.m. (with 13 of the 25 precincts reporting)
- Simi Barnes - 2,708
- Karen Gaskins - 1,821
10:40 p.m. (all 25 precincts reporting)
- Simi Barnes - 2,923
- Karen Gaskins - 1,949
This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 7:46 PM.