Columbus Council District 7 race: latest updated results in 2026 election
Here are the latest updated results for Columbus Council District 7 race in the 2026 election.
The candidates are Laketha Ashe, Chiara Richardson and Becca Zajac.
With over 9% of the vote counted between advance voting and absentee by mail ballots, the current vote counts for each candidate stand at the following, according to the Muscogee County Elections and Registration Office:
- 558 votes for Becca Zajac
- 490 votes for Laketha Ashe
- 228 votes for Chiara Richardson
Councilor JoAnne Cogle is the District 7 representative, but she chose to run for mayor.
Ashe told the Ledger-Enquirer she felt a responsibility to get into the race when she saw the needs of the district.
An issue Ashe said she seeks to address is the lack of consistent neighborhood engagement and equitable investment in District 7. She said her solution begins with strengthening neighborhood engagement through regular forums and direct communication.
“I will advocate for intentional investment in infrastructure, safe housing and economic opportunities,” Ashe said.
Ashe said she has over 20 years of experience in financial services and insurance and is licensed in life, health, annuities, property and casualty insurance.
“I hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in psychology, with a minor in business administration, and I am currently pursuing my doctorate,” Ashe said.
When talking about her history of community involvement and leadership roles, Ashe said:
“My community involvement spans over two decades. I am the founder of Still Standing Initiatives (formally Columbus Georgia Reloaded), focused on empowerment and community connection. I serve as a board member for Valley Healthcare Systems and have completed leadership programs including the Columbus Citizens Government Academy and the Congressional Black Caucus Institute, and recently was recognized and received the Key to the City of Panama City, FL. My work has consistently centered on creating opportunities, supporting local talent, and contributing to the cultural and economic growth of our community.”
Richardson told the Ledger-Enquirer she ran for the position because she believes “in the strength and potential of this community and the role leadership plays in shaping it.”
Richardson said one issue she wants to address is the condition of the neighborhoods in District 7, specifically blight and illegal dumping.
“My focus is on creating clean, safe, and thriving neighborhoods by strengthening sanitation services, improving code enforcement and working directly with residents to identify problem areas and respond more quickly,” Richardson said. “When we take care of our neighborhoods, we support the people who live in them and set the foundation for everything else to improve.”
Richardson said she has over 20 years of experience as a communications professional, storyteller and creative strategist.
“I have over 15 years of experience in education, where I’ve managed student data systems, managed federal and state compliance reporting, led enrollment strategy and worked as a parent and family engagement coordinator, building strong relationships between schools and families,” Richardson said.
Richardson studied communications at Georgia Southern University, she said.
When talking about her history of community involvement and leadership roles, Richardson said:
“My commitment to community started early through advocacy and civic engagement. I’ve led voter registration efforts, supported political campaigns, and worked with organizations focused on education policy and equity. Professionally, I’ve helped schools and nonprofits connect with families and improve access to resources. I am a founding member of Fountain City Slam and have led writing workshops for youth in the Muscogee County School District and participants in Drug Court programs. I’ve also served locally as a teaching artist with FAB Arts/Columbus RiverCenter, the Liberty Theatre, the Columbus Museum, and the Springer Opera House, using storytelling and performance to engage and uplift the community. My leadership has always been rooted in service, whether behind the scenes or directly with the people.”
Zajac told the Ledger-Enquirer she ran for the District 7 seat because she is passionate about Columbus’ future and believes the council “can and should work better for the people it serves.”
After knocking on over 2,000 doors, Zajac said, the most common concern she heard was a lack of communication and trust in government.
“My approach is straightforward: communicate early and consistently through town halls, neighborhood meetings and regular updates before decisions are made,” Zajac said. “I will share information in ways that are clear, accessible and easy to understand. Just as important, I will show up consistently, so residents have a direct line to their representative.”
Zajac said she began with Uptown Columbus and now serves as executive director of Dragonfly Trails, where she led the build-out of the 65-mile Dragonfly Trails network.
“I also co-wrote the public art ordinance and have led major installations, including the 11th Street underpass lighting and a 3,500-square-foot Riverwalk mural,” Zajac said.
Zajac studied business marketing and environmental economics at Wittenberg University and is pursuing an MBA in nonprofit management, she said.
Zajac said she’s been involved with community organizations such as Columbus Ahead (formerly Columbus 2025), Bicycle Columbus, Young Professionals, Young Art Patrons, Paws Humane and United Way.
Zajac served on the executive committee for Columbus Ahead and completed the Citizens Government Academy, a 10-week program about how the Columbus Consolidated Government operates, she said.
Her honors include Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40, Columbus and the Valley’s 5 Under 40, and the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce J.R. Allen Young Leader of the Year Award.
“My work has centered on turning ideas into projects people use every day,” Zajac said. “I’m ready to get to work and deliver results for District 7.”
This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 8:04 PM.