Columbus Council District 7 race: latest results in 2026 runoff election
Here are the latest updated results for the Columbus Council District 7 race in the 2026 runoff election.
The runoff for the 10-member city council’s District 7 seat is between Dragonfly Trails executive director Becca Zajac, who received 45% of the initial round of votes among three candidates May 19, and insurance professional Laketha Ashe, who received 38%.
The winner will be sworn into office in January for a four-year term.
Councilor Joanne Cogle of District 7 couldn’t run to retain this seat because she decided to run for mayor instead.
Here are the latest results from the Muscogee County Elections and Registration Office, representing the early in-person votes, the absentee votes and all 25 precincts on election day, although yet to be certified:
Zajac 1,217 (57.79%)
Ashe 889 (42.21%)
The Ledger-Enquirer didn’t reach Zajac or Ashe for comment about the results Tuesday night before publication.
Background about Laketha Ashe
In an emailed interview during her campaign, 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.
As for 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.”
Background about Becca Zajac
In an emailed interview during her campaign, 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 is 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,” she 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 working 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,” she said.
Zajac studied business marketing and environmental economics at Wittenberg University and is pursuing an MBA in nonprofit management.
Zajac said she has been involved with community organizations such as Columbus Ahead (formerly Columbus 2025), Bicycle Columbus, Young Professionals, Young Art Patrons, Paws Humane and United Way.
She 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.
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.”
Ledger-Enquirer reporter Kelby Hutchison contributed to this article.
This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 7:56 PM.
