Columbus councilors react to Isaiah Hugley’s projected victory in mayoral race
With former city manager Isaiah Hugley appearing to have won the mayoral runoff election, pending certification, some of the councilors who voted 7-3 to fire him last year have promised to move forward with unity.
Hugley leads his runoff opponent, Councilor Joanne Cogle of District 7, with about 52% of the vote, based on Tuesday night’s last batch of results from the Muscogee County Board of Elections and Registration. He received 16,309 votes, while Cogle received 15,312.
The only ballots that could change those results are military postmarked June 16 and received by June 19 and any provisionals to be counted, Muscogee County elections director Nancy Boren told the Ledger-Enquirer.
Wednesday night, however, Cogle issued a statement indicating she would not concede the tight race while ballots are left to be counted. The elections board is scheduled to meet Monday to consider any remaining ballots and to certify the results. Hugley claimed victory on election night during a speech at his watch party in Warehouse 9.
If Hugley remains in the lead after the results are certified, he would become the first Black mayor-elect in the 198-year history of Columbus. He would be sworn into office in January after Mayor Skip Henderson completes his final term. Henderson couldn’t run for reelection because city law limits mayors to two four-year terms.
The Ledger-Enquirer asked each of the 10 councilors via email for their reaction to Hugley’s apparent victory. Toyia Tucker of District 4 and Walker Garrett of District 8 — two of the seven councilors who voted yes to fire Hugley — are the only councilors to reply before publication.
Tucker congratulated all the candidates who were successful in the runoff election.
“Running for public office requires dedication, sacrifice and a commitment to public service,” she wrote. “I also want to thank every candidate who stepped forward and gave of themselves in service to our community. Whether you won or not, your willingness to engage in the process and advocate for the future of our city is appreciated.”
Tucker didn’t directly address Hugley’s apparent victory, but she said it is time for leaders to come together and “focus on the work ahead.”
“I look forward to working collaboratively with our elected leaders, community stakeholders and residents to continue moving my hometown forward and addressing the needs of our citizens,” Tucker wrote.
Garrett said he supported Cogle during the campaign.
“I was proud to support my friend, Joanne Cogle, for Mayor, and given that this was the closest race I’ve ever seen for Mayor in Columbus, we must find ways to build bridges to unite all of Columbus,” Garrett wrote.
Garrett asked other Cogle supporters to continue working to “make Columbus better together,” but he acknowledged Hugley’s lead seems insurmountable.
“Isaiah Hugley is our next Mayor,” Garrett wrote.
Garrett said he wants what is best for the city. To achieve that mission, he plans to work with Hugley to help him succeed. He looks forward to making progress on goals where he and Hugley share common ground, Garrett said.
“I don’t care who gets the credit as long as our city is a better place,” Garrett wrote. “I’ll do my part to help Mayor Hugley make Columbus even better. I don’t expect to agree with every decision Mayor Hugley will make, but I’m sure we will have much more in common, wanting the best for Columbus than what sets us apart.”
