Columbus mayoral candidate Joanne Cogle changes decision about conceding
The day after saying she would wait until all the ballots were counted before making a “more comprehensive statement regarding the election,” Columbus Councilor Joanne Cogle has conceded the mayoral race to former city manager Isaiah Hugley.
Hugley claimed victory Tuesday night in the runoff election. He leads Cogle, the 10-member council’s District 7 representative, with about 52% of the vote, based on the last batch of results from the Muscogee County Board of Elections and Registration released Tuesday night. 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. The elections board is scheduled to meet Monday to certify the results.
Cogle, however, has changed her decision about waiting for certification. Thursday, her campaign issued the following news release:
“I wish Mr. Hugley success in the years ahead. If he succeeds, Columbus succeeds, and that is something we should all want.
“Over the past several days, there has been considerable discussion and criticism about my decision to wait before making a public statement.
“My decision was never about me or the outcome of the election. It was about respecting our democratic process and ensuring every legal ballot was counted, including military and provisional ballots.
“I believe every eligible voter deserves to have their voice heard.
“I am grateful to my family, the supporters, volunteers, donors, and voters who stood with me throughout this campaign. Most importantly, I want to thank the people of Columbus for participating in our democracy.
“As this campaign comes to a close, I want it to be clear, I remain committed to serving our community and continuing the momentum of this coalition we built.
“Thank you, Columbus.”
Cogle is among the councilors who voted 7-3 to fire Hugley last year. If he keeps his lead after the runoff election results are certified, Hugley would become the first elected mayor in the 198-year history of Columbus.
A.J. McClung was considered the first Black mayor of a major Southern city when, as Columbus mayor pro tem, he served for 52 1/2 days as interim mayor of the city after J.R. Allen died in a plane crash in 1973.
If Cogle won this race, she would have become the second female mayor in the city’s history, following Teresa Tomlinson (2011-19).
