A Call to Awareness: The Road to the 2026 Elections

With the qualifying period fast approaching and new candidates preparing to enter the race, political observers say the 2026 elections could usher in a new era of leadership for Columbus and Muscogee County.

Voters across the county are being urged to stay informed, attend candidate forums, and participate actively in the democratic process as the campaign season unfolds. The stakes are high — the choices made next May will shape the city’s political landscape for years to come.

Black media outlets, including The Courier Eco Latino, continue to serve as trusted platforms for communication, education, and advocacy within communities of color. Historically, Black and Latino publications have amplified voices and experiences too often overlooked by mainstream media, providing critical insight into local issues that affect working families, small businesses, and neighborhoods across Columbus.

“As we strategize for the next election in 2026, our community can rely on this publication to play a significant role in educating and informing voters about the issues that matter most to the Black and Brown communities of Muscogee County,” said Courier Eco Latino Publisher Wane A. Hailes.

The newspaper’s mission is clear — not to tell voters who to support, but to empower them with the knowledge to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

“No one questions the significance of the next election,” Hailes said. “It has the potential to change the political landscape of our community for generations. Our goal is to ensure every voter understands what’s at stake and knows who represents them — from City Council and School Board members to state and federal legislators.”

Your city councilors below are L-R: District 1 Byron Hickey, District 2 Glenn Davis, District 3 Bruce Huff, District 4 Toyia Tucker, District 5 Charmaine Crabb, District 6 Gary Allen, District 7 JoAnne Cogle, District 8 Walker Garrett, District 9 John Anker( At Large and District 10 Travis Chambers (At Large)

Too often, residents are unaware of who their elected representatives are or even which district they reside in. Through voter education tools, precinct maps, and community profiles, The Courier Eco Latino aims to close that gap and encourage full participation in the upcoming elections.

As the trusted voice of the community, The Courier Eco Latino remains committed to its mission — serving as both a watchdog and a bridge, advocating for justice, and progress across all communities of color in the Chattahoochee Valley.