And Then There Were Five: Columbus Mayoral Race Begins to Take Shape

The 2026 mayoral race in Columbus is beginning to take shape as five candidates have now declared their intent to run, setting the stage for what could be one of the city’s most closely watched elections in years.

The first to enter the race was former City Manager Isaiah Hugley, whose candidacy has already stirred considerable public interest and political speculation. Hugley’s return to the public arena marks a significant development in local politics, particularly following his controversial departure from City Hall.

Since Hugley’s announcement, four additional contenders have stepped forward. They include Mark LaJoye, a perennial candidate who has previously made five unsuccessful bids for Muscogee County sheriff, and Steven Kelly, a local small business owner making his first run for public office.

Also entering the race is Kia Marie Legette, a political newcomer who, according to her LinkedIn profile, serves as chair of the board of trustees at Kia Technologies Inc. The most recent candidate to file is District 7 Councilor JoAnne Cogle, who has served on the Columbus City Council for the past two years.

Cogle is one of seven council members who voted to terminate Hugley as city manager—adding an additional layer of political intrigue to the upcoming race.

Although the candidate field has started to take form, the official qualifying period does not open until March 2–6, 2026, leaving room for potential new entrants.

With familiar names, fresh faces, and unresolved tensions from past city leadership decisions, the 2026 mayoral race is already shaping up to be a defining moment for Columbus.