Attorney Robert Wadkins Jr. to Challenge Councilor Charmaine Crabb for District 5 Seat

The race for Columbus’ District 5 City Council seat is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 municipal election, as Columbus attorney Robert Wadkins Jr. has officially filed intention-to-run forms to challenge two-term incumbent Councilor Charmaine Crabb.

Wadkins, 43, is a criminal defense attorney and city attorney for Hamilton, Georgia, where he has served since 2020. He said his experience in municipal law and city budgeting gives him a unique advantage and a readiness to serve from day one.

“I offer kind of a unique perspective, and a unique kind of set of skills,” Wadkins said. “Since 2020, I’ve been the city attorney for the city of Hamilton. That entails shepherding the city through the budgeting process, drafting ordinances, all kinds of things that municipal government throws at you. So I think that from that perspective, I’m kind of ready to start on Council day one.”

A Columbus native, Wadkins graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree and later earned his law degree from the University of Alabama. He previously ran for a seat on the Muscogee County School Board in 2016.

Crabb Seeks Third Term

Councilor Charmaine Crabb, who is completing her second term representing District 5, confirmed she intends to seek re-election. Known for her outspoken and often controversial positions, Crabb gained attention earlier this year after making the motion to terminate longtime City Manager Isaiah Hugley, who has since announced his candidacy for mayor.

“I believe the citizens of Columbus need someone who recognizes what needs to be done and has the commitment to follow through on top priorities and see them through to completion,” Crabb said. “There is more to do, and I want to be part of the team that gets it done. I will continue focusing on basic necessities that impact all residents of this great city.”

A Campaign About Direction and Representation

Wadkins insists his campaign is not a reaction to any single issue or personality but a broader call for steady leadership and professionalism on the council.

“I’m not running as a reaction to any one specific thing,” he said. “I’m not running against something — I’m running for Columbus. I think that my qualifications and experience stack up, and I want to put that to the electorate and have them judge me on my merits individually rather than in comparison to somebody else.”

Past Controversy Shadows Incumbent

Crabb has faced criticism in recent months following remarks widely condemned as racially insensitive toward Black ministers and community leaders. The comments, made during an interview tied to a Sheriff’s Office investigation, drew backlash from civic and faith-based organizations across Columbus.

While Crabb has not publicly apologized, several local pastors and civil rights advocates have called her comments “divisive and unbecoming of an elected official.” The controversy could play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment in a district that is racially and economically diverse.

What’s Next

The 2026 municipal election will include the mayoral race and five city council seats, including District 5. With Wadkins’ entry, voters can expect sharper contrasts in both tone and vision as the campaign season unfolds.

As the field begins to take shape, observers say the race will test not only Crabb’s political resilience but also whether Columbus voters are ready for a new generation of leadership grounded in experience, civility, and collaboration.