Celebrate With "Simi"

By now, most of Columbus is familiar with the story of Simeone “Simi” Barnes.

On May 28, 2024, she sat quietly inside the Columbus City Council chambers and watched politics unfold in real time. Following the passing of her father, longtime District 1 Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes, the council met to appoint someone to complete his unexpired term.

Council members Charmaine Crabb and Glenn Davis nominated retired police officer Byron Hickey. Then-Mayor Pro Tem Gary Allen nominated Simi Barnes.

When the votes were counted, Hickey secured the appointment by a 6-3 vote, with District 8 Councilor Walker Garrett casting the deciding sixth vote.

For many in the community, it was a painful moment to witness. There were people who believed Simi had earned the opportunity to continue her father’s legacy of service. Yet politics moved in another direction that evening.

But sometimes life teaches us a powerful lesson: a setback is not always a denial. Sometimes it is preparation.

Nearly two years later, on May 19, 2026, the voters of District 1 made their voices unmistakably clear. Just days before the anniversary of that council vote, the people overwhelmingly elected Simi Barnes to the very seat she was once denied, giving her approximately 60 percent of the vote.

That victory was about far more than politics.

It was about perseverance. It was about resilience. It was about a woman who refused to allow disappointment to define her future. Instead of walking away bitter, she stayed committed, stayed engaged, stayed visible and stayed connected to the people of District 1.

And in the end, the voters spoke louder than politics ever could.

This was not simply an election victory. This was vindication. This was restoration. This was proof that delayed does not mean denied.

Now the community has an opportunity to witness history together.

We encourage the citizens of Columbus to come out and support Simi Barnes during her official swearing-in ceremony as the newly elected District 1 councilor.

The ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. inside the City Services Center Council Chambers.

Moments like these matter because they remind us that public service is ultimately about the people. Elections come and go, but perseverance, faith, commitment and community support leave a lasting impact.

Join us as District 1 turns the page and Simi Barnes officially begins this new chapter of leadership and service to the citizens of Columbus.