Courier Eco Latino Newspaper , Davis Broadcasting, Inc. to Host Third and final 2026 Candidate Forum

The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper, in partnership with Davis Broadcasting Inc., will host the third and final installment of its 2026 Candidate Forum Series on Thursday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the City Services Center, 3111 Citizens Way.

The forum will feature candidates seeking the office of mayor, offering residents an opportunity to hear directly from those vying to lead the city ahead of the May 19 election. Confirmed participants include: Isaiah Hugley, Mark Lajoye, Steve Kelly, Jaketra Bryant and Chris Breault.

Emails regarding the mayoral candidate forum were distributed Jan. 12, 2026, to ensure that all individuals who had filed an intent to run for mayor in 2025 had ample time to include the event on their calendars. At that time, the candidates included Mark LaJoye, Isaiah Hugley, Joanne Cogle, Steven Kelly and Jaketra Bryant. Organizers expressed disappointment upon receiving an email from Cogle on Monday, April 13, 2026, stating, “Thank you for the invitation. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend as I am attending another event.”

Geniece Granville, vice president and general manager of Davis Broadcasting Inc., said the forum is designed to give voters a deeper understanding of each candidate’s vision, priorities and plans for Columbus. The discussion will focus on key issues affecting the community while encouraging informed civic engagement.

The event will be broadcast live on K92.7 and WOKS AM 1340, with a livestream available on The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper’s Facebook page.

Wane A. Hailes, president and publisher of The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper, encourages residents to attend in person or tune in virtually as part of an ongoing effort to keep the community informed and engaged in the democratic process.