Dr. Cathy Cook Announces Candidacy for Muscogee County District 9 At-Large Council Seat

Dr. Cathy Cook, a longtime Columbus resident, military veteran, and small business owner, has officially announced her candidacy for the Muscogee County District 9 At-Large City Council seat.

A practicing dentist for more than 27 years, Cook brings a broad range of experience to the campaign trail. She describes herself as a woman of faith, a servant leader, and a unifier—qualities she says are essential for effective city leadership in today’s climate.

“My story is grounded in a strong family legacy of service to this city,” Cook said. “My father, Dr. Henry L. Cook, is a retired dentist, and my mother, Mrs. Mamie Cook, a retired Muscogee County educator. They both instilled in me the values of compassion, perseverance, and service.”

Cook, who has lived in Columbus for 53 years, owns and operates Cook Dental Care, where she has served thousands of local patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her business faced serious setbacks, losing nearly a third of her team. Undeterred, she navigated the crisis by merging practices, expanding services, and securing local grant funding—transforming adversity into opportunity.

Beyond the dental chair, Cook has taken an active role in community revitalization. In 2022, she discovered that her practice is located within one of Columbus’ largest food deserts. In response, she proposed a redevelopment plan to the Rotary Club to transform the surrounding plaza into a hub for healthy living—featuring a grocery store, an urban farm co-op, and affordable housing.

“My patients come to me with problems. I listen. I diagnose. I offer solutions,” she said. “That same approach is what I will bring to City Council.”

Cook also served as a dental officer in the U.S. Military, an experience she credits with shaping her mission-driven and team-oriented leadership style. She said she intends to work collaboratively with the mayor and other councilmembers—regardless of political differences—to find common ground.

If elected, Cook said she will focus on transparency, community engagement, and policy research, pledging to lead “with a steady hand and a kind heart.”

“I’m not running to make noise,” she said. “I’m running to make a difference. Service is in my DNA, and unity is my mission.”

Cook will officially launch her campaign on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 12 p.m. at the Citizen Service Center. She is encouraging supporters to attend, donate, and volunteer as the election cycle moves forward.

For more information, visit her campaign online and follow #DrCookForColumbus and #District9Strong.