Dr. Cathy Cook Officially Announces Her Candidacy to Represent Columbus as City Councilor At Large

Dr. Cathy Cook, a lifelong resident of Columbus with deep family and community ties, officially announced her candidacy Saturday for the City Council District 9 at-large seat, which represents all of Muscogee County.

Cook launched her campaign before more than 200 supporters, family members, and community leaders, emphasizing her theme “Rooted in Service. Ready to Lead.”

A dentist, Army veteran, mother and grandmother, Cook said her candidacy is about continuing a legacy of service and offering leadership rooted in integrity. “I was raised here, I serve here, and I’m running to make Columbus stronger for every family,” she said.

Cook followed in her father’s footsteps as a dentist. After her military career, she returned home to build her practice and invest in the community. Over the past two decades, she has served on local boards, mentored young people, and worked to expand opportunities for families across Columbus.

Her campaign platform highlights four priorities:

·       Health & Wellbeing — expanding access to care, prevention, and support.

·       Safe Neighborhoods — building trust through community-based safety efforts.

·       Opportunity for All — fostering jobs, small business growth, and economic equity.

·       Integrity in Leadership — ensuring honesty, transparency, and unity at City Hall.

Community leaders spoke in strong support of her candidacy.

Rev. Valerie Thompson of Revelation Missionary Baptist Church called Cook a woman of faith and principle. “She wants to give voice to those who don’t have one. If you are ready for dramatic change in the way this city operates, then I ask you to vote for her. Don’t just clap for her, stand with her,” Thompson said.

Retired Army veteran and filmmaker Ty Manns described Cook as “solid leadership” for the community. “We just need to show up when she calls,” he said.

Dr. Robert “Bob” Wright, a longtime family friend and one of the first two African Americans elected to Columbus City Council in 1970, compared Cook’s candidacy to his own trailblazing service. “Having known her all her life, I know she won’t be afraid to say what’s on her mind and she won’t be beholden to anybody on the City Council,” Wright said. “I have no doubt she will live up to the words of the late Evelyn Turner Pugh and be the voice for the voiceless.”

State Sen. Ed Harbison, another longtime family friend, said Cook’s leadership is needed now more than ever. “If there is anyone who can get us back on track from the chaos, the madness and the craziness we have witnessed on City Council these past few years, it is her,” Harbison said. “We can all benefit from the solid leadership she will bring with her vision.”

Cook closed her announcement by pledging to put people before politics. “Leadership begins with listening,” she told the crowd. “Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more united Columbus.”