Isaiah Hugley Elected Columbus’ First Black Mayor in Historic Runoff Victory

Former City Manager Isaiah Hugley was elected mayor of Columbus on Tuesday, defeating City Council member Joanne Cogle in a historic runoff election to become the city’s first elected Black mayor.

According to unofficial results from the Muscogee County Elections Office, Hugley received 16,309 votes, or 51.58%, while Cogle received 15,312 votes, or 48.42%. A total of 31,621 ballots were cast, representing a voter turnout of 24.88%.

Hugley, who served nearly 20 years as Columbus city manager before being terminated by the City Council in May 2025, campaigned on a platform centered on experience, unity and community development. He will become Columbus’ 71st mayor when he takes office in January.

“I’m ready to go to work for the people of Columbus, Georgia,” Hugley told supporters Tuesday night.

Cogle did not concede the race Tuesday evening, citing outstanding provisional ballots and military and overseas absentee ballots that had not yet been counted. Muscogee County Elections Director Nancy Boren said approximately 54 ballots remain outstanding.

As election results were announced, supporters gathered at Warehouse 9 erupted in celebration. The venue was filled with campaign volunteers, community leaders and supporters who described the victory as the culmination of a grassroots movement.

“We made history, but we couldn’t do it by ourselves,” one supporter said. “People from all walks of life joined this effort, and together we made history.”

Among those celebrating was former Columbus City Councilman Bob Wright, the city’s first African American council member.

“To be here long enough to see the first African American mayor, I could not be more pleased,” Wright said. “Not only because he is African American, but because he is the best qualified person for the job.”

Addressing supporters, Hugley pledged to focus on uniting the community and advancing the city’s growth.

“Citizens of Columbus can expect from me civility, dignity and respect, along with a plan to ignite this city and move it forward,” Hugley said. “We have a lot of work to do in every community and every neighborhood across Columbus, and I’m ready to get that work done.”

Throughout the campaign, Hugley highlighted his long tenure in city government, emphasizing his role in overseeing major infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives. He repeatedly stressed the importance of collaboration and relationship-building.

“Our goal is to bring people together and unite the city,” Hugley said during the campaign. “I have the relationships to help make that happen.”

Among his stated priorities are addressing poverty, reducing youth violence, expanding affordable housing opportunities and strengthening community unity.

Election results showed Hugley built a significant advantage during early voting, receiving 9,014 votes compared to Cogle’s 4,761. Cogle carried Election Day voting, receiving 10,071 votes to Hugley’s 6,523.

Hugley was appointed city manager in February 2005, becoming the first African American to hold the position. Before his appointment, he spent more than two decades serving in various roles within Columbus city government.

His tenure ended in May 2025 when the City Council voted to terminate him, citing what members described as “a pattern of sustained dysfunction and operational breakdown” within departments under his administration. The motion passed on a 7-3 vote.

Following his dismissal, Hugley told council members, “You haven’t seen the last of me. We're coming.”

Tuesday’s runoff followed a crowded mayoral election in May in which no candidate received a majority of the vote. Hugley led the field with 16,315 votes, while Cogle finished second with 9,188 votes to advance to the runoff.

More than 14,000 voters cast ballots during the runoff’s early voting period.

Both candidates spent the final day of the campaign mobilizing supporters. Cogle hosted a gathering at Lakebottom Park, while Hugley’s campaign organized a phone bank operation to encourage voter turnout.

Hugley cast his ballot during the early voting period alongside his wife, Georgia House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley.

After voting, Hugley expressed confidence in the momentum of his campaign.

“I was able to receive more than 7,500 votes more than the closest opponent in the first election,” Hugley said. “I’m overwhelmed by the support from the people of Columbus, Georgia. They have already said yes to this campaign.”

With Tuesday’s victory, Hugley will make history as Columbus’ first elected Black mayor while returning to public office just over a year after his removal as city manager.