Marquese “Skinny” Averett announces bid for Columbus City Council District 7

— Community organizer and advocate Marquese “Skinny” Averett formally announced his candidacy Monday afternoon for the Columbus City Council District 7 seat during a gathering at the South Columbus Public Library.

The District 7 seat is currently held by Councilor Joanne Cogle, who is running for mayor. Averett is one of three candidates seeking the seat, alongside Chris Kelley, Deputy District Director to Congressman Sanford Bishop, and Becca Zajac, executive director of Dragonfly Trails Inc.

District 7 includes South Columbus, Uptown/Downtown, Bibb city and Bellwood areas. The district has a population of 24,737 and is approximately 64% Black and 22% white, according to census data. It was previously represented for 27 years by Councilor Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson.

Averett is not new to local electoral politics. In 2016, he ran an unsuccessful campaign for the District 4 council seat against the late Evelyn Turner Pugh.

In his announcement, Averett framed his candidacy as an extension of a lifelong commitment to service, citing the words of civil rights icon and former Congressman John Lewis: “If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.”

“That call has guided my entire life,” Averett said. “It’s the same energy I’m prepared to bring to City Council every single day.”

Grounding his remarks in faith and accountability, Averett referenced Micah 6:8, calling for leadership that does justice, loves mercy and walks humbly. He also acknowledged past challenges in his life, saying he has accepted responsibility, fulfilled all legal obligations and offered apologies to those affected.

“After prayer, reflection and counsel from my family and trusted friends, I believe this moment requires leadership that is steady, bold, disciplined and unapologetic in its commitment to the people,” Averett said.

Averett emphasized economic equity, public safety and housing stability as central themes of his campaign. He pointed to ZIP code 31903, one of the most economically distressed areas in Georgia, as evidence of long-standing policy decisions made without adequate community representation.

“We cannot talk honestly about crime without confronting poverty,” he said. “Poverty is not a personal failure — it is a policy failure.”

He also highlighted challenges facing seniors, veterans and working families, including rising housing costs, stagnant wages and seniors forced to choose between food, medicine and utilities.

Averett closed by urging supporters to engage in grassroots organizing and voter outreach, stressing that the race will be decided through discipline and community involvement rather than social media.

“This campaign will be won by people willing to do the work,” he said. “Change cannot wait — and neither will we.”