Marquese “Skinny” Averett Explains His Decision to Shift from City Council District 7 to State House District 140

In recent weeks, Columbus voters have watched an unexpected development in local politics. Marquese “Skinny” Averett, who initially qualified to run for the Columbus City Council District 7 seat, announced that he would withdraw from that race and instead pursue election to the Georgia House of Representatives in District 140.

The decision came quickly and has sparked questions among residents of District 7 who had begun evaluating Averett as a candidate for city leadership.

In an effort to provide clarity and transparency for voters, The Courier Eco Latino sat down with Averett to discuss his decision, his political vision and what he hopes to accomplish if elected to the Georgia Legislature.

Below is our conversation.

Courier: Just weeks ago, you qualified to run for the Columbus City Council District 7 seat. Now you’ve withdrawn and are seeking the State Representative seat for District 140. What led to that decision?

Averett: When State Senator Ed Harbison announced his retirement, State Representative Teddy Reese made the decision to run for that seat. That created an unexpected vacancy in House District 140 and left our community without representation at the State Capitol. After conversations with community leaders and supporters, I felt a responsibility to step forward and offer myself for service at the state level. This decision is about ensuring our community continues to have strong, effective representation.

Courier: Was this decision something you had been considering for some time, or did it come about quickly after the State Representative seat became available?

Averett: It came together quickly once the seat became open. My focus had been on the district 7 race, but when the House seat became available, it created a different opportunity to serve the same community on a larger stage. After prayer, conversations with trusted advisors, and thinking through where I could make the greatest impact, I decided to run for State House District 140.

Courier: Many residents of District 7 were just beginning to learn about your platform as a city council candidate. What would you say to those voters who may feel confused or even disappointed by the sudden change?

Averett: I completely understand that reaction. The decision happened quickly because the opportunity came quickly. What I want residents to know is that my commitment to our community has not changed. The issues I was focused on in the district 7 race, things like economic opportunity, safe neighborhoods, and stronger support for families, are the same issues I will fight for at the State Capitol.

Courier: If elected, how do you plan to balance representing the interests of District 140 while maintaining strong connections to neighborhoods like those in District 7 that you initially sought to represent?

Averett: Many of the neighborhoods in District 7 are within House District 140, so the people I intended to represent on city council are still very much part of the community I would represent in the State House. My approach will be the same: staying visible, staying accessible, and making sure people feel heard. Representation doesn’t stop at the Capitol. It happens in neighborhoods, churches, community meetings, and everyday conversations.

Courier: Finally, what message would you like to send to voters who are trying to understand this change and decide whether to support your candidacy?

Averett: This moment is about making sure our community continues to have a strong voice in Atlanta. My goal is simple: to work hard, represent our community with integrity, and fight for policies that improve the lives of the people of House District 140. I’m asking voters to look at my commitment to this community and trust that I will carry that same commitment to the State Capitol.