Shawna Love Withdraws from District 7 Race, Endorses Chris Kelly in Message of Unity

In a rare and heartfelt show of humility and collaboration, former Columbus City Council District 7 candidate Shawna Love announced she is withdrawing from the race to endorse fellow candidate Chris Kelly, pledging her full support and resources toward a shared vision for the community.

Speaking before a crowd of supporters, Love said her decision was rooted not in defeat, but in unity.

“Today is not about quitting — it’s about collaboration,” Love said. “It’s about doing what’s best for the people of District 7 and the greater Columbus community. After much thought, prayer, and conversation with Chris Kelly, I’ve decided to withdraw my candidacy — not because I’m giving up, but because I’m joining forces with someone who shares my heart for this community.”

Love emphasized her continued commitment to service, noting her ongoing work with local youth through Boys to Men and her partnerships with courts, schools, and city programs to reduce truancy and strengthen families.

“I’m not stepping to the sidelines,” she said. “I’m stepping into a new season of service. Too many of our young people are falling through the cracks, and we must make sure our safety nets are strong enough to catch them.”

Love called her decision “the beginning of a movement” — one rooted in collaboration, integrity, and shared accountability.

“Chris, I’m looking forward to working with you,” she added with a smile. “But if you forget who you serve, if you don’t do right by the people of District 7 — in four years, I’m coming. My loyalty is not to a title; it’s to the people.”

Kelly: “District 7 Is United and Strong”

Chris Kelly praised Love’s decision as a defining moment for local politics, calling it “a message of unity and maturity.”

“What we witnessed today is something I’ve never seen in politics — a leader putting the people above personal ambition,” Kelly said. “This is a clear message that District 7 is united, strong, and no longer divided by backroom deals and political manipulation. You can’t pit her against me or me against her — those days are over.”

Kelly, a Democrat, said the collaboration between him and Love represents a new era of community-first leadership.

“District 7 will serve as a beacon for all of Columbus,” he said. “When two people decide that it’s better to serve the community rather than themselves — this is what you get. The number seven represents completion and today marks the completion of the old and the beginning of the new.”

Kelly vowed to work closely with Love to align their networks and resources to meet residents’ needs.

“We’re done tolerating leadership that doesn’t see you or hear you,” Kelly said. “This partnership is about ensuring that the people of District 7 are heard, respected, and prioritized. It’s District 7 first — always.”

 A Symbol of Change

Both Love and Kelly expressed hope that their joint announcement would inspire broader collaboration throughout the city.

“We’re not backing up anymore,” Kelly said. “We’re not sitting in the back of the bus, and we’re not tolerating leaders who only show up in our neighborhoods during election season. Leadership means using your seat at the table to speak up — not stay silent.”

The event concluded with an emotional moment between the two candidates as supporters applauded their shared vision for a more united District 7.

“Today is a new day,” Love said. “The beginning of collaboration, the beginning of community. District 7, I love you. I believe in you. And together, we are going to build a brighter tomorrow.”