Two More Candidates Announce Bids for Columbus City Council Seats in 2026 Election

Two additional candidates have officially entered the 2026 Columbus City Council races, adding new dynamics to the contests in Districts 3 and 7.

Rebecca “Becca” Zajac, executive director of the Dragonfly Trails, announced her candidacy for the district 7 seat. Zajac oversees the implementation of the city’s 65-mile trail master plan, a regional initiative promoting recreation, transportation alternatives, and connectivity throughout Columbus.

Zajac chairs the Vibrant & Connected Places Action Area under the Columbus 2025 initiative, where she is helping lead a regional mural program designed to expand access to public art and elevate local artists. She also serves on the Columbus 2025 Leadership Team and the Cohesive Image and Identity working group.

Christopher Kelley, District Deputy Director and field representative for U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, previously announced his entry into the district 7 race earlier this year, setting up a competitive contest for the open seat.

In District 3, longtime Councilor Bruce Huff now faces a challenger for the first time in several election cycles. Filmmaker Zachary “Zack” Maurice Lee, 44, has declared his candidacy for the seat Huff has held since 2010. Huff, says he intends to seek re-election, positioning the race as a generational matchup between a 15-year incumbent and a political newcomer.

Before returning to Columbus in 2018, Lee worked professionally as a dancer and filmmaker, earning credits in productions including The Notebook and The Color Purple. He now operates his film business locally.

The qualifying period for the 2026 municipal elections will take place next year, with more candidates expected to announce in the coming months.