District 7 City Councilor Joanne Cogle files intent to run for Columbus mayor
Joanne Cogle filed her intent with the Muscogee County Elections and Registrations office Friday morning. She had been telegraphing to supporters and friends for several weeks that she planned to enter the race.
RELATED: Isaiah Hugley launches mayoral bid, eyes lawsuit against Columbus Council
Last month, former City Manager Isaiah Hugley filed his intent to run. That came a little over a month after seven city councilors, including Cogle, voted to fire him amid controversies in the city Finance Department and Animal Control. The termination came despite the fact that Hugley had announced his intention to retire at the end of the year. Hugley is also threatening a wrongful termination suit against the council.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Attorney for Columbus councilors responds to cease-and-desist letter
Cogle is a first-term councilor who represents the district that runs the Chattahoochee River and includes downtown Columbus, the Historic District, Oakland Park and Overlook. Cogle owns a downtown Cross-fit gym and runs a fitness business that organizes races and other events.
RELATED: Sunday conversation with newly elected Columbus Councilor Joanne Cogle
The mayor's seat will be open next year. Two-term Mayor Skip Henderson is term-limited and can't seek re-election. Currently, candidates are filing intentions to run. There is no cost to file that form, but it does allow potential candidates to raise and spend campaign funds.
Cogle enters what is becoming a crowded field for mayor.
Mark LaJoye, who has run unsuccessfully for sheriff four times, retired Army Staff Sgt. Steven Kelly, and political newcomer Kia Marie Legette have joined Cogle and Hugley in filing intent forms.
Qualifying will be in early March of next year with the election set for May 19, 2026.
RELATED: Second candidate files paperwork to run for Columbus mayor
RELATED: Third candidate jumps into Columbus mayor's race
RELATED: Fourth candidate enters 2026 Columbus mayoral election; addresses recent arrest
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LaJoye is chairing his campaign committee, and Regina Liparoto is his treasurer, according to his declaration of intention to accept campaign contributions. Isaiah Hugley Former city manager Isaiah Hugley filed his declaration of intention July 10 for the 2026 mayoral race. Hugley was the first Black city manager and the longest-serving city or county manager in Columbus history before the Columbus Council voted 7-3 to fire him May 27. He worked for the Columbus Consolidated Government for 41 years, including 20 years as city manager. If successful, Hugley would be the first elected Black mayor of Columbus. He also would be the third member of his family elected to public office in Columbus, following his wife, state Rep. Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus), and his sister, Pat Hugley Green, the District 1 representative and chairwoman of the Muscogee County School Board. 'Please know that my Declaration of Intent filing today is intended to be a clear message to the citizens of Columbus,' Hugley wrote to the Ledger-Enquirer in a text message July 10. 'It's time for leadership that listens, innovates and unites. My vision is simple but bold — a Columbus that works for everyone. Now the work begins!' Hugley is chairing his campaign committee, and Fernando Verdree is his treasurer, according to his declaration of intention to accept campaign contributions. Steven Kelly Steven Kelly filed paperwork July 21 to run for mayor after a friend encouraged him to run, he told the Ledger-Enquirer. His campaign committee chairperson is Ricardo Green, and his treasurer is Kourtnee Cannon, according to his declaration of intention to accept campaign contributions. Kelly, originally from Rochester, New York, is a small-business owner and a disabled veteran who served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, he said. He earned his MBA from Georgia Southern University. He moved to Columbus from El Paso, Texas, to be closer to family. While Kelly co-owns S&J Contractors, he has spent most of the last year focused on spending time with his family and raising his daughter, he said. Kelly said his top priority as mayor would be focusing on public safety and reducing crime. 'That's why I support events like National Night Out on Aug. 5,' Kelly wrote in his email to the Ledger-Enquirer. 'I would also like to see more initiatives that create positive outlets and activities for our youth and support the end of poverty in Columbus.' Kelly's other priorities include investing in infrastructure and economic growth. 'I believe leadership starts with integrity and accountability,' he said. 'I'm committed to rebuilding community morale while driving responsible economic development that benefits every neighborhood.' Kia Legette Kia Legette filed July 25 her declaration of intent to accept campaign contributions to run for Columbus mayor. She will chair her campaign, according to the document, which doesn't disclose the name of her treasurer. Legette founded Kia Technologies Inc. in 2019. The company tries to help start-ups avoid failing in the first three to five years. Before she started her company, Legette worked in the occupational skills training industry, she told the Ledger-Enquirer. As mayor, she said, Legette would try to improve policy, infrastructure and communication for the Columbus Police Department. She hopes to improve communication systems from the government to the public and traffic laws for individuals with disabilities. Another priority important to Legette is to work to end domestic violence. 'I didn't choose to run for Mayor, it chose me,' Legette wrote in an email to the Ledger-Enquirer. 'It feels like Destiny is taking me there to show the people 'there is a Better way, says the Lord.'' Joanne Cogle Columbus Councilor Joanne Cogle of District 7 filed to run for mayor on Aug. 1. 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