COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) -- A second Columbus city councilor tells WRBL News 3 he will announce his plans to run for mayor Friday morning after he files his intention with the local elections office.
Councilor Byron Hickey is representing District 1, serving the unexpired term of the late Pops Barnes. As directed by the city charter, Hickey was appointed to the seat by the council.
Hickey said Thursday he will speak at an 11:00 a.m. news conference on Friday.
He will join District 7 Councilor Joanne Cogle in the 2026 mayor's race and former Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hugley.
On May 27, Hickey and Cogle voted to fire Hugley after 20 years as the city manager. Hugley had already announced his intention to retire at the end of the year. He was terminated on a 7-1 vote with councilors citing his handling of the city's finance department and animal control as the reasons for his firing. Although he was fired, the council voted to pay Hugley through the end of the year.
Hugley has filed an EEOC complaint against the city, citing discrimination in his termination. The complaint was filed earlier this month. An EEOC complaint can be the precursor to legal action.
Hickey and Cogle have not commented publicly on the termination of Hugley. Both said it was on the advice of attorneys.
Hugley has not commented, either, saying he will speak after he makes a public announcement in October.
Councilor Charmaine Crabb has been closely aligned with Cogle and Hickey on the city council.
"I can work with either one of them," Crabb told WRBL News 3 on Thursday morning. "May the best person win."
WRBL News 3 reached out to Cogle and Hugley for comment.
"I want to congratulate Byron Hickey for entering the race for mayor of Columbus," Cogle responded in a text message. "Public service is an important calling, and I wish him well as he begins his campaign."
Hugley has not responded.
The mayor's race is becoming crowded.
Retired Army NCO Steven Kelly, businesswoman Kia Legette, and retired soldier Mark LaJoye have also filed their intentions to run for mayor. By filing an intention with the Muscogee County Elections and Registration Office, a potential candidate can raise and spend campaign funds.
The election is on May 19, 2026. A weeklong qualifying period will start on March 2 of next year.
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson is term-limited and will not seek re-election.
0 comments: