Columbus City Council seats headed for runoff

Two seats on the Columbus City Council will be decided in the June runoff. Dr. Cathy Cook will square off against incumbent John Anker for the At Large seat in District 9. There were four candidates competing in the hotly contested race.

Dr. Cook, a local dentist scored the most votes with 37.36% and 13,308 votes in the At Large race. John Anker came in second with 12,476 votes. Anker generated controversy because he was appointed to the seat left vacant by Judy Thomas. He broke a “gentleman’s agreement” to not run for election when he announced his candidacy. Rocky Marsh tallied 6,605 votes while John Van Doorn had 3,231 votes. A candidate had to win by a majority of 50% plus one in order to win the race without a runoff.

The council seat in District 7 will also be decided in a runoff. Becca Zajac garnered the most votes on election night with 45.22% and 1,135 votes. Zajac will face Laketha Ashe in the runoff. Ashe came in second with 946 votes. Chiara Richardson had 429 votes. The district 7 seat is being vacated by Joanne Cogle who forced a runoff with Isaiah Hugley in the race for mayor.

Two new candidates for council won their races outright. District 3 candidate Sherrie Aaron avoided a runoff in her race with 56.23% and 2,109 votes. Challengers Jake Golden IV had 728 votes, and Zack Lee had 914 votes. In council district 1 Simi Barnes defeated former police officer Karen Gaskins with 60% and 2,923 votes. Gaskins had 1,949 votes.

The newly elected Barnes is the daughter of the late city councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes who held the same seat on council. A touching tribute was posted on Pops’ Facebook page honoring his daughter. “Our father served this community with his whole heart for many years, and we know Simi will carry that same love and dedication forward. His legacy is in great hands. We are so proud of you, Simi. Dad would be beaming.”

City councilor Charmaine Crabb faced stiff competition in her bid for reelection. Crabb held off challenger Robert Wadkins earning 55.36% with 2,330 votes. Wadkins had 1,879 votes. Councilor Crabb made a successful motion to fire city manager Isaiah Hugley as city manager last May and spent a great deal of time campaigning for Joanne Cogle for mayor this election cycle.