There’s a battle brewing in the race to replace Skip Henderson as the next mayor of Columbus. It’s a race Henderson is content to watch from the sidelines. The current mayor said he will not be endorsing a candidate to take his seat.
“I just never have from the first day I was even elected on council I didn’t. I just made a decision if I’m going to serve the entire community and try to maintain the confidence that they have in me then I can’t pick a candidate and side with somebody over somebody else that’s running. Maybe it’s the coward’s way out but it’s legitimately a concern. I don’t want any subset of Columbus to feel like we’re not on their side too,” Henderson said.
Based off campaign finance disclosures two front runners have emerged in the race for mayor. City councilor Joanne Cogle and former city manager Isaiah Hugley have raised a substantial amount of funds compared to the other contenders who have filed a Declaration of Intention to run for mayor. Those include Jaketra Bryant, Steven Kelly and Mark Lajoye. Qualifying for the race begins in March. Election day is May 19.
