Third candidate enters race for Muscogee County School Board

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A third candidate, Joshua Smith, has entered the race for a seat on the Muscogee County School District Board in Columbus, Georgia. Smith filed a declaration of intention to accept campaign contributions for the District 8 seat. The other declared candidates are Robert Roth and incumbent Mark Cantrell in District 6. The nonpartisan local elections for mayor, city council, and school board will be held on May 19, 2026.

Why it matters

The Muscogee County School Board plays a crucial role in governing the local public school system, making decisions that impact students, teachers, and the broader community. This election will determine the leadership of the board, which oversees a district with over 30,000 students.

The details

Joshua Smith has filed to run for the District 8 seat on the Muscogee County School District Board. He lists himself as the chairman of his campaign and Sarah Smith as his treasurer. The other declared candidates in the 2026 MCSD board elections are Robert Roth and incumbent Mark Cantrell in District 6. No candidate is official until the March 2-6 qualifying period ends.

• Voters will head to the polls on May 19, 2026 to cast their ballots in this nonpartisan election.
• The March 2-6, 2026 qualifying period will determine the official candidates.

What’s next

The March 2-6, 2026 qualifying period will determine the official candidates for the Muscogee County School District Board election.