Simi Barnes announces campaign for Columbus City Council District One seat

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Simi Barnes, the daughter of the late Pop Barnes, has announced her campaign for the District One seat on the Columbus City Council. The District One seat covers parts of central Columbus from the north side of Milgen Road to the south side of Saint Mary's Road, and from Buena Vista Road to Macon Road. There are three candidates running for the District One seat, including Barnes, Karen Gaskins, and incumbent Byron Hickey.

Why it matters

This race for the Columbus City Council District One seat is significant as it involves the daughter of a well-known local figure, the late Pop Barnes, entering the political arena. The outcome of this election could impact the direction and priorities of the city council for the central Columbus district.

The details

Simi Barnes has announced her intention to run for the Columbus City Council District One seat, which covers parts of central Columbus. She will be joining two other candidates, Karen Gaskins and incumbent Byron Hickey, in the race. Barnes plans to hold a campaign kickoff event on March 2.

• Simi Barnes announced her campaign on February 19, 2026.
• The campaign kickoff event is scheduled for March 2, 2026.
• The election for the Columbus City Council District One seat will take place in 2026.

What’s next

The election for the Columbus City Council District One seat will take place in 2026, and the outcome could impact the direction and priorities of the city council for the central Columbus district.