Columbus mayoral candidate Isaiah Hugley lays out vision for city's future

Hugley, a former city manager, aims to bring economic growth and unity to Columbus if elected mayor

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:05am

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Isaiah Hugley, a longtime public servant in Columbus, Georgia, is running for mayor on a platform of economic development, infrastructure improvements, and restoring civility to city government. Hugley, who previously served as city manager for 20 years, says he has the experience to lead Columbus through potential challenges like the state legislature's proposed elimination of property taxes. He also wants to work with local economic development groups to attract new businesses and jobs to the city.

Why it matters

As a former city manager, Hugley has deep experience in Columbus' operations and finances. His mayoral bid comes at a critical time, with the city facing potential revenue challenges from state-level tax changes and a need to stay competitive with neighboring cities for economic development opportunities.

The details

Hugley plans to work closely with Choose Columbus, the city's economic development organization, to recruit new industries and ensure Columbus is competitive in attracting businesses and jobs. He cites infrastructure projects like the Buena Vista Road bridge as key to making the city more attractive. Hugley also wants to see the Columbus Convention & Trade Center expanded with a connected hotel, and improvements made to the Oxbow Creek Golf Course and South Commons area.

  • Hugley was the city manager for 20 years before being fired by the city council in May 2025.
  • The 2026 Columbus mayoral election, which coincides with the Georgia primary, will be held on May 19.

The players

Isaiah Hugley

A longtime public servant in Columbus, Georgia, who is running for mayor after serving as the city manager for 20 years.

Carolyn Hugley

Isaiah Hugley's wife, who is the minority leader in the Georgia House of Representatives.

Pat Hugley Green

Isaiah Hugley's sister, who chairs the Muscogee County School Board.

Frank Lumpkin Jr.

A 19-year-old who created a plan in 2017 for Interstate 14 to run through Columbus, an idea Hugley says he would work to bring to fruition as mayor.

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What they’re saying

“We can no longer allow Opelika, Auburn and West Point to outpace us when it comes to recruiting economic development opportunities and businesses for the people of Columbus, GA.”

— Isaiah Hugley, Mayoral Candidate

“If it happens, it's going to require someone with experience who knows what they're doing, who has the relationships in Columbus, across Georgia, across this nation to keep Columbus competitive.”

— Isaiah Hugley, Mayoral Candidate

What’s next

The Columbus City Council could pass a resolution to resolve Hugley's EEOC complaint, which he says he filed to clear his name after being fired as city manager.

The takeaway

Hugley's mayoral campaign is centered on his experience leading Columbus through challenging times as city manager, and his vision to drive economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and restore civility to city government. His background and relationships could be assets in navigating potential state-level changes that could impact the city's finances.