Columbus mayoral candidate Steve Kelly outlines top priorities

Kelly, a former Army veteran, is running on a platform focused on crime, homelessness, youth engagement, infrastructure, and economic growth.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:05am

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Steve Kelly, a Columbus mayoral candidate, sat down with the Ledger-Enquirer to discuss his top policy issues and initiatives. Kelly, a former Army veteran who has lived in Columbus since 2017, is running on a platform focused on crime and public safety, homelessness and poverty, youth engagement, infrastructure, and economic growth. Some of his key proposals include improving infrastructure in South Columbus, expanding vocational training, addressing the city's budget challenges, and strengthening relationships with local law enforcement.

Why it matters

The Columbus mayoral election is an important local race that will shape the city's future direction. Kelly, as a political outsider, is presenting a different vision for Columbus compared to the longtime incumbents. His policy proposals, if enacted, could have a significant impact on issues like economic development, public safety, and youth services in the community.

The details

Kelly, who was born and raised in Rochester, New York, joined the U.S. Army at 19 and served for 20 years, including multiple overseas deployments. He moved to Columbus in 2017 after his last station was at Fort Benning, and decided to stay and get involved in the community. Kelly initially wanted to get into investment banking but instead pursued a career in general contracting focused on remodels and renovations. As he learned more about the issues affecting Columbus residents, he decided to run for mayor, saying the 'same people have been there for decades' and it's time for new leadership. Some of Kelly's key policy proposals include: improving infrastructure and addressing flooding issues in South Columbus, expanding vocational training opportunities, finding ways to offset potential losses in property tax revenue, strengthening relationships with local law enforcement, and implementing new youth engagement initiatives.

  • Kelly moved to Columbus in August 2017 after his last Army station was at Fort Benning.
  • Kelly married a woman from Columbus about two and a half years ago.
  • Kelly's daughter was born shortly after his wedding.

The players

Steve Kelly

A Columbus mayoral candidate who was born and raised in Rochester, New York. Kelly joined the U.S. Army at 19 and served for 20 years, including multiple overseas deployments. He moved to Columbus in 2017 after his last station was at Fort Benning and decided to stay, getting involved in the community and eventually running for mayor.

Stoney Mathis

The Columbus Police Department Chief, who plans to leave CPD by the end of 2026.

Greg Countryman

The Muscogee County Sheriff.

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What they’re saying

“'Their time has passed,' he said. 'They've had their chance to try and do something, something more constructive with Columbus.'”

— Steve Kelly, Columbus mayoral candidate

“'The truth is, not everybody is going to go to college,' Kelly said. 'That is not everybody's path in life.'”

— Steve Kelly, Columbus mayoral candidate

“'As a combat veteran, I know that if I am out there in contact, getting shot at, ambushed or anything else, I'm praying for help to come,' Kelly said. 'We will not leave them just sitting out there all alone. We will assist them out of said situation.'”

— Steve Kelly, Columbus mayoral candidate

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This race highlights the desire for new leadership and fresh ideas in Columbus, as the city grapples with issues like infrastructure, economic development, and public safety. Kelly's background as a military veteran and community-focused businessman provides a different perspective compared to the longtime incumbents, and his policy proposals could significantly impact the city if he is elected mayor.