Columbus mayoral candidate Mark LaJoye outlines top issues in election

LaJoye, a former police officer, is running for mayor of Columbus, Georgia in 2026.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:05am

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a Columbus government building or political setting, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a nostalgic, contemplative mood.The historic architecture of Columbus, Georgia's government buildings sets the stage for a mayoral election focused on the city's future.Columbus Today

Mark LaJoye, a mayoral candidate in Columbus, Georgia, has over 40 years of experience in the military and 14 years of experience working for the Columbus Police Department. LaJoye is running in the 2026 election and has outlined his top policy issues and initiatives, including public safety, addressing gang violence, managing the city's budget, concerns about the proposed data center Project Ruby, creating more economic opportunity, and infrastructure improvements.

Why it matters

The Columbus mayoral election in 2026 will be an important race that will shape the future direction of the city. LaJoye's policy platform provides insight into the key issues he believes are facing Columbus and how he plans to address them if elected.

The details

LaJoye said he would work closely with the incoming police chief to expand on the work of the current chief, Stoney Mathis. He wants to encourage more community engagement by officers, such as meeting with residents during each shift. To address gang violence, LaJoye proposed creating a crime suppression task force with representatives from surrounding counties. On the city's budget, LaJoye criticized overspending and high taxes, saying the city should be better stewards of taxpayer money. He opposes the proposed Project Ruby data center due to environmental concerns and unanswered questions. LaJoye wants to partner with Fort Benning to provide training on emerging technologies like drones and AI, and recruit large corporations to Columbus to create more jobs and economic opportunity. He also plans to focus on infrastructure improvements like filling potholes and making the city more accessible for people with disabilities.

  • In May 2023, Mayor Skip Henderson appointed Stoney Mathis as interim police chief.
  • In October 2023, the Columbus Council approved Mathis as permanent police chief.
  • Mathis said last year he plans to leave the Columbus Police Department by the end of 2026.

The players

Mark LaJoye

A mayoral candidate in Columbus, Georgia with over 40 years of experience in the military and 14 years of experience working for the Columbus Police Department.

Stoney Mathis

The current police chief of Columbus, Georgia who was appointed in 2023 and plans to leave the department by the end of 2026.

Skip Henderson

The current mayor of Columbus, Georgia who appointed Stoney Mathis as interim police chief in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's important that you know, as candidates, we work for you. We're working for the taxpayer.”

— Mark LaJoye, Mayoral Candidate

What’s next

The 2026 Columbus mayoral election will be held on May 19, 2026. Early voting begins on April 27, 2026. Voters in Columbus will have the opportunity to choose between LaJoye and the other candidates running for mayor.

The takeaway

Mark LaJoye's mayoral campaign in Columbus, Georgia is focused on key issues like public safety, fiscal responsibility, economic development, and infrastructure improvements. His policy platform provides a glimpse into the priorities he would pursue if elected, which could have a significant impact on the city's future direction.