Former Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hugley files paperwork to run for mayor

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The former Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hughley has formally filed papers to run in the 2026 mayoral election.

WRBL News 3’s Chuck Williams obtained Hugley’s ‘Declaration of Intention to Accept Campaign Contributions’ form late Thursday afternoon.

Hugley spent more than four decades working for the City of Columbus — the last 20 years as the city manager.

He had announced his intention to retire at the end of the year, but not before he was fired by city council in a late-night, closed session on May 27, 2025.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: City Council votes 7-3 to terminate City Manager Isaiah Hugley seven months before his retirement

Prior to his firing, he had threatened legal action against six city councilors – Byron Hickey, Toyia Tucker, JoAnne Cogle, John Anker, Charmaine Crabb and Glenn Davis.

Since April, an attorney for Hugley and an attorney for the councilors have been trading letters. No lawsuit has been filed, but Hugley’s attorney has said he plans to move forward with an EEOC complaint against the city, the first step in legal proceedings. 

Hugley has declined multiple WRBL interview requests since his firing.

The election will be held on May 19, 2026.