Georgia Ethics Commission investigating Columbus mayoral candidate’s paperwork

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — A Columbus woman’s filing to run for mayor is drawing scrutiny from the Georgia Ethics Commission after she listed Gov. Brian Kemp as both her campaign chairperson and treasurer.

Charlita Nicole Grant submitted her intent-to-run form to the Muscogee County Elections Office last week.

The paperwork immediately caught the attention of local elections officials — and soon after, the state’s top ethics regulator.

David Emadi, director of the Georgia Ethics Commission, said the filing raised red flags.

“A number of people brought it to our attention and asked if it was legitimate or if it was, you know, something that was appropriately filed or if something needs to be done about it,” Emadi told WRBL News 3.

Elections Director Nancy Boren said her office debated whether to even post the form online.

Ultimately, the document went up on Oct. 3. But by Wednesday, the Ethics Commission directed her office to remove it.

Kemp’s office confirmed to WRBL that the governor is not involved in Grant’s campaign.

Emadi said the form — a sworn statement — could be invalid if it falsely names campaign officials.

“If the campaign committee is premised that someone is the chair, and that’s not accurate, that wasn’t a validly submitted declaration of intent to begin with,” he said.

The Ethics Commission is continuing its investigation and could refer the matter to law enforcement.

“When we conclude that investigation, if we deem it’s appropriate, we would make a referral at that time to the appropriate law enforcement agency,” Emadi said.

WRBL News 3 reached out to Grant multiple times using the number listed on her filing but did not receive a response.

Currently, seven people have filed intent forms to run for Columbus mayor. Formal qualification begins in March 2026, when candidates must pay a nearly $2,000 qualifying fee.

The election is set for May 19, 2026.

Check out the full Finance Commission Document below: