Got a question or a tip? Send us a text

The political landscape of Columbus shifted dramatically during the recent primaries, with established figures falling to challengers who promised change. Most notably, Stephen Jones defeated political veteran Leroy Brooks in the Democratic mayoral primary, signaling voters' desire for fresh leadership despite Brooks out-raising Jones three-to-one.

Brooks's campaign strategy backfired as he leaned too heavily on past accomplishments, telling voters to "ask your father" about his contributions while promising miracle solutions. Meanwhile, Jones successfully cast himself as youthful and forward-thinking.

The election wasn't without bizarre incidents – a ballot box became unavailable when it was left in a repossessed vehicle, causing delays at one precinct and raising questions about election security. This sparked debate about whether Columbus has too many polling locations and how to balance accessibility with logistical efficiency.