Columbus Council Leader Wants To Move To Mayor's Office

When four term Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman said he would not seek re-election next year it opened opportunity for others. Wednesday, The head of Columbus City Council, Andrew Ginther, says he wants to be mayor. "And today, because I love and believe in this community. I announce my candidacy for Mayor of Columbus." Ginther announced his candidacy flanked by extended family and neighborhood leaders at a northeast side Community Center. "Today begins the next chapter in my life." 39 year old Ginther was first elected to public office 13 years ago when he won a seat on the Columbus school board. He was appointed to city council in 2007 and later won election. Since then he's worked closely with Mayor Coleman and he cited some familiar priorities if elected. "I think jobs, economic development, and making sure that we continue to provide and maintain excellent city services," says Ginther. Ginther is the second democrat so far to announce for mayor. And the jockeying for party favor has already begun. Ginther joins Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott in the race meaning there's competition for a democratic party endorsement. "We'll let the democratic party sort that out and I feel confident in the leadership there that they'll do what's in the best interest of the party and I always will be focused on doing what's in the best interest of the people of Columbus," says Ginther. The Columbus mayoral race will likely attract more candidates and that would set-up a non partisan primary in the spring with the top two finishers running in November.