Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther's campaign says he intends to seek a fourth consecutive term in office in 2027.
Campaign spokesperson Gen Murphy told WOSU Wednesday Ginther wants to run again, hoping to match the four terms served by his predecessor Michael B. Coleman. So far, no other candidates have announced plans to run in the mayoral election, which is more than two years away.
The news was first reported Wednesday morning by the Columbus Dispatch.
Murphy told WOSU Ginther is holding a fundraiser on June 5 at The Citizen Trust, a cocktail lounge in downtown Columbus. She said the minimum suggested donation is $2,500.
Murphy said it is not unusual for Ginther to hold a few fundraisers like this throughout the year.
Ginther was first elected in 2016 after winning a contested primary with Coleman's backing against former Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott. Ginther won re-election in 2019 unopposed and again in 2023 against independent candidate Joe Motil.
Ginther is also campaigning separately this year for a proposed $1.9 billion bond package.
Murphy said Ginther was not available for an interview on the topic.
Motil, Ginther's 2023 opponent and a frequent critic of Ginther's administration, said in a statement he thinks the city can't survive another term for the incumbent mayor. Motil didn't rule out running again in 2027.
"Ever since the ending of my 2023 campaign for mayor, I continue to be asked if I will run for mayor again in 2027. My reply has been, 'in politics you never say never. I am currently in a wait and see mode. The election is 2 years away,'" Motil said.
