Columbus Councilor Bruce Huff says he won’t run again, setting up District 3 race in 2026

Announcement made during regular council meeting

Columbus City Councilor Bruce Huff, who represents District 3, announced on Tuesday that he will not seek another term, ending a council tenure that spans more than 15 years. Huff made the statement during the council’s regular meeting.

Huff said he plans to retire from elected office when his current term concludes later this year. He cited plans to spend more time with family and to focus on his business.

What the decision means for city politics

Huff’s departure opens a District 3 seat that has been held by an incumbent through multiple election cycles, shifting the early contours of the 2026 municipal campaign. District 3 is one of the district-based seats on the Columbus Council, which includes both district representatives and at-large members.

Public remarks by fellow council members during the meeting reflected that Huff has been an influential participant in council deliberations. Several colleagues spoke about his role as a mentor and as an experienced vote in internal council decision-making.

Huff highlights infrastructure work during his tenure

In his remarks, Huff pointed to infrastructure as a central focus of his time in office. He said he helped advance more than $300 million in infrastructure investments during his tenure representing District 3.

While infrastructure is typically funded through multi-year planning and a combination of local and outside sources, council members play a key role through votes on budgets, capital plans, contracts, and policy direction that determine which projects move forward and how they are financed.

Huff said he is stepping aside to make room for the next generation of leadership and to prioritize time with family and business responsibilities.

Potential successor named, but the field remains open

During the meeting, Huff publicly endorsed District 3 resident Jake Golden, described as an educator, as a prospective successor. An endorsement does not determine the ballot, but it can shape early fundraising, name recognition, and coalition-building in local races where turnout can be comparatively low and personal networks carry significant weight.

No election results or candidate filings were addressed during the meeting as part of the announcement, and the District 3 contest remains open to additional candidates.

What happens next

• Huff will continue serving District 3 for the remainder of his current term.

• Candidates seeking the District 3 seat are expected to organize campaigns in advance of the 2026 municipal election calendar.

• The council’s composition and experience level are set to change as the city moves toward the next election cycle, with an open seat creating a new competitive focal point.