Columbia County District 4 Commissioner Alison Couch announced, on Tuesday, March 4, her plans to run for commission chair in 2026.
“I would like to take this opportunity to announce I intend to run for the seat of county chair for the term beginning January 2027. It will be at that time our current chairman, Doug Duncan, will become term limited in his seat.”
Couch had been considering running for chair before Hurricane Helene hit the CSRA, and the aftermath of that event helped set her decision.
“After working the hurricane and really getting down in the trenches and putting in a lot of hours with citizens and county staff and other commissioners, it really solidified my decision to run. I really enjoy serving others and felt this was the next step in being able to do that,” Couch said.
Even though the election won’t take place until 2026, Couch said she wanted to make the announcement now to be transparent.
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“I felt that I had made a decision, and as a matter of transparency to my current constituents and all of the citizens living in the county, I decided now is the time to make the announcement,” Couch said.
During her announcement, Couch thanked Duncan for his over 10 years of service to the county.
“You have led me as a commissioner and my friend with great dedication. I look forward to continuing our service together in the coming months,” Couch said.
Couch also addressed the citizens of District 4, stating she is not resigning her current District 4 Commission seat and will serve until the end of her term.
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“The position of chair of the commission will allow me to not only serve you, but all county citizens,” Couch said. “If elected, I will lead with a great amount of care. It is my commitment to put in the hard work necessary to keep our county the best place to live in the nation. As a lifelong resident of Columbia County, I commit to keep our values, safety, beauty and excellence intact for generations to come.”
On Facebook, Grovetown Mayor Gary Jones and Harlem Mayor Roxanne Whitaker both offered their support to Couch.
“I think you’ll make a great chairman,” County Chairman Doug Duncan said during the commission meeting after Couch made her announcement.
The commission chair will be on the primary ballots in May 2026 and on the general ballot in November 2026.
For more information, visit the Commissioner Alison Couch, District 4 Facebook page.
