By Irina Perry
Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin marked eight years of public service with a community fundraiser held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at The Blue Note on Town in Columbus.
The evening reflected a broad coalition of elected officials, labor leaders, and community advocates, highlighting strong support from Democratic leadership and organized labor throughout the region. Attendees gathered not only to celebrate Hardin’s milestone but also to reaffirm a shared commitment to equity, public safety, workforce advocacy, and community development.
During his remarks, Hardin spoke about the importance of courage in leadership, encouraging residents to speak up, remain engaged, and actively participate in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods.
“I entered public service at a young age, but leadership is learned by listening, serving, and staying accountable to the people,” Council President Shannon G. Hardin.
Hardin reflected on his journey into public office, sharing how he became a member of Columbus City Council at a young age and the responsibility that accompanied early leadership. Although City Council positions are nonpartisan, Hardin, a Democrat, has emerged as a leading voice on issues impacting equity, labor rights, public safety, and community investment throughout his tenure.
The fundraiser drew support from numerous Democratic elected officials, including Christine Cockley, Dontavius Jarrells, Ismail Mohamed, Anita Somani, Rhonda Johnson, Shayla Favor, Nick Bankston, Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Otto Beatty, Christie Angel, Nancy Day-Achauer, Rob Dorans, Melissa Green, Emmanuel Remy, Tiara Ross, Chris Wyche, Jermaine Kennedy, Emily Cole, MJ Hudson, and Larry Price, among others.
Labor and advocacy organizations were also prominently represented, underscoring the event’s alignment with working-class and community interests. Supporting organizations included AFSCME Council 8; BLET Carpenters Local Union No. 200; Central Ohio Labor Council; Columbus Central Ohio Building Trades Council; Columbus Firefighters Local 67; OAPSE; Ohio AFL-CIO; Ohio Federation of Teachers; and UFCW Local 1059.
The evening served as both a celebration and a call to action, reinforcing the importance of collective leadership, community voice, and sustained civic engagement. As Hardin looks ahead, the gathering reflected continued momentum and shared purpose in building a stronger, more inclusive Columbus.
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