Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councilwoman Denise Gray says she won’t seek re-election at the end of her current term.
Gray said she made the decision after treatment from some media members after alleging former councilmember Brenda Monarrez sexually assaulted her. Monarrez was banned from city hall and lost her seat to Emma Curtis in November.
A judge imposed a restraining order and found sexual assault happened on two separate instances, though no criminal charges were filed.
Gray says she hopes her replacement is representative of the city.
“If you look at the history of our councilmembers in the past, most have not looked like this council, meaning we have not had this many diverse individuals, we have not had regular working people,” she said.
Gray says she wants to continue community work following her tenure as a councilmember, most likely with nonprofit work.
“I know this chapter is ending, which means that although I may not be elected, I will still be doing the work in the community, because I don't believe you need a title in order to make positive change where we reside,” she said.
Gray will be on council through 2026.
