Embattled Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Tuesday that he will not be seeking a third term as the city’s mayor next year.
"After much thought and soul-searching I have decided not to run for a third term as Mayor," Johnson said in a statement. "While there are many intriguing opportunities out there (and I’m excited to explore them) I honestly don’t know what’s next for me.”
Johnson’s decision follows renewed interest in past allegations of sexual misconduct, including the alleged molestation of a teenage girl in 1996 while Johnson was playing for the Phoenix Suns. Though the sexual assault allegations previously came to light during his 2008 mayoral campaign, the story was thrust back into the spotlight this September when the girl—now in her 30s—gave an interview for an article on Deadspin.com. Johnson has never been charged in the case and vehemently denies the accusations to this day.
In addition to the assault claims, a former aid for the Sacramento City Manager filed a sexual harassment complaint against Johnson in May. Johnson is also accused of trying to sabotage the National Conference of Black Mayors. His involvement in the group’s collapse is detailed in some 6,200 emails which have since become the subject of a fierce legal battle between himself, the Sacramento News & Review, and the City of Sacramento.
With Johnson out of the running, City Council Member and political ally Angelique Ashby now says she will run for mayor in 2016. Former State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and former Assembly Member Roger Dickinson are also potential candidates.
Johnson was first elected mayor in 2008 after defeating incumbent Heather Fargo. He was then re-elected in 2012. His stalwart effort to save the Sacramento Kings from a move to Anaheim is widely viewed as one of his signature accomplishments.
Read more about Johnson’s decision here.
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