Mayor Kevin Johnson won’t seek re-election
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson will not seek a third term next year, The Sacramento Bee has learned.
Johnson made the announcement in an email to The Bee late Tuesday, writing that “after much thought and soul-searching, (he has) decided not to run for a third term.”
“It was an incredibly difficult choice, but one that I feel confident about,” the mayor wrote. “As I’m sure there will be much speculation on this, let me proactively say that I am not leaving for another specific job or position. 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.”
While stopping short of naming who he would support in next year’s election, Johnson said, “I leave my position knowing there is ample leadership in the city to effectively fill my shoes.”
“I leave knowing that the city is headed in the right direction and is ready to embrace the exciting changes ahead,” he wrote. “And I leave knowing that my relationship with and work on behalf of the city is far from over.”
Johnson was first elected mayor in 2008, when he defeated incumbent Mayor Heather Fargo. He was re-elected in 2012.
Ryan Lillis: 916-321-1085, @Ryan_Lillis