'This decision did not come easily': Councilwoman Denise Gray signals intent to step away after term
By Josh James
June 9, 2025 at 4:55 PM EDT
Lexington Sixth District Councilmember Denise Gray says she will not be seeking another term.
First elected in 2022, second-term councilwoman Denise Gray released a statement over the weekend indicating she will not run for reelection.
In 2024, Gray accused now-former council member Brenda Monarrez of multiple instances of sexual assault, allegations Monarrez has denied.
The case led to a restraining order against Monarrez and media coverage that Gray cited as the main reason behind her decision to step away at the end of her term.
"Several outlets did go into a lot of the details of that incident and Councilmember Gray has been pretty transparent over the last several months that that has taken a toll on her mental health to have these very personal details sort of aired to the public," says Adrian Bryant with CivicLex.
In her email, the councilmember wrote: "The lack of empathy and disregard for my humanity during that time was not only hurtful, but it was also a painful reminder of the barriers Black women too often face when we speak truth and stand in our power. Despite that treatment, I continued to show up and serve with courage, compassion, and commitment. But I will not pretend it did not affect me, it did."
Gray won't be leaving the city hall horseshoe soon, however.
"She will be on council through January of 2027. That is when the new council is inaugurated. So she'll still be around for the next year-and-a-half or so, but she won't be on the ballot in November '26," Bryant adds.
In her statement, Gray said she's sharing the decision now to allow space and time for new leaders to emerge.
In 2024, Gray accused now-former council member Brenda Monarrez of multiple instances of sexual assault, allegations Monarrez has denied.
The case led to a restraining order against Monarrez and media coverage that Gray cited as the main reason behind her decision to step away at the end of her term.
"Several outlets did go into a lot of the details of that incident and Councilmember Gray has been pretty transparent over the last several months that that has taken a toll on her mental health to have these very personal details sort of aired to the public," says Adrian Bryant with CivicLex.
In her email, the councilmember wrote: "The lack of empathy and disregard for my humanity during that time was not only hurtful, but it was also a painful reminder of the barriers Black women too often face when we speak truth and stand in our power. Despite that treatment, I continued to show up and serve with courage, compassion, and commitment. But I will not pretend it did not affect me, it did."
Gray won't be leaving the city hall horseshoe soon, however.
"She will be on council through January of 2027. That is when the new council is inaugurated. So she'll still be around for the next year-and-a-half or so, but she won't be on the ballot in November '26," Bryant adds.
In her statement, Gray said she's sharing the decision now to allow space and time for new leaders to emerge.