Beleaguered Sacto Mayor Kevin Johnson Won't Seek Re-Election
SACRAMENTO (CBS SF) -- Mayor Kevin Johnson issued a statement Tuesday saying he will not run for a third term after "much thought and soul-searching."
Statement on decision not to seek reelection. pic.twitter.com/eQrxNc0y7T
— Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson) October 21, 2015
There is speculation Johnson's decision was spurred by allegations he sexually molested a 15-year-old girl when he was a member of the Phoenix Suns.
The accuser, Mandi Koba told her story to Deadspin.com and said Johnson paid her $230,600 in hush money on the condition she only speak to a priest or therapist.
Johnson has never been charged in the case. He released a statement at the time saying the allegations"were thoroughly investigated and rejected by law enforcement and reported in the media. They weren't true then, and they aren't true now, period."
Johnson is also in a legal battle with the Sacramento News & Review and the City of Sacramento over the release of his private emails and allegations he was involved in a plot to take down the National Conference of Black Mayors.
First elected in 2008, Johnson is credited for his successful effort to keep the Kings from moving to Seattle in 2013. That resulted in the plan to build the NBA team a new arena downtown that is expected to open next October.