Johnson made the announcement first in an email to The Sacramento 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 in a statement he later posted on Twitter. “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.”
Johnson’s statement was released on the eve of an announcement by his colleague and close political ally, Councilwoman Angelique Ashby, that she would run for mayor. Ashby will make her announcement Wednesday during a press conference at the headquarters of the city’s firefighters union.
