09-06-2025
Lexington councilwoman Denise Gray won't seek reelection, cites harassment
Lexington councilwoman Denise Gray will not seek reelection, she announced Sunday afternoon.
Gray said after much prayer and reflection, she decided to not seek a second term as the sixth-district councilperson for the Lexington Fayette County Urban Government.
'Serving you, my neighbors, my hometown community, and the district where I was raised has been an honor that words can hardly capture,' Gray stated in a press release. 'Together we've asked hard questions, challenged the status quo, and worked toward a more just and equitable Lexington. I am proud of what we've built.'
Gray said her decision to not run again for a Lexington council seat was a result of treatment by media following her sexual assault allegations against former council member Brenda Monarrez.
Monarrez was accused of sexual assault against Gray in August 2024. On Aug. 8, 2024, Gray applied for a restraining order, called an interpersonal protection order, alleging Monarrez was sexually aggressive toward her on two occasions over the prior three years.
In October, District Judge Traci Brislin granted a three-year restraining order between the two women and found sexual assault did occur.
'I believe an actual sexual assault occurred, and it may occur again,' Brislin said. 'The court believes that this has happened on not one, but two separate occasions.'
Sexual assault under state statue also includes sexual abuse. No criminal charges have been filed against Monarrez.
Gray said her decision to not seek reelection wasn't easy.
'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,' Gray said. '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 was elected in November 2022 to represent Lexington's sixth district, which stretches along Lexington's north and east sides with Paris Pike, Winchester, Liberty, Man O'War and Bryan Station roads as major corridors.
As a result of the sexual assault claims, Monarrez was banned from entering city hall and Democratic party events. Monarrez, who represented district four, lost her seat to Emma Curtis in November 2024.
Staff reporter Beth Musgrave contributed to this story.
