Lexington official not seeking reelection to discuss ‘future plans’ Wednesday
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Council member Denise Gray will outline post-political plans at news event.
- Gray cited media treatment after alleging assault by Brenda Monarrez as reason.
- Gray’s current term for Lexington’s District 6 set to conclude in late 2026.
Denise Gray, a member of the Urban County Council, will hold a news conference Wednesday morning to discuss her political future.
Gray announced in June she will not seek reelection, citing treatment by media following her sexual assault allegations against former council member Brenda Monarrez last year.
Her term ends in 2027.
The Urban County Council is the legislative body that makes the laws for Lexington-Fayette County. It includes 12 district members and three at-large council members, one of whom serves as the vice mayor. They vote to set budgets, policies and taxes in accordance with city and state law.
Gray accused Monarrez in August 2024 of sexually assaulting her. Gray applied for and was awarded a restraining order, called an interpersonal protection order, alleging Monarrez was sexually aggressive toward her on two occasions over the prior three years.
The judge who granted the three-year restraining order found that sexual assault did occur between the women. Sexual assault under state statue also includes sexual abuse.
No criminal charges have been filed against Monarrez.
As a result of the sexual assault claims, Monarrez was banned from entering city hall and attending Democratic party events. Monarrez, who represented District 4, lost her seat to Emma Curtis in November 2024.
Gray, originally elected in 2022, represents District 6, which includes part of East Lexington between New Circle Road and I-75, including Hamburg and Bryan Station.
She is a former Fayette County Public Schools employee and ran unsuccessfully for state senate in 2018. She lost to Ralph Alvarado who claimed 53% of votes.
This story was originally published July 22, 2025 at 6:42 PM.