FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno Mayor Brand says he will not seek reelection.
Mayor Brand making the announcement Monday on KMJ’s Ray Appleton Show that he will not seek a second term.
Brand’s term expires in January of 2021.
He was expected to seek reelection.
The 70-year-old Mayor says he wants to spend more time with family, and travel as his reason for not running.
Brand rose through the ranks from the Planning Commission and City Council before being elected mayor in 2016.
Since then, his administration has inaugurated a rental inspection program, and created the Public Safety Advisory Committee.
City councilor Luis Chavez also announcing on Monday his intention to seek the office.
Former Congressional Candidate Andrew Janz already announced his candidacy on May 2, 2019.
STATEMENT BY MAYOR LEE BRAND -CITY OF FRESNO:
“Last month, I turned 70 years old and the occasion caused me to reflect on my life, my career and my time as your Mayor. As a result of this self-reflection, I had an open and honest discussion with my family about seeking a second term. The overwhelming consensus was that it was time I move on. My wife wants to travel and I want to spend more time with my grandchildren.
“Therefore, I have decided to announce that I will not run for a second term as Mayor of Fresno.
“I have a little over 19 months left to complete my term and my vision remains constant: create economic prosperity for our City, improve public safety, improve the quality of life for all and unify Fresno. For my remaining time in office, I will stay focused on moving that vision forward.
“The people of Fresno and their needs are more important than my political plans. Not running for a second term will allow me to devote my full attention to moving this City forward. Running for a second term as Mayor would consume time and energy that is better used to achieve my vision.
“Not having the burden of re-election gives me the freedom to devote all of my energy to improving our community. I will keep the ‘pedal to the metal’ until my last day in office.
“For the past 18 years, I have served this City, as a planning commissioner, City Councilmember and Mayor and I have no regrets. I love Fresno and its people and I’m forever grateful to have the opportunity to serve as Mayor of this great City.
“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to my family, the incredible employees of the City of Fresno and all those who have supported my vision and stood beside me as we worked toward a better Fresno. I ask you to join my quest to finish strong over the next 19 months. Thank you!”
Just minutes after Brand made his announcement on Monday, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer sent out the following press release:
Response to Mayor Brands Intention not to seek re-election:
“I am appreciative of Lee’s ongoing service as the Mayor of our city and respect his decision not to seek re-election. During my remaining time as the Police Chief I will do all I can to allow his Administration to be successful.
I have been asked many times over the past few weeks if I would be running for Mayor. With the Mayor’s announcement today that he will not be seeking re-election, I am anticipating that question being asked more frequently.
I am honored to have received such an outpouring of support from members of our community who have encouraged me to run for Mayor. I am deeply humbled.
I am strongly considering running for the Office of Mayor. However, prior to making a final decision, I will be consulting with those closest to me and seeking God’s affirmation.
I recognize the importance of this decision to my family and to our community and the need to make that decision as soon as possible. As such, it is my intent to make a public announcement within the next few weeks.” – Jerry Dyer
