News Summary
Councilwoman Denise Gray of Lexington’s sixth district has announced her decision not to seek reelection, citing the toll of media scrutiny following her sexual assault allegations against former council member Brenda Monarrez. Gray has expressed pride in her service but emphasizes the challenges faced by women, especially women of color, in public office. She hopes for a new generation of leaders to continue the work necessary for community development.
Lexington, KY — Councilwoman Denise Gray announced on June 8, 2025, that she will not seek reelection for Lexington’s sixth district, citing the negative treatment she received from the media following her sexual assault allegations against former council member Brenda Monarrez. Gray expressed that after significant consideration and reflection, she felt honored to have served her community but believes that the experience has taken a toll on her ability to continue in public office.
In August 2024, Gray sought a protective order against Monarrez, alleging that she had experienced unwanted sexual contact on two separate occasions over the preceding three years. The incidents Grey described pertained to sexual aggression that occurred since October 2021. Following her application for an interpersonal protection order on August 8, 2024, a district judge granted Gray a three-year restraining order against Monarrez in October 2024. During the ruling, the judge identified that an actual sexual assault had occurred and expressed concern about the possibility of future incidents. Despite the ruling in her favor, no criminal charges have been brought against Monarrez to date.
Gray’s departure from political life comes amid a challenging backdrop for women, particularly Black women, who speak out about their experiences with sexual violence. Gray has articulated that the lack of empathy from the broader community during this ordeal has highlighted the barriers that exist for Black women in similar situations. She has reiterated her dedication to public service, emphasizing her commitment to lead the district with courage and compassion despite the overwhelming challenges she faced.
Gray was first elected to the Lexington Fayette County Urban Government council in November 2022, where she represented the sixth district, which encompasses critical corridors such as Paris Pike, Winchester, Liberty, Man O’War, and Bryan Station roads. The allegations against Monarrez resulted in significant consequences for her role in local governance, including being barred from entering city hall and from attending Democratic Party events. Monarrez subsequently lost her council seat to Emma Curtis in the election held in November 2024.
With Gray’s decision not to seek reelection, she hopes that qualified and passionate leaders will emerge to serve the district and continue the work necessary for community development. Her acknowledgment of the painful experiences she has encountered speaks to broader issues within society regarding the treatment of survivors of sexual assault and the unique challenges faced by women of color when they come forward with their stories.
In conclusion, Denise Gray’s announcement not to pursue reelection marks a significant moment in local politics, reflecting not only her personal journey but also the ongoing discourse surrounding sexual violence and the experiences of marginalized individuals in public life. As her council term draws to a close, Gray leaves behind a complicated legacy characterized by both her dedication to her constituents and the adversity she faced while in office.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 56 News
- Wikipedia: Sexual Assault
- Kentucky.com
- Google Search: Denise Gray Lexington
- Kentucky.com
- Google Scholar: Denise Gray sexual assault
- Kentucky.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Violence
- Kentucky.com
- Google News: Lexington politics
