Councilman representing parts of downtown Louisville won't run for reelection

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jecorey Arthur, who represents District 4 on Louisville Metro Council, won't run for reelection after one term.

Arthur made the announcement in his weekly newsletter to his district constituents Monday evening.

"I'm bittersweetly announcing that I'm not running for reelection," Arthur wrote. "It's bitter because I won't have the honor of being your councilman anymore, but even more sweet because I'll be focusing on what I am most passionate about — community organizing."

This comes nearly two months after the councilman announced he had left the Democratic party and would be serving as an Independent.

Arthur was elected to council as a Democrat in 2020. His district includes downtown Louisville and several neighborhoods surrounding downtown. The seat was formerly held by Deputy Mayor Barbara Sexton Smith, who wasn't seeking reelection.

"I've always encouraged people to organize, but it's hard to lead by example while being inside of a political system that is set up to be disorganized, bureaucratic, and punitive," he wrote Monday. "Everything we've been able to win since taking office has been powered by people, so we want to keep building that power no matter who's in office.

"We need more people joining labor and tenant unions, resident councils, neighborhood associations, and other civic groups. It is where I want to be, and I hope you will join me."

Arthur thanked constituents for allowing him to serve. His term ends in January 2025.

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Councilman representing parts of downtown Louisville won't run for reelection