Seattle Mayor Has Big News for Tearful Supporters

Ed Murray says abuse claims are untrue, but he's dropping re-election bid
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 10, 2017 12:03 AM CDT
After Abuse Claims, Seattle Mayor Won't Seek 2nd Term
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray shakes hands with a supporter as he departs after announcing Tuesday to media and supporters that he's dropping his re-election bid for a second term.   (Elaine Thompson)

For weeks Seattle Mayor Ed Murray pushed ahead with plans for his re-election campaign despite claims by men he sexually abused them decades ago when they were teenagers, allegations Murray vehemently denied. But Murray announced Tuesday he was abandoning his bid for a second term, saying it would be best for the city, the AP reports. "It tears me to pieces to step away, but I believe it's in the best interest of this city that I love," said Murray, 62, flanked by his husband and tearful supporters. He said he'll serve out his term through the end of this year. The mayor, a Democrat, said he was proud of his accomplishments, including raising Seattle's minimum wage to $15.

Murray reiterated his denial of the allegations that first emerged last month when a man filed a lawsuit claiming Murray paid him for sex in the 1980s. Three other men also came forward with similar allegations, including one who is jailed on drug charges. "The allegations against me are not true," Murray said. "And I say this with all honesty and with the deepest sincerity. But the scandal surrounding them and me is hurting this city." Murray, who became a frequent, high-profile critic of President Trump after last year's election, has previously claimed the allegations were part of an anti-gay conservative campaign to oust him, but he didn't repeat those accusations during his speech. (More Ed Murray stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X