Councilmember Liz Sheehan announces she will not seek reelection

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councilmember Liz Sheehan says she will not run for reelection when her current term ends, announcing her decision Wednesday in a statement to the community.

Sheehan said the choice came after “careful reflection” and was driven by both personal and professional considerations. She acknowledged how difficult it was to step away from work she described as meaningful and impactful for Lexington residents.

According to Sheehan’s written statement, she has valued working with neighbors to address basic needs, support vulnerable residents, and ensure Lexington remains a welcoming city. She added that serving the community has always guided her decision-making.

Sheehan also highlighted the increasing demands of council roles—and the financial barriers that make it difficult for many residents to run for office. She noted she has been able to reduce her workload at the University of Kentucky to meet the time commitment but said many Lexingtonians do not have that opportunity.

“When financial constraints help to determine who can hold elected office, our Council cannot fully represent the people it’s meant to serve,” Sheehan said, adding that recent public discussions about Council compensation are about more than salaries—they are about representative democracy.

During her five years in office, Sheehan pointed to accomplishments she says were achieved collaboratively, including efforts to support unhoused residents, improve public input processes, enhance street safety, and advance sustainability. She also highlighted initiatives that expanded protections for LGBTQ youth, opened Veterans’ Unity Point, and established paid leave for crime victims.

Sheehan thanked District 5 residents for their trust and support, praised her campaign team, and expressed appreciation for LFUCG government employees whose work often goes unseen.

She said she plans to finish her term “with the same dedication and integrity” and emphasized that stepping away from elected office does not mean stepping away from public service.

“I look forward to future opportunities to uplift our community in the years ahead,” Sheehan said.