Seattle Mayor Ed Murray chose the Alki Bath House to make his announcement on May 9 that he would not seek re-election as mayor. Murray has been plagued by numerous claims of paying for sex with a minor during the 1980's in the past few weeks, claims he steadfastly has denied. Backed and surrounded by the heads of Seattle's government Murray cited the distraction that the scandal would cause but noted his achievements.

"This campaign for Mayor must be about the future of the city. About the actions we must take to make this a more equitable city. About the actions we must take to make this a more affordable city. About the actions we must take to address homelessness. About the actions we must take to address growth and livability, These are still urgent and important issues before this city. The mayors race must be focused on these issues. Not on a scandal which it would be focused on if I were to remain in this race. The allegations against me paint me in the worst possible historic portraits of a gay man. The allegations against me are not true and I say this with all honesty and with the deepest sincerity. But the scandal surrounding them and me is hurting this city. it hurts those who have been victims of abuse, it hurts my family, it hurts Michael (his husband). For these reasons I'm announcing that I'm withdrawing as a candidate for Mayor. While I am happy to reflect on all that we have accomplished I must admit that my heart aches. Since I was 12 years old politics has been my life and my dream. I laid on the grass on this beach and read children's books about F.D.R. and J.F.K and PT 109..."

Murray noted numerous legislative accomplishments including during his 11 years of service as a state legislator, replacing the 520 bridge, drilling the SR 99 tunnel, the effort to limit car emissions, and the passage of the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender civil rights bill. "I'm happy because I have been part of some remarkable achievements," Murray said, these were things, "I was told would never happen from the civl rights bill to the ring that I wear on my finger."

"I happy because a kid from this place got elected Mayor of this city, and I'm happy to report that we together have made progress as a city on police reform, on the minimum wage, on transit and transportation, on affordable housing, on parks on education and pre-K, on the utility discount program, on the office of immigrant and refugee affairs, on youth opportunities and employment, on climate change, on gender equity and paid family leave."

Murray was hugged and applauded with numerous people coming forward to wish him well. One man outside as Murray left shook his hand and said, "You are still MY mayor."