'Not this time': Megan Barry won't run for mayor in 2023

Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, one of several local figureheads speculated to be considering a mayoral campaign after Mayor John Cooper announced he will not seek reelection, said she has decided not to run.

"Thanks again to everyone who reached out with encouragement, advice, support and love," Barry wrote Wednesday. "Not this time. But please, find a candidate you like and work hard to help them. Our great city deserves a great mayor!"

Barry's name emerged on a list of potential contenders almost immediately after Cooper's surprise announcement left the candidate field without an incumbent. John Geer, a political science professor at Vanderbilt University, opined that Barry's name recognition would make her a "formidable candidate," though she would have to address a scandal that brought an early end to her term in office.

Barry was the first woman to be elected mayor of Metro Nashville. She served from 2015 until 2018, when she resigned her position as part of a plea deal with local prosecutors. She pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft stemming from her affair with the head of her police security detail. Prosecutors required her to reimburse the city $11,000 in unlawful expenses, and after three years, she was able to have the charge expunged from her record.

Before Cooper's announcement, three candidates had announced a mayoral run: At-large Metro Council member Sharon Hurt, Metro Council member Freddie O'Connell and former Nashville economic development director Matt Wiltshire.

Since Cooper chose to forgo running for a second term, retired AllianceBernstein Chief Operating Officer Jim Gingrich announced his candidacy.

Former educator and "Christian conservative constitutionalist" Natisha Brooks also announced a mayoral bid, though she has yet to appoint a treasurer for her campaign.

Alice Rolli, a former aide to former Gov. Bill Haslam and former campaign manager for Sen. Lamar Alexander, has also said she is exploring a potential campaign. Metro Property Assessor Vivian Wilhoite also said she is "strongly considering" a run.

State Representative Bob Freeman, another speculated candidate, said he does not plan to run.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Megan Barry won't enter the 2023 Nashville mayoral race