Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni announced Thursday he will not seek a second term in office.
“While I treasure public service, there are still parts of the political process that come with the job that I don’t like," Yenni said in a press release on the final day of qualifying. "I recognize that running for a second term would result in me having to spend the entire campaign talking about issues other than the great strides and forward movement Jefferson Parish has made under my administration. I can’t submit my family, friends, and this parish to months of that kind of campaign. Michelle and I have two children and a third on the way, and as we prepare our growing family for the future I must focus on family and step away from politics. Therefore, I will not qualify for re-election.”
“Jefferson Parish is stronger today and more poised for advancement in every aspect than it was when I assumed the role of Parish President," Yenni added.
As Fox 8 reported in June while Yenni was still weighing whether or not to run again:
Political pundits said Yenni is no doubt weighing whether a texting scandal involving a teen would hurt his ability to be reelected. In a 2016 video statement, Yenni admitted sending what he called “improper” text messages to a young man.
Former Parish President John Young and Parish Councilwoman Cynthia Lee Sheng have qualified for the race.
Photo: Getty Images