SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Councilman Kyle LaMalfa has announced he will not pursue re-election so he can continue a personal relationship with Councilwoman Erin Mendenhall.
“As of January 2016, my focus will be service to a happy home and my partner, Erin,” LaMalfa recently announced on his campaign website.
In November, Salt Lake City Weekly first reported from unnamed sources a romantic relationship between Mendenhall and LaMalfa. Later that month, the pair confirmed their relationship.
When asked Tuesday about reports that he's not running for re-election because he is moving from District 2 to Mendenhall's District 5, LaMalfa would only say: "I will be living in my district through the end of my term."
LaMalfa’s four-year term ends this year, while Mendenhall won’t run for re-election for another two years.
“The groundswell of donations received thus far are being returned,” LaMalfa said. “Through the end of my term, there is still much to accomplish. I’m dedicated to make the most of my time on the council.”
LaMalfa included in his announcement support for Andrew Johnston, former Poplar Grove community council chairman, to take his District 2 seat.
“I had an incredibly productive time in office,” LaMalfa said, “and I’m not ruling out public service for some other time in the future.”
— Katie McKellar
Email: kmckellar@deseretnews.com