In May of 2000, Kevin Johnson retired from the NBA after 12 seasons with the Phoenix Suns. He returned to his hometown of Sacramento, California to serve as the CEO of St. HOPE, a non-profit community development corporation he founded in 1989 designed to revitalize inner-city communities through public education, economic development, civic leadership and arts enrichment.
It is with great excitement and pride that I am announcing my candidacy for the Mayor of Sacramento. This decision is one that I've considered very carefully and, after great reflection, have come to believe is the right next step for me and for this city. I'm asking for your support today.