SOUTHAVEN, MS (abc24.com) - Southaven's controversial mayor announced Thursday he will not be running for re-election this year.
He's spent 16 years in the mayor's office. The last year and a half has been dominated by criminal investigations into his spending of taxpayer money.
Politics is the only career Davis has known. He's a little anxious about starting something new, but mainly excited.
"It will be nice to be able to wake up, have a cup of coffee and be able to do what's right for Greg Davis and his family, not his family plus 50,000 people."
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis believes his family will benefit from his decision to quit politics.
"The fact that I'm in the news apparently almost every day, at least every week, it has to begin to wear and tear on them."
The mayor's under three felony indictments; his handling of city money is the focus of an FBI criminal investigation.
"Everything that has gone on, I wouldn't have been able to do if I didn't start living as Greg Davis, the real me, not the Mayor Greg Davis, not the state representative, but Greg Davis."
He's not talking this week about any ongoing legal issues but focusing on the future.
"Through all the things that have happened, the struggle of being me has been one I've ignored for 45 years, trying to hide my sexuality."
Davis says if he could do anything - he'd like to help others.
"It took professionals to help me to address that issue. I would hope somewhere down the line to help those who may not have an insurance package or the financial ability to seek help with a problem, regardless of what it is."
He's got no set plans for what he'll do next, but plenty of options.
"We've been eligible since December 1st for retirement from the state. We took the LSATS so maybe law school, maybe grad school, maybe a job somewhere. I'll be sending my applications out if anybody is interested let me know," he laughs.
"There is a sense of relief. Hopefully I can do that without turning around and running into a camera."
So far three candidates have filed to run for Southaven mayor, whoever wins will take office in July.
