Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton Finally Announces Resignation

PHOENIX, AZ – That Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton would step aside has been the worst kept secret in Arizona politics. The only question was when would he do it.

Arizona politics doesn't allow a person to run for one office while holding another.

When Krysten Sinema announced that she would be giving up her seat in the House of Representatives, it became a given that Stanton would run.

He said as much himself last October.

It just wasn't clear when he would do it. State law gives him until May 29.

And that's when he will step aside.

On Monday, he sent a letter to the Secretary of State announcing his decision to give up his seat and run for Congress.

"Our city is in strong shape and I am proud that we have put Phoenix on the most positive trajectory of any large city in America," he wrote.

He also posted a campaign announcement video to YouTube

Stanton took office in 2012 after nine years on the city council and working as the state's Deputy Attorney General.

Once he steps aside, Vice Mayor Thelda Williams will be the interim mayor until the council votes on a replacement.