Indiana Rep. Ryan Hatfield (D-Evansville) announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election in the fall and will instead run for county judge.
Hatfield, who has represented Southern Indiana's 77th House District since 2016, said he is running for Vanderburgh County Circuit Court judge.
“Serving as a circuit court judge provides a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the fair and just resolution of legal issues that impact the lives of individuals and families in our communities,” Hatfield said in a statement. Ta.
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Mr. Hatfield serves as the minority member of the Indiana House Judiciary Committee and the Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee. Prior to serving in the General Assembly, Mr. Hatfield served as a deputy prosecutor in Vanderburgh County.
“This decision to run for judge is deeply personal to me and stems from a deep commitment to fostering a legal system in Vanderburgh County that reflects the values and needs of our community,” Hatfield said in a statement. It was moved,” he said.
House Democratic Leader Phil Giaquinta called Hatfield's resignation a “loss.”
Panoramic view of the Indiana State Capitol on August 5, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. (Reuters/Cheney Orr)
“Since his election in 2016, Congressman Hatfield has used his extensive legal expertise to serve the residents of Evansville and Hoosiers across the state,” Giaquinta said in a statement.
Hatfield is the latest in a string of Indiana lawmakers to say they will not seek re-election in 2024. Two Republican state legislators, Denny Zent and Randy Lynes, individually announced in December that they would not be re-elected. In November, Republican state Rep. Bob Cherry of Greenfield announced his intention to retire after 25 years in office.
Rep. Donna Shively, R-Carmel, said in October she plans to seek re-election immediately after longtime lawmaker and Carmel representative Rep. Jerry Toll announced his intention to retire after 28 years in the House. He said no.
In August, Republican Sen. John Crane of Avon announced he would not seek reelection after the 2024 legislative session.
At least three other Republicans resigned this year. In September, State Sen. John Ford of Terre Haute announced that he would resign from his Western Indiana district seat, effective October 16. The Republican caucus selected Greg Good, Republican Sen. Todd Young's state director, to fill out the remainder of Ford's term.
Republican Sen. Chip Perfect of Lawrenceburg resigned from his southeast Indiana seat in late September. The caucus chose businessman Randy Maxwell to finish out Perfect's term.
In July, Republican state Rep. Randy Frye of Greensburg resigned from his southeastern Indiana district, citing health issues. Attorney J. Alex Zimmerman was selected to complete Frye's term.
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Former Inspector General Cindy Carrasco was sworn into the Senate seat in Indianapolis in November following the sudden death of Republican state Sen. Jack Sandlin in September.
