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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana State Rep. Ryan Hatfield, an Evansville Democrat, announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election to the county judge position.
Hatfield, who has represented House District 77 in southern Indiana since 2016, said he is running for Vanderburgh County Circuit Court judge.
“Serving as a Circuit Court judge provides a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the fair and appropriate resolution of legal matters that impact the lives of individuals and families in our community,” Hatfield said in a statement.
Hatfield serves as the ranking minority member of the Indiana House Judiciary and Employment, Labor and Pensions committees. Prior to his position in the General Assembly, Hatfield was a deputy prosecutor in Vanderburgh County.
“This decision to run for judge is extremely personal for me, motivated by a deep commitment to fostering a legal system in Vanderburgh County that reflects the values and needs of our community,” Hatfield said in his statement.
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House Democratic Leader Phil Giaquinta called Hatfield’s departure a “loss.”
“Since his election in 2016, Representative Hatfield has used his extensive legal expertise to serve the people of Evansville and Hoosiers across the state,” Giaquinta said in a statement.
Hatfield is the latest in a series of Indiana state lawmakers who have said they are not seeking reelection in 2024. Two Republican state representatives, denny zent And randy lynes, separately disclosed his intention not to seek re-election in December. In November, Republican State Representative Bob Cherryof Greenfield, announced his intention to retire after 25 years.
Carmel Republican Rep. Donna Chabli Said in October that she would not seek re-election immediately after being a longtime MLA representative jerry torwho also represents Carmel, announced his intention to retire after 28 years in the House.
In August, the Republican state senator john craneof Avon, announced he will not seek re-election after the 2024 legislative session.
At least three other Republican lawmakers resigned this year. In September, State Senator John Ford of Terre Haute, said he would resign Effective October 16 from his western Indiana district. A Republican caucus chose state director Greg Good over Republican U.S. Senator Todd Young to serve out the remainder of Ford’s term.
Lawrenceburg’s Republican senator Chip Perfect resigned. late september From his southeastern Indiana seat. A caucus chose businessman Randy Maxwell to complete Perfect’s term.
In July, state Representative Randy Fry, a Republican from Greensburg, resigned From his Southeastern Indiana district due to health problems. Attorney J. Alex Zimmerman was selected.
after republican state Senator Jack Sandlin Former Inspector General died unexpectedly in September Cindy Carrasco Was sworn into the Senate in November to fill the Indianapolis seat.
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