Pelath Stepping Down as Head of House Dems
Pelath says it's time to plan for the "demise of ISTEP."
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe outgoing Indiana House Minority Leader says the Democratic Party will seek an "energetic" successor to continue his work over the last five years. Scott Pelath (D-9) will step down Tuesday from the post and will not seek re-election for the House seat he’s held since 1998. The decision, Pelath said, is in part because of his desire to spend more time with family.
During an address to the media Monday following the Indiana Chamber Legislative Preview, Pelath discussed points he said are important to Democrats in the House moving forward.
In a letter last week to members of the Democratic caucus, Pelath said "immediately after the past election, I confided to many of you that I was not going to do this forever. And after several months of repressed doubts, soul-searching, and discussions with my family that time has come – as it does for most of us."
His accomplishments in the General Assembly include serving on the House Ways and Means Committee prior to becoming minority leader, pushing for passage of the Great Lakes Water Use Compact to protect waterways in states and Canadian provinces bordering the Great Lakes and contributing to the recent legislation aimed at boosting economic opportunities along the South Shore rail line in northwest Indiana.
Pelath plans to finish out his current term, which ends at the end of next year.