Longtime State Rep. Decides Against Another Run

(Image courtesy of the Indiana House Democratic Caucus.)

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Another high-profile Indiana lawmaker will not run for re-election. State Representative Linda Lawson (D-1) plans to finish out the remainder of her 20th year in office. The announcement follows several other legislators’ decisions to either step down, retire or not file to run again, including:

• Senator Brandt Hershman (R-7) announced his resignation
• Former House Minority Leader Scott Pelath (D-9) announcing he will not run for re-election this year
• Rep. Charlie Brown (D-3) announcing he will not run for re-election this year
• Senator Victoria Spartz (R-20) succeeding Luke Kenley, who retired
• Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-63) succeeding Mike Braun, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.)

Lawson has served the district that covers most of Hammond and all of Whiting since 1998. She says "I have so many wonderful memories of the Indiana General Assembly and those who have served with me. In particular, I am proud of the work I did on the House Judiciary Committee, which I chaired for six years. The work that we [as a committee] put in was astounding."

Lawson, a retired police captain who is the first female officer in the Hammond Police Department, has once again authored a gender-focused wage gap bill, something she has done each year she has served in the House. During her time in office, Lawson has served as House Democratic Floor Leader and on the House Judiciary, Courts & Criminal Code, Education, Environmental Affairs, Family Affairs and Labor committees.

She says "I have had many life transitions: From a child, to an adult, to a mother, to a police officer, to a school board member, to a representative. This is a new chapter in my life, and I am excited for another transition."

The 2018 General Assembly will last 10 weeks and it officially kicked off Wednesday.