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Since 2012, an average of about 13 state lawmakers per election cycle have opted not to run for reelection, either to retire or seek a different office.
Brandon Smith/IPB NewsThree more state lawmakers have announced they won’t run for reelection this year ahead of the start of the 2024 legislative session.
Rep. Ryan Hatfield (D-Evansville) this week became the first Democrat this election cycle to announce he wouldn’t seek another term in his Statehouse seat. Instead, after eight years in office, he’s running for circuit court judge.
Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) and Rep. Dennis Zent (R-Angola) aren’t running for any office this year, announcing recently they’ll retire after nine and 12 years in their Statehouse seats, respectively.
READ MORE: Why do incumbents have such a big advantage in elections?
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This election cycle, there have now been eight state lawmakers who have announced they won’t run for reelection, either to retire or seek a different office. Since 2012, there has been an average of around 13 such decisions per election cycle. Five others have resigned with their replacements chosen by local party caucus.
A total of 125 state lawmakers — every member of the House and half the Senate — have until Feb. 9 to decide whether to run for reelection.
Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.
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