INDIANAPOLIS — Rep. Dan Forestal, the Indianapolis Democrat who currently faces multiple charges stemming from an August incident, will not run for reelection.
Forestal has been charged with impersonation of a public servant, resisting law enforcement and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
He allegedly threatened to use his status to have police officers fired when he was arrested, according to court documents. He is the nephew of the Marion County sheriff.
Forestal released the following statement:
“It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve for the past eight years as the state representative for the people of House District 100. I’ve dedicated my life to public service as a firefighter and as a state representative. However, the time has come for me to focus on my mental health. This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life. Ultimately, I’ve decided that it’s time for me to focus on my health at this time. I hope that we as a society continue to work together to shatter the stigma around mental health issues.”
He has represented Indiana House District 100 since 2012.
Democratic Indianapolis City-County Councilor Blake Johnson has already announced he will run for the seat. Johnson just began his second term on the council in January.
"I love Indianapolis and have had the honor of dedicating my professional life and public service to the goal of making it a better place for this and future generations," Johnson said, via a release. "I am excited by this new opportunity to serve, and I look forward to important conversations about how we can continue to move our neighborhoods forward."
Forestal's next court date is March 10.
