JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — Indiana State Rep. Rita Fleming (D-Jeffersonville) announced her retirement Monday, effective immediately.
Fleming represented House District 71 for six years. She cited family reasons for her decision.
"I have 15 grandchildren, and they and the rest of my family are my priority,” Fleming said in a statement. “Legislative sessions are long up at the Statehouse in Indianapolis and it takes a lot of work to properly represent House District 71. It’s time for me to retire from my post as state representative and focus on my family."
Fleming ran unopposed during last week's primary election. A caucus will determine her replacement on the November ballot.
That candidate will run against Republican Scott Hawkins, who lost to Fleming by about one point in 2022.
Fleming served as a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, House Public Health Committee, Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder and Medicaid Advisory Committee. She authored and passed laws to end the practice of shackling pregnant inmates during childbirth, and expand same-day birth control access for postpartum mothers on Medicaid.
“I have certainly enjoyed my time at the Statehouse working on behalf of my constituents and all Hoosiers," Fleming said. "I am honored that the people in my district have voted me into office three times. I feel I’ve accomplished some things for moms, babies and overall better public health. I’ve worked to be bipartisan and benefit my district and generally improve life for the people of Indiana. I’ve made friends on both sides of the aisle and consider myself a better and more informed person for that. It’s been an honor being a state representative."
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