Melton’s Statement on Retirement of Congressman Visclosky

Gary, Indiana — On Wednesday, Congressman Peter Visclosky announced he will not run for re-election after 30 years of public service to District 1 in Northwest Indiana. Rep. Visclosky has been a long-time mentor and friend to State Senator Eddie Melton. Sen. Melton had the following comments on Rep. Visclosky’s leadership and his personal decision on Indiana’s 1st Congressional District. 

“Northwest Indiana has been proud to have a hardworking public servant like Congressman Visclosky to serve us over the past three decades and we will miss his dedicated leadership in Washington.

“Rep. Visclosky is a powerful member of Congress with a passion for improving the lives in his district and this nation. I have been lucky enough to have a front seat to his leadership throughout my lifetime and I couldn’t be more grateful for his work. Even before I was elected, I worked with Rep. Visclosky to initiate the South Shore Double Tracking Project and then voted to secure funding for it when I became a legislator. Among many achievements, Rep. Visclosky was a champion of the Northwest Indiana economy, fought to protect the steel industry and a champion for public schools. 

“I have been humbled by the outpouring of bi-partisan support encouraging me to pursue this congressional seat in 2020, but as I said upon my announcement, I am firmly committed to becoming the next governor of Indiana and fighting to improve the quality of life of every Hoosier.  

“As I continue to travel across the state, my conviction to serve the people grows stronger each day. I continue to hear stories of families who are struggling to make ends meet due to low wages, teachers who are struggling to provide for their families, patients unable to afford their prescription drugs, veterans who feel unsupported by the state and country they fought for, voters who are being disenfranchised and minorities who feel unprotected by our state laws.

“During my time in the Indiana General Assembly, I see first hand how the current administration and Republican supermajority are failing working families. Indiana remains dead last in the nation in teacher salary growth since 2002, 40th in health care, 37th in infrastructure and 48th in natural environment. These rankings are a disgrace to Hoosiers and I intend to change the course the long-time Republican supermajority has set.

“Thank you to all who continue to support me as I seek to serve as Indiana’s next governor.”