Indiana state Sen. Ron Alting says he will resign if reelected, citing medical evaluation

As of 12:54 a.m. ET, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026

Indiana state Sen. Ron Alting, a Lafayette Republican who has represented Senate District 22 since 1998, said Wednesday that he will step down from the Senate, and that his name will remain on the Nov. 3 ballot. If he is reelected, he said, his successor will be chosen through the Republican Party's vacancy process.

"I have informed Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray of my decision to resign from the Indiana Senate," Alting said in a statement posted to Facebook on Wednesday, Oct. 21, as published in full by WISH-TV.

A spokesperson for Senate Republican leadership confirmed that Alting had announced his intention to resign to Bray, WFYI reported. WISH-TV reported that Bray's office confirmed it but did not provide further comment. Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle wrote on X at 3:40 p.m. ET that "a Senate spokesperson has confirmed that Sen. Ron Alting will resign from the Indiana Senate if re-elected."

What Alting said

"Over the past several weeks, I have been undergoing extensive medical evaluation for concerning changes in my judgment, behavior and cognitive functioning. That evaluation has included specialists in neurology, geriatrics and mental health, as well as an MRI and other testing. That work is continuing as my doctors seek a definitive diagnosis," Alting said in the statement.

"During this time, I did things that were wrong and completely out of character for me. I take responsibility for my actions. I am deeply sorry for the hurt and disappointment I have caused my family, friends, colleagues, constituents and the store employees involved," he said.

"After many difficult conversations with my family, my doctors and people I have trusted for many years, I have concluded that I need to bring my time in public office to an end and devote my attention to my health and my family," the statement said.

WFYI reported that Alting did not address specific allegations in the post.

The shoplifting allegations

WFYI described Alting as "an Indiana Senator accused of shoplifting." The Lafayette-based Journal and Courier has reported allegations of multiple instances of shoplifting, including in Florida, and a special prosecutor has been assigned to Alting's case, according to WFYI.

The ballot and his seat

"Because voting in this year's election is already underway, my name will remain on the ballot. If I am elected, my successor will ultimately be chosen through the Republican Party's vacancy process," Alting said. WFYI reported that it is too late for Alting to take his name off the November ballot.

Alting, 70, faces Democrat Natasha Baker in the district, which covers Tippecanoe and Carroll counties, according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle and WFYI. The Capital Chronicle reported that he took a step back from campaigning earlier this month and is the most senior member of the Indiana Senate.

"Senator Alting's announcement that he intends to resign if reelected raises important questions about who would ultimately represent our district and how that decision would be made. Voters deserve a senator elected by the people, not hand selected by party insiders," Baker said in a statement published by WISH-TV. "I wish Senator Alting and his family well as they navigate these difficult times and the next chapter in their lives."

Local Republicans said earlier this month that it was too soon to call for Alting to resign, noting they would wait until after the election to see where things stand, WFYI reported.

What is not known

What is behind the changes Alting described. He said his medical evaluation "is continuing as my doctors seek a definitive diagnosis."

The outcome of the special prosecutor's work. WFYI reported that a special prosecutor has been assigned to Alting's case.

When his resignation would take effect. His statement does not give a date.

Who would replace him if he is reelected. Alting said only that his successor would be chosen through the Republican Party's vacancy process.