News & Politics
Matt Dowling won’t run for reelection after DUI charge
Dowling says retiring will help him focus on his wellness and family.
State Rep. Matt Dowling at a Capitol press conference State Rep. Matt Dowling’s Facebook page
State Rep. Matt Dowling won’t run for reelection this year after being charged with a DUI Thursday related to a June 4 car accident, the Republican lawmaker said Friday.
“My recent auto accident and subsequent treatment that I voluntarily sought drove me to deeply reflect on my life and make some hard decisions,” Dowling said in a statement. “One of those was to leave my seat in the state House of Representatives so that I can better spend time focusing on family and my personal journey to wellness.
”Dowling’s decision comes after the Pennsylvania State Police filed DUI charges against the state representative on Thursday. A toxicology report showed Dowling allegedly had a blood alcohol content of .272 at the time of the accident, according to a report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“No one is above the law and the charges filed regarding the June 4 accident were anticipated,” Dowling said of the charges. “I am forever thankful that I live in a nation with a fair and impartial justice system and will remain transparent with the public as this case progresses.”
Dowling was involved in a separate single-vehicle accident in October 2021 on the way to a caucus event that was prompted by a medical episode related to Dowling’s diabetes. In a statement following Dowling’s June 4 accident, he said that the initial accident last year left him struggling with physical and mental trauma.
“Unfortunately, this struggle has manifested itself in disappointing behavior that I have faced in the past with respect to alcohol, and that came to a head in an auto accident on June 4, 2022,” Dowling said. He soon after entered alcohol-related treatment to address “any possible alcohol issues.”
Despite his impending exit from public office, Dowling expressed a sense of pride in his work to prevent tax increases and defend Second Amendment rights as chair of the House Second Amendment Caucus. “While it has been my greatest honor and privilege to represent the people of the 51st District, I believe it is time for someone else to continue this important work,” he said.
Dowling’s current term ends on Nov. 30.