Republican State Senator Ron Alting has announced his intent to resign his Indiana Senate seat after 28 years if voters reelect him. The announcement follows weeks of shoplifting allegations, as a special prosecutor continues to weigh multiple Wal-Mart theft cases involving Alting in his Lafayette-area district. A new allegation surfaced this week involving a Florida Wal-Mart.
Alting, 70, attributed his decision to an “extensive medical evaluation for concerning changes in my judgment, behavior and cognitive functioning.” In a lengthy Facebook post, he detailed that the evaluation has involved specialists in neurology, geriatrics, and mental health, along with an MRI and other tests. This medical work is ongoing as his doctors seek a definitive diagnosis, Alting wrote.
Acknowledging his actions, Alting stated that he "did things that were wrong and completely out of character for me" during this period. He took responsibility for his actions, expressing deep apologies for the hurt and disappointment caused to his family, friends, colleagues, constituents, and the store employees involved. Alting concluded that he needs to end his time in public office to prioritize his health and family, a decision made after difficult conversations with family, doctors, and trusted advisors. He has informed Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray of his decision to resign from the Indiana Senate.
Alting is currently on the ballot for reelection against Democrat Natasha Baker. Although he stepped back from campaigning earlier this month, his name will remain on the ballot as voting is already underway. If he is elected, Alting explained in his post, his successor will be chosen through the Republican Party’s vacancy process. He expressed confidence that this process would produce an outstanding leader for Senate District 22, which represents all of Carroll County and portions of Tippecanoe County.
Democrat challenger Natasha Baker commented on the situation, stating that Senator Alting’s announcement raises significant questions about who would ultimately represent the district and how that decision would be made. Baker emphasized that "Voters deserve a senator elected by the people, not hand selected by party insiders," and encouraged residents of the district to participate in the election. Baker has reportedly gained momentum in recent weeks.
Alting, a Lafayette resident, was first elected to the Indiana Senate in 1998, after serving three years on the Lafayette City Council. He is currently the most senior member of the Indiana Senate. Since 2011, he has chaired the Senate Committee on Public Policy, a role in which he has overseen legislation on alcohol regulations and gaming matters.
Republican colleague Senator Spencer Deery thanked Alting for his years of service to Tippecanoe County and the Indiana General Assembly. Deery noted in a social media post that he understood how much Alting loved serving his constituents and that this must have been a difficult decision. However, Deery added that it was "the right decision," applauding Alting for his courage and stating he would be in his prayers.
Alting is a widower who was born and raised in Lafayette. He graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and was inducted into the school’s hall of fame in 2001. He was also a member of the 1974 Lafayette Jefferson High School state finals basketball team.
