Rep. Kreg Battles, D-Vincennes, has resigned and will not seek re-election, ten days after being nominated for a fifth term.
He has been a House Representative since 2006. First in House District 64, and currently in District 45.
Battles just won an uncontested primary election for his seat, which would have set up a fall election against former Rep. Bruce Borders, R-Jasonville.
Battles had the second-narrowest victory of any state representative in 2012 when he defeated Borders by 75 votes in an incumbent-versus-incumbent contest created by redistricting.
But Battles says the rematch did not affect his decision.
"In my past life, I coached for 27 years," he says. "No one likes to lose, but believe me after coaching for 27 years, I've had my share of loses and you learn to deal with that."
Instead, he says he wants to spend more time with his five grandsons, who are all under six years old.
"When you become a legislator, you lose a little piece of your life," Battles says. "You do that by choice. I have done that unregretful, but I need that time with my family. I want that time with my family, particularly with the grandkids."
Battles says he decided not to run just days before the primary, but he and Democratic Party leaders chose to keep his name on the ballot to avoid confusion.
Democratic precinct leaders in the district‘s five counties will choose someone to fill Battles' spot on the ballot and the remaining six months of Battles' term. A new representative will be in place in time for next month's one-day session to fix drafting errors in two bills.
Battles is a chemistry teacher and is known for his work on education issues.
His resignation is effective immediately.
Network Indiana contributed to this story.