Bray won't seek re-election as Indiana Senate President Pro Tem

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. - Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) announced Friday that he does not intend to seek re-election as Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore in November.

The job of President Pro Tem is to lead the Senate, which involves setting legislative priorities, appointing a chairman, and assigning all bills filed each session to a committee, all while maintaining the integrity of the Senate as an institution. As the leader, the Pro Tem's job is also to represent and look out for his caucus members. Given promises to recruit and fund primary challengers for any senator who supports Bray's bid to remain the leader of the Senate, he said he will not put members in jeopardy from their own party simply because he is asking them to support his re-election as Pro Tem.

Bray said, "Serving as President Pro Tem for eight years has been among the most significant honors of my life, but it's time for the Senate to choose a new leader. Our caucus has led the way in passing laws resulting in over 20 tax cuts, initiatives to lower health care costs, and laws resulting in a sharp increase in literacy rates in our schools. That's a track record I will stand behind."

Bray will continue to serve as the President Pro Tem until the November election.