State Rep. Dowling set to remove name from November ballot following DUI wreck
State Rep. Matthew Dowling — who is facing DUI charges — has announced that he will remove his name from the Republican ticket in the upcoming November election.
Dowling, who represents the state's 51st Legislative District, was charged June 30 with two misdemeanor DUI charges as well as five summary offenses, following a June 4 crash in South Union Township, Fayette County.
“My recent auto accident and subsequent treatment that I voluntarily sought drove me to deeply reflect on my life and make some hard decisions. 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 said in a prepared statement. “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.”
According to state police, Dowling rear-ended a vehicle at about 1:40 p.m. June 4. He had a police alcohol content of .27%, the Associated Press reported.
It was the second vehicle crash he had in less than a year. He crashed in 2021 in Lancaster County on his way to Republican caucus event. In that accident, he had fainted while behind the wheel because of medical condition with diabetes.
DUI crash:State Rep. Dowling was in two car accidents in less than a year, now faces investigation
More:Dowling on return home: 'It is my hope that (this) chapter of my recovery will end soon'
Dowling currently represents Addison, Elk Lick, Lower Turkeyfoot, Summit and Upper Turkeyfoot townships; and Addison, Confluence, Garrett, Meyersdale, Salisbury and Ursina boroughs in Somerset County; and parts of Fayette County.
His term expires Nov. 30 and a new redistricting map will phase out Somerset County from the 51st District on Dec. 1.
Since the June 4 crash, he has said he has sought treatment for alcohol issues. In his latest statement, he encouraged anyone struggling with addiction to seek help.
“While it is never easy to go through a situation like I face today in the public eye, I hope that my challenge helps others seek treatment and reduces the stigma of addiction in our society. Knowing the health consequences I could face in the future, it was easy for me to come to the realization that I had to stop drinking. It was harder to admit that my mind works differently from those who can drink socially and that I will have to be constantly vigilant,” he said.
“Nobody wants to admit they are different, but as the Alcoholics Anonymous big book states, those who struggle with addiction have an ‘allergy’ to whatever substance affects them.”
He added that the charges were anticipated, that no one is above the law and that he is "forever thankful" to "live in a nation with a fair and impartial justice system."
Follow Eric Kieta on Twitter @EricKietaDA.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: State Rep. Dowling stepping down after DUI charges filed
