INDIANA — Indiana U.S. Representative Marlin Stutzman (R-Howe) is expected to make a ‘major announcement’ on Saturday. Current speculation suggests that he will announce his intentions to run for U.S. Senator Dan Coats‘ (R) soon-to-be-vacated seat. Coats previously indicated that he will not seek re-election in 2016.
From Marlin Stutzman’s campaign Facebook page:
“If you believe that we need bold, decisive leadership, committed to securing our future and ensuring a strong America, then… Join us next Saturday, May 9 on Main Street in Roanoke!”
Stutzman indicated his interest in running for Senate shortly after Sen. Coats announced he wasn’t seeking re-election. Stutzman is a staunch advocate for repealing Obamacare and has critiqued the Obama administration throughout his tenure in the U.S. House.
Stutzman was one of a handful of Republicans to vote against John Boehner for House Speaker after Boehner allegedly deceived Stutzman and other representatives into voting for the “cromnibus” budget bill in December. Stutzman received national attention during the government shutdown in 2013 when he said, “We’re not going to be disrespected. We have to get something out of this, and I don’t know what that even is.”
Marlin Stutzman’s likely departure from the U.S. House means that his current constituents will have an opportunity to elect a new face to represent them. It is unlikely that a person of the opposite party or no party will replace Stutzman. It cannot be ruled out, however, that a current state legislator might seek the congressional seat, which might lead to a change (albeit small) in the composition of Indiana’s state legislature as well.