State Rep. Dowling to retire, remove name from ballot after drunken-driving charges filed

State Rep. Matt Dowling announced Friday that he intends to remove his name from November’s ballot and retire at the end of his term.

The move comes a day after state police filed drunken-driving charges against him in connection with a June 4 crash in Fayette County. Dowling, 37, R-Fayette/Somerset, said in the announcement that he made the decision after seeking treatment for alcohol abuse issues following the crash.

State police said Dowling’s blood-alcohol content at the time of the crash was .272%. The legal limit to drive in Pennsylvania is .08%. Troopers said Dowling rear-ended a car twice in the area of New Salem Road and Matthew Drive in South Union Township around 1:40 p.m. on June 4.

He is charged with two misdemeanor counts of drunken-driving and summary offenses including careless driving, driving an unregistered vehicle and following too closely. No court action has been set.

Dowling’s term will expire Nov. 30. He began serving in 2016. His name will be replaced on the ballot by a candidate selected by local Republican officials. The 51st Legislative District covers parts of Fayette and Somerset counties.

He encouraged others who have substance abuse problems to get help. The June crash came after Dowling suffered serious injuries in an October collision.

“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,” he said in the announcement. “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.”