Jul. 01, 2022
‘I hope that my challenge helps others seek treatment’
UNIONTOWN – State Rep. Matt Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset) today announced he will remove his name from the ballot as the Republican nominee for the Nov. 8, 2022, General Election and instead retire at the end of his term.
“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 stated. “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.”
Dowling, a lifelong resident of the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, was first elected in 2016 after defeating longtime incumbent Timothy Mahoney. Since his election, Dowling has become known as a champion for taxpayers, the Second Amendment and the unique needs of the 51st District.
“While I acknowledge and regret the mistakes I have made, I am also proud of the record I was able to build with the help and support of people across our community. Together, we were able to defeat liberal efforts to raise taxes on working families and seniors, to provide record funding to our local schools, to stand strong against attacks on our Second Amendment rights and to protect our conservative values,” Dowling said.
The lawmaker noted that he will sustain that same commitment to representing the region until his term expires on Nov. 30.
“There is so much work to do to combat the historic rates of inflation that are harming our families,” Dowling said. “I will continue standing up for taxpayers by fighting for responsible spending and policies that will help grow our economy rather than hinder it.”
He also noted constituent services will remain available through the end of his term at his offices in Uniontown and Meyersdale. People may also contact the office online at www.RepDowling.com/contact.
In his announcement, Dowling included a special focus on his own personal challenges and encouraged others to seek help of their own if needed.
“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,” Dowling continued. “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.”
Dowling also commented on charges filed in relation to the June 4 auto accident stating, “No one is above the law and the charges filed regarding the June 4 accident were anticipated. I am forever thankful that I live in a nation with a fair and impartial justice system and will remain transparent with the public as this case progresses.”
Dowling encourages anyone facing personal challenges with alcohol, drug or other addiction to seek help from resources available to them, including:
Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission Inc. (FCDAC Inc.)
100 New Salem Road, Suite 106, Uniontown
724-438-3576
Recovery Centers of America (RCA)
2380 McGinley Road, Monroeville
412-871-4410
According to state law, Dowling will be replaced on the ballot by a candidate selected by the county Republican Party following to their by-laws for such a situation.
Representative Matthew Dowling
51st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives