State Rep. Matthew Dowling announced Friday that he will be removing his name from the November general election ballot and plans to retire at the end of his term, citing personal struggles with addiction as a contributing factor to his decision.
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, who represents parts of Somerset County, was seriously injured in a crash last October.
In early June, Dowling was charged, suspected of driving under the influence in a separate crash.
“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.”
“No one is above the law and the charges filed regarding the June 4th 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.”