State Sen. Marvin Riegsecker, who has served two decades in the Indiana Senate, announced Saturday that he won’t seek re-election this year.   

Riegsecker, R-Goshen, told business and community leaders that he decided not to seek another term because he wants to focus on his wife, Norma, his family and his health.

Riegsecker, 70, was hospitalized during last year’s legislative session, but improved enough to return to the Statehouse and cast key votes.

“Instead of using valuable time and energy on the political campaign trail, Norma and I have decided to focus on spending time with our family and improving and maintaining our health,” he said.

Riegsecker said he would finish this year’s short session and would likely complete his current term which expires at the end of this year.

He chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Public Policy and Interstate Cooperation and serves on several other committees. Riegsecker was first elected to the Senate in 1988. He represents Senate District 12, which covers 68 precincts in Elkhart County.

He authored Indiana’s no-call list law against unwanted telemarketing, but he also has championed causes such as providing services to those with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

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