INDIANAPOLIS -- The state senator who sponsored the religious freedom bill in the Indiana General Assembly this past spring will not seek re-election next year.
State Sen. Scott Schneider, a Republican from Indianapolis, made the announcement by email Saturday morning.
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Schneider is in his second term representing District 30.
In the email, Schneider says he is making the announcement with a "heavy heart," and that he plans to focus more time on the family business.
"Already this year, we have increased our workforce by more than 30 percent, and we will soon break ground on a building expansion to double our size," Schneider said.
"With this growth, I will need to focus all of my time and energy on the business my father started 50 years ago."
That business, Mister Ice of Indianapolis, was the target of a boycott by opponents of RFRA.
READ | Restaurant's 'ice out' senator's businesses over RFRA
Schneider says he plans to remain politically active, and would not rule out another campaign in the future.
“I will remain active behind the scenes, continue to be a spokesman for conservative Republican principles, and perhaps return to elective office in the future," Schneider wrote in the email.
Senate President Pro Tem David Long, a Republican from Fort Wayne, commented on Schneider's decision in a statement.
“Scott has been a strong leader for his constituents and for our state,” said Long, "He is a man of integrity and commitment to principle, and we will miss him as a member of our caucus.”
