Indiana’s longest tenured State Representative ever,  is not going to run for another term.

Patrick Bower has represented South Bend in the 6th district for 50 years, first being elected to the position in 1970. Over the last 50 years he has held several different roles including Speaker, Minority Leader, and Ways and Means Committee Chair.

Bauer is a graduate of St. Joseph High School and completed his undergrad at Notre Dame. In a statement announcing the decision he said, “It has been an honor to service the people of St. Joseph County,” and says its the local interactions with his constituents that he will miss the most.

His career also included 33 years with South Bend Schools as an English teacher and administrator.