The decision by Indiana State Senator John Crane to not run for re-election to Senate seat, representing District 24 has created a contested primary this spring among Republicans. 

Brett Clark is facing off against Anne Engelhardt in the Republican primary, with the winner taking on Democrat Veronica Pejril in November. 

Clark spent 32 years, including the final eight as Sheriff at the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office and said he decided to run after much prayer and consideration with his wife. 

"When Senator Crane announced his decision not to seek re-election, my wife and I went back and forth in an effort to decide if we should enter the race. After much prayer and consideration, we ultimately had a moment during church where someone read something that inspired us and we decided that we would go all in," Clark told The Putnam County Post. 

Clark that decision was in early August and he has not looked back. 

"So far, this journey has been outstanding. It is very busy, but you quickly realize that what happens in the Statehouse matters and has a ripple effect that is quite large. We have met some great people, and it has been interesting to see the contrast with the campaign for Sheriff. I know that I can contribute to conversations that people in our district care about and am excited for the opportunity to help. I truly want to contribute, work hard and make a difference," Clark said. 

Since leaving office as Sheriff, Clark has been busy working for a construction firm that builds jails, schools and fire departments, among other things. In addition, he works for a custom mobile app company that built the Sheriff's App for both the Sheriff's offices in Putnam and Hendricks counties. 
 

Clark said he hopes to focus on public safety and mental health, if elected to the General Assembly. 

"Unfortunately, law enforcement and our jail/prisons in particular have become the defacto mental health system for too many people. We can do better," Clark said. 

He also said infrastructure, especially in Putnam County, is a main focus. 

"I also think we need to take a deep dive on infrastructure, especially in Putnam County. I spent about half a day touring the county with the county engineer to specifically look at some of the bridges. Too many are closed and this is a real problem that affects people everyday -- not only as it relates to convenience, but to public safety. It is also important to remember that infrastructure is bigger than just roads and bridges. It is also high speed internet access and water," Clark said. 

Clark said expanded access to high speed internet connections not only helps families in their homes, but also farmers and those in the medical field, especially in the area of mental health. 

He said it is also important to continue supporting training efforts like crisis intervention teams for law enforcement, as well as building out the 988 system. 

Watershed management and conservation, as well as adoption are also issues Clark is focused on. 

"We should work with all the stakeholders as it relates to watershed management and conservation. We have a real opportunity, as a state, to lead on water issues and set an example for our country. We can remove barriers to adoption and make sure kids and the loving parents who want to adopt them are supported and helped. My hope is that Indiana will continue to prosper and get even stronger going forward. I want to be a resource for our local elected officials and our citizens to get things done," Clark said. 

Clark said his lifetime in public service is a reason why voters should vote for him this primary season. 

"I have executive leadership experience and have seen first hand the effect of public policy decisions on our communities, our law enforcement officers and those in our jails. As the elected Sheriff, I dealt with public safety, budgets, laws, courts, leadership, mental health issues and running the jail," Clark said. 

He added that in Indiana, there are about 24,000 thousand people in the state's prison system, but no former Sheriffs in the General Assembly. 

"Most of us just want our community to be safe and for our families not to have to worry about violent crimes, yet only a few members of the General Assembly have any law enforcement experience. We can do better. I believe that I am in a unique position to bring real experience, perspective and knowledge to our General Assembly. I will work hard to get things done," Clark said.