Indiana State Sen. Ron Alting, a Republican who has represented his district for nearly three decades, announced Wednesday that he will resign from the state Senate following allegations of shoplifting at Walmart stores in Indiana and Florida.

Alting said he is undergoing extensive medical evaluations after experiencing concerning changes in his judgment, behavior and cognitive functioning. He said the evaluation process is ongoing as doctors work to determine a diagnosis.

“During this time, I did things that were wrong and completely out of character for me,” Alting said in his resignation statement. “I take responsibility for my actions. I am deeply sorry for the hurt and disappointment I have caused my family, friends, colleagues, constituents and the store employees involved.”

Reports have linked Alting to alleged shoplifting incidents at Walmart locations in the Lafayette and Monticello areas of Indiana, as well as a suspected incident in Naples, Florida. The allegations prompted questions about the longtime lawmaker as he sought another term in office.

Alting said his medical evaluation has involved specialists in neurology, geriatrics and mental health, along with an MRI and other testing. He said doctors are continuing their work in an effort to reach a definitive diagnosis.

The senator said his decision to leave office followed difficult discussions with his family, doctors and trusted advisers. He concluded that his health and family must now take priority over his political career.

“After many difficult conversations with my family, my doctors and people I have trusted for many years, I have concluded that I need to bring my time in public office to an end and devote my attention to my health and my family,” he said.

Alting has informed Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray of his decision to resign. He first won election to the Senate in 1998 and has represented Tippecanoe County and the surrounding district for 28 years.

Because voting in this year’s election is already underway, Alting’s name will remain on the ballot. He explained that if he wins reelection, his successor will ultimately be selected through the Republican Party’s vacancy process.

Alting expressed confidence that the party would choose a capable replacement to represent Senate District 22, while thanking constituents for their support throughout his career.

“For nearly three decades, the people of Tippecanoe County have entrusted me with something very precious: the opportunity to represent them,” he said. “I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude for that trust.”

The lawmaker also asked the public to keep him, his family and his medical team in their prayers as the evaluation continues. He shared a short film made during his first Senate campaign in 1998, explaining that he believed it was appropriate to revisit the video as his time in public office came to an end.

Alting’s resignation brings a sudden close to a lengthy career in Indiana politics. While he has accepted responsibility for his actions, he has also pointed to the medical concerns currently being investigated by his doctors. A definitive diagnosis has not yet been announced.