Evansville Fourth Ward City Council member Tanisha Carothers has resigned, effective as of December 12.
The decision stems from a legal challenge to her eligibility to hold office.
Attorney and City Council Member Carothers issued a statement Friday, Dec. 12.
She said she wanted to return her focus to ‘"advocating for families, supporting underserved communities, and creating meaningful impact, without the noise, tactics or barriers of politics."
She said she would achieve these aims through nonprofit work, a community service and outreach project and civic and neighborhood engagement.
Carothers has served since November 2024, replacing Alex Burton who was appointed to the statehouse.
The 4th Ward Democrat allegedly failed to meet residency requirements for the seat, and was arrested and released in February.
Carothers faces a charge of felony fraud and a misdemeanor count of defacing, falsifying or destroying an election document. She's due back in court January 14 for a plea hearing, according to court records.
Carothers maintains her innocence.
She said the original lawsuit that prompted the police investigation was politically motivated.
her full statement below:
"I entered public office to work for people, not to participate in a political machine.
After much thought and prayer, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my position on the Evansville City Council serving the Fourth Ward, effectively immediately.
My focus now returns to the work I have devoted more than twenty years of my life to - advocating for families, supporting underserved communities, and creating meaningful impact without the noise, tactics, or barriers of politics.
I maintain my posture of innocence and stand by my position that the pursuance of all legal proceedings was politically motivated.
However, I am choosing not to invest my time or energy into a culture rooted in political retaliation.
This transition is not a retreat, but a return to my purpose."