Indiana Rep. Dan Forestal is gearing up for a reelection campaign even as a pending felony case threatens his future as a lawmaker.

The east-side Democrat registered Jan. 8 to run in Indiana's primary election in May. If he's convicted of a felony charge, though, Indiana law would bar him from serving.

Forestal faces one low-level felony charge and two misdemeanor charges after investigators say he threatened to punish police officers who pulled him over in August. He also is accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer, struggling with officers and drunken driving.

Forestal appears to reference his criminal case in letters he recently sent to Democratic party insiders.

"As you may or may not be aware, this past summer was a time of extreme challenge and difficulty for me personally," Forestal wrote. "The road to this letter has not been easy, however, I want you to know that I am working hard every single day to overcome these challenges and to conduct myself in a manner which I hope will restore your faith in me."

Forestal went on to describe why he is seeking reelection: "As I contemplated this decision it became clear that my desire to serve and fight for the constituents of House District 100 provided me the strength to move forward."

Forestal, 36, did not immediately return an IndyStar request for comment Thursday morning.

During a traffic stop, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers reported that Forestal said he would sue them for violating his civil rights.

"Mr. Forestal also identified himself as an Indianapolis firefighter, a state representative and the nephew of the Marion County Sheriff," police wrote.

Forestal threatened to "have" all of the officers' badges, according to a police report.

Forestal comes from a politically connected family that includes his uncle, Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal.

Former Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry, also a Democrat, sought a special prosecutor over the summer because Forestal donated money to Curry's campaign and volunteered his time. Ryan Mears, a Democrat who replaced Curry as top prosecutor, also is related to Forestal through marriage.

The judge appointed a new special prosecutor, Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton, this month after the last one withdrew once becoming a judge. Forestal's next hearing is set for March.

A phone call to Forestal's attorney, James Voyles, was not immediately returned Thursday morning.

Forestal has worked as an Indianapolis firefighter for more than 10 years. He is still employed by the Indianapolis Fire Department and is on leave without pay. An IFD spokeswoman has not clarified to IndyStar whether that leave is voluntary or a result of disciplinary action.

After a previous drunken-driving incident, Forestal wrote a letter in 2007 apologizing to the fire chief, saying, "Nothing like this will ever happen again."

Forestal's letter to Democratic insiders contains an illustration of a red firefighter helmet and references his career as a firefighter.

"The two proudest moments of my entire life were when I swore an oath to protect the citizens of our great city as an Indianapolis firefighter and when I swore an oath at the Indiana General Assembly to represent you to the best of my ability."

In the letter, Forestal went on to say he's been overwhelmed with support from his colleagues at the state legislature.

Aside from being replaced on the House Democratic leadership team, it's been business as usual for Forestal at the Statehouse this year.

He was among a group of lawmakers posing for pictures with friends or family from the House podium before Gov. Eric Holcomb delivered his State of the State address this month.

Forestal has been in his seat just about every day while lawmakers have discussed and voted on bills. He still serves on four legislative committees, including as the ranking minority member on Roads and Transportation.

The House passed two bipartisan bills he added his name to as co-author, each of which touches on his personal experiences.

House Bill 1094 seeks to improve coordination between state and local officials when implementing substance abuse programs. House Bill 1189 would limit the use of a potentially dangerous chemical in firefighting foam.

None of the bills he directly authored received hearings, which is common for minority members.

Forestal, first elected in 2012, represents a district that stretches from Downtown and Fountain Square east through Irvington and to I-465.

Andrew "Andy D" Duncan, 38, also has filed to run against Forestal. He is a local musician who works for Habitat for Humanity.

"I filed to run partly because of the situation with Forestal," Duncan said. "I think we in the district need a little better and stronger representation."

The primary is May 5.

Contact IndyStar reporter Ryan Martin at 317-444-6294 or ryan.martin@indystar.com. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter: @ryanmartin

Call IndyStar reporter Chris Sikich at 317-444-6036. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisSikich.