The Lead Off

• U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and Attorney General Todd Rokita have withdrawn support for Diego Morales in the Indiana Secretary of State race
• Both officials are now endorsing Max Engling, citing party unity and electoral competitiveness
• The shift comes after Engling officially qualified as a candidate for the statewide office

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WOWO) — Indiana’s Secretary of State race is shifting after U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and Attorney General Todd Rokita announced they are withdrawing their endorsements of Diego Morales and backing Max Engling.

The statements were released after Engling officially qualified as a candidate for Indiana Secretary of State. Both Banks and Rokita said the move is intended to unify Republican support ahead of the November election.

Endorsement shift in statewide race

Sen. Jim Banks announced his support for Engling, describing him as a trusted member of his team.

“Max Engling is a key member of my team and will make a great Secretary of State. Max is a strong conservative who will keep our elections safe and secure, support Indiana small businesses and farmers, and he will win in November. He has my full and total support!” Banks said.

Attorney General Todd Rokita also confirmed he has withdrawn support from Diego Morales and is backing Engling.

Rokita said he spoke directly with Morales regarding the decision and urged party unity moving forward.

“I have spoken with Diego. The Secretary of State’s office is too important to be lost to out-of-touch, left-wing Democrats who put Hoosiers last. To that end, I have asked Diego to suspend his campaign,” Rokita said. “With so many self-inflicted wounds and issues, I now do not believe he can win in November.”

Rokita added that Republican delegates should rally behind Engling to strengthen the party’s position in the general election.

Background on Max Engling

Engling currently serves as a senior advisor to U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and previously worked at Beck’s Hybrids, where he focused on agriculture-related issues affecting rural communities.

According to background information provided, Engling is a graduate of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and holds a master’s degree from the Naval War College. He lives in Noblesville with his wife Kelcey and their four children and is active in his church community.

Next steps in the race

The Indiana Secretary of State race will move forward with Engling now receiving support from two prominent statewide Republican officials. Party delegates are expected to continue organizing ahead of the November election as candidates campaign for the office.

Further developments in candidate alignment and endorsements are expected as the race progresses toward the general election.

The Takeaway

• Indiana’s Secretary of State race has shifted after Sen. Jim Banks and Attorney General Todd Rokita formally withdrew support from Diego Morales and endorsed Max Engling.
• Both officials emphasized party unity and electoral strategy, stating that Engling is better positioned to compete in the November general election.
• The race now moves into its next phase as Republican delegates and candidates prepare for continued campaigning ahead of the statewide vote.