Republicans U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and Attorney General Todd Rokita have both pulled their support for Secretary of State Diego Morales in his reelection campaign after a last-minute addition to the race.
Rokita said he has asked Morales, also a Republican, to end his campaign altogether.
“The Secretary of State’s office is too important to be lost to out-of-touch, left-wing Democrats who put Hoosiers last,” Rokita said in a statement. “With so many self-inflicted wounds and issues, I now do not believe he can win in November.”
Rokita had initially endorsed Morales last year. Banks endorsed him in March.
Max Engling, an aide to Banks, filed to run for secretary of state in the upcoming June GOP convention just one day before the May 21 deadline to do so. His entry into the race set off a swarm of social media posts from prominent Republicans sharing their plans to back him instead of Morales.
Banks didn’t go as far as calling for the suspension of Morales’ campaign, but he emphasized his support for Engling in a statement.
“Max Engling is a key member of my team and will make a great Secretary of State,” Banks said. “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!”
Morales has not responded to a request for comment about Engling’s entry into the race.
Morales, Engling, Knox County Clerk David Shelton and former Republican gubernatorial candidate Jamie Reitenour are all seeking the Republican nomination for secretary of state at the GOP’s June convention. The winner will advance to the November general election and face whoever wins the Democratic nomination, as well as Libertarian Lauri Shillings.
Former Republican Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard will also be on the ballot as a third-party candidate if he gathers enough signatures.
Democrats will choose between Bargersville business owner Blythe Potter and Beau Bayh, the son of former Indiana Governor and U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, at their own June convention.
This story will be updated.
Contact IndyStar government and politics editor Kaitlin Lange at Kaitlin.Lange@indystar.com or follow her on X @Kaitlin_Lange.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Banks, Rokita pull endorsement of Diego Morales, call for him to suspend campaign
Reporting by Kaitlin Lange, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
