Diego Morales Stands Tall Against Democrat Attacks: A Hoosier Leader at CPAC Hungary 2025

By The Hoosier Enquirer Editorial Team

May 31, 2025: 7pm EST/ Indianapolis, IN

Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales has once again proven why he’s a steadfast leader for Hoosiers, standing firm in the face of baseless criticism from Indiana Democrats. In a recent X post, Morales shared a sharp rebuttal to a press release from his detractors, who took issue with his 12-day family trip to Hungary for the 2025 CPAC event. Far from the “neglect of duty” Democrats claim, Morales’ journey to Budapest underscores his commitment to representing Indiana on a global stage while continuing to deliver results for the Hoosier State.

A Leader Who Delivers for Indiana

Diego Morales, the first Latino elected to statewide office in Indiana in 2022, has made it his mission to serve Hoosiers with integrity and dedication. His office has been a beacon of efficiency, overseeing elections with transparency and ensuring Indiana’s business community thrives. As Morales pointed out in his annotated response to the Democrats’ press release, his team has excelled despite his brief time away. “The office has not stopped serving Hoosiers,” he wrote, emphasizing that his staff continued to perform their duties seamlessly during his trip. In fact, Morales’ leadership has led to record-breaking efficiency in the Secretary of State’s office, with faster business filings and robust voter outreach programs that have strengthened trust in Indiana’s electoral process.

CPAC Hungary: A Platform for Hoosier Values

The Democrats’ criticism of Morales’ attendance at CPAC Hungary is not only misguided but also ignores the significance of the event. Hosted by the Center for Fundamental Rights on May 29-30, 2025, CPAC Hungary brought together conservative leaders from across the globe to discuss the rising tide of patriotism and the defense of shared values like faith, family, and sovereignty. Morales, a naturalized U.S. citizen who immigrated from Guatemala in 1999, was invited to represent Indiana at this pivotal gathering—a testament to his growing influence as a conservative leader.

The event’s theme, “The Age of Patriots is Here,” resonated deeply with Morales’ own journey and values. As he noted in his X post, the trip was a “mixed vacation with some official business,” allowing him to connect with international leaders like Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán while also spending quality time with his wife, Sidonia, and daughter. Far from neglecting his duties, Morales used this opportunity to elevate Indiana’s voice in a global conversation about freedom and governance—values that Hoosiers hold dear.

Democrats’ Hypocrisy Laid Bare

The Indiana Democrats’ press release, which Morales incisively critiqued, accused him of misusing funds and shirking responsibilities. But as Morales pointed out, their claims don’t hold water. He clarified that the trip was in line with his role as Secretary of State, noting that international engagements like CPAC Hungary provide valuable insights into election integrity and governance—issues directly relevant to his office. Moreover, Morales’ past spending, such as the $40,000 in campaign funds used for a vehicle in 2023, has been fully compliant with Indiana law, which permits such expenses for campaign purposes. In 2024, the state further clarified these rules, even expanding allowances to include childcare costs for candidates—a progressive step that Morales has supported.

The Democrats’ accusations also conveniently ignore their own track record. As Morales cheekily remarked in his X post, “If this was a college paper, they would’ve failed. Which is what they’re doing for Hoosiers.” While Democrats point fingers, Morales has been hard at work ensuring Indiana’s elections remain secure and its businesses flourish. His office’s success stands in stark contrast to the Democrats’ lack of leadership, as they continue to focus on petty attacks rather than offering substantive solutions for the state.

A Personal Journey That Inspires

Morales’ story is one of resilience and the American Dream. Born in Guatemala in 1979, he legally immigrated to the United States with his family in 1999, graduating from Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg, Indiana. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, an MBA from Purdue University, and an International MBA from Tilburg University in the Netherlands. A former aide in the Governor’s office under Mike Pence and a business executive, Morales has dedicated his career to public service. He now resides in Indianapolis with his family, remaining deeply connected to his community as members of Northside Christian Church in New Albany.

His trip to Hungary was not just a professional endeavor but a personal one, reflecting the values of family and faith that define him. As Morales noted, the trip allowed him to model work-life balance while representing Indiana abroad—a balance that Hoosiers can appreciate in a leader who values both duty and family.

Hoosiers Deserve a Leader Like Morales

Diego Morales’ attendance at CPAC Hungary 2025 was a win for Indiana, showcasing our state’s commitment to conservative principles on a global stage. His ability to juggle international representation with his responsibilities at home speaks to his exceptional leadership. The Democrats’ attempts to smear him are nothing more than a distraction from their own failures to deliver for Hoosiers..

The Hoosier Enquirer is dedicated to providing fair, pro-Hoosier perspectives on the issues that matter most to Indiana residents.