Two Candidates and a Potential Contender Challenge Diego Morales for Indiana Secretary of State in 2026

Incumbent Diego Morales on the left, Dave Shelton on the middle left, Jamie Reitenour on the middle right, Andrew Ireland on the right.

By Hoosier Enquirer Staff

Published: 4:36 PM EDT, June 1st, 2025

Updated: 4:53 PM EDT, June 1st, 2025

As Indiana gears up for the 2026 election cycle, the race for Secretary of State is already heating up, with incumbent Diego Morales facing challenges from announced candidates and speculation about a possible contender. Knox County Clerk David Shelton and conservative activist Jamie Reitenour have thrown their hats into the ring, while freshman State House Representative Andrew Ireland is being floated by mainstream media as a potential candidate, despite his lack of public confirmation. With the Republican nominee selected through the Indiana GOP State Convention, the stage is set for a competitive battle to determine who will serve as the state’s chief election officer.

David Shelton: A Seasoned Clerk with Election Expertise

David Shelton, the current Knox County Clerk and Republican Party Chairman, is a formidable candidate leveraging his extensive experience in election administration. According to his campaign website, Shelton is “known for his hands-on leadership and national recognition in election administration,” emphasizing “unmatched experience, innovation, and integrity.” His credentials include leading Knox County’s transition to vote centers and earning national awards for election innovations and accessibility. Shelton’s platform focuses on preparing Indiana’s counties for the 2030 U.S. Census redistricting, strengthening securities and business oversight, expanding consumer protection, and modernizing the Secretary of State’s business services, notary, and auto dealer licensing divisions.

Shelton is no stranger to the Secretary of State race, having competed in the 2022 Republican State Convention. Entering the race just three months before the vote, he garnered support from 63 Republican County Clerks and secured 18% of the delegate vote in the first round of a four-way contest, placing ahead of one candidate before being eliminated in the second round. His early announcement for 2026 and grassroots support among county clerks position him as a strong contender, particularly given his criticism of Morales’ tenure, including controversies over a state-funded $90,000 GMC Yukon Denali purchase and a 10-day “economic development” trip to India. Shelton has stated, “I’m not running for a title—I’m running to do the job. Hoosiers deserve a leader who understands the work, respects the institution, and puts public service ahead of self-promotion.”

Jamie Reitenour: A Grassroots Conservative with a Divine Calling

Jamie Reitenour, a conservative activist and former 2024 gubernatorial candidate, announced her intent to run for Secretary of State via a post on X, styled as a newspaper article. The Indianapolis mother of five, who left a corporate career to focus on faith and family, has framed her campaign as a grassroots effort driven by a “calling from God.” Reitenour clarified that she has not yet formed an exploratory committee and is awaiting feedback from GOP delegates, signaling a cautious but transparent approach. Her announcement has sparked buzz, with one X user describing the race as “a thrill ride at an amusement park!”

Reitenour’s platform emphasizes transparency and voter engagement, drawing on her experience rallying supporters during her gubernatorial bid. While her 2024 campaign struggled with name recognition against high-profile opponents like U.S. Senator Mike Braun and Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, her ability to secure ballot access through grassroots signature collection demonstrated her tenacity. Reitenour plans to connect with voters across Indiana’s 92 counties in the lead-up to the 2026 GOP State Convention, where delegates will select the party’s nominee. Her outspoken conservative values and faith-driven candidacy may resonate with socially conservative delegates, particularly after the 2022 GOP platform embraced stronger stances on issues like critical race theory and transgender sports participation.

Andrew Ireland: The Unconfirmed Freshman Representative

Speculation surrounds freshman State House Representative Andrew Ireland as a potential contender, though he has not publicly announced his candidacy. Elected in 2024 to represent an Indianapolis-area district, Ireland is described by mainstream media as a rising star within the Indiana GOP. However, his lack of public commitment to the race raises questions about his intentions. Running for Secretary of State would require Ireland to forgo re-election to his current seat and campaign across all 92 counties, a daunting task for a political newcomer. The GOP State Convention, where delegates chosen in the May 2026 primary will select the nominee, adds complexity to his potential candidacy.

Media attention on Ireland is notable, with some outlets suggesting his fresh perspective could appeal to delegates seeking new leadership. However, his inexperience—having just assumed office in 2024—may be a double-edged sword. While some see his lack of entrenched political baggage as a strength, others question whether he has the name recognition or organizational support to compete against seasoned candidates like Shelton or a motivated grassroots figure like Reitenour. Without a formal announcement, Ireland remains a wildcard, and his decision to enter the race could reshape the contest’s dynamics.

The Road to the 2026 GOP State Convention

The Indiana Republican Party’s nominee for Secretary of State will be chosen at the 2026 State Convention, with the exact date and Call to Convention still pending, though updates are expected by January 2026. Republican State Delegates, elected during the May 2026 primary, will play a pivotal role in selecting the nominee for Secretary of State, alongside candidates for State Comptroller and State Treasurer. The convention process, which uses secure ES&S voting systems with anonymous paper ballots, ensures a transparent and fair selection.

Incumbent Diego Morales, who won the 2022 nomination over then-incumbent Holli Sullivan and David Shelton, faces vulnerabilities due to controversies surrounding his tenure. His absence from a 2022 candidate debate and policies like proposing to halve early voting days have drawn criticism, potentially weakening his support among delegates.

A Competitive Race with High Stakes

The 2026 Indiana Secretary of State race promises to be a closely watched contest, with David Shelton’s experience and Jamie Reitenour’s grassroots energy challenging Diego Morales’ incumbency. Andrew Ireland’s potential candidacy adds intrigue, though his silence leaves his role uncertain. As Republican delegates prepare to make their choice at the 2026 State Convention, Hoosiers will be watching to see who can best articulate a vision for leading the state’s elections, business services, and consumer protections. With transparency, integrity, and innovation at the forefront, this race will test the candidates’ ability to connect with voters and delegates alike.