Libertarian to explore challenge to Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales

By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronical - May 6, 2025

Embattled Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales may have another challenger — a Libertarian — just four days after the Republican launched a reelection bid. Last month, Knox County Clerk Dave Shelton told Indy Politics he intended to run against Morales at the GOP convention.

Hamilton County Libertarian Party Chair Lauri Shillings announced she seeks her party’s nomination in a Monday news release, “after seeing very little in terms of working for Hoosiers” from Morales.

Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales chats with voters at a campaign event in 2024. (Nathan Gotsch/Fort Wayne Politics)

“Communities across Indiana want to know their tax dollars are not being wasted and their businesses are being well represented,” Shillings said. “That includes at the ballot box. Hoosiers need to be able to trust our state to hold free and fair elections and that starts with the Secretary of State.”

Morales’ trips to Hungary and India, liberal approach to spot bonuses and no-bid contracts, hiring of his brother-in-law and other missteps have prompted greater scrutiny from Indiana lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

The controversies could also boost competition for his post at the ballot box in 2026.

Shillings’ announcement included the launch of an exploratory committee. She plans to put together her team and release goals for the position “in the coming weeks.”

Shillings previously ran, unsuccessfully, in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District last year. She is a creative director at the University of Indianapolis and runs her own design firm.

The Hoosier secretary of state oversees business and automobile dealer services, securities and elections. The race also determines ballot access for political parties.