Bayh and Braun split final Indiana push as secretary race tightens to within polling margin
Evan Bayh visited a memorial for his late wife while Mike Braun rallied county Republicans, both seeking to influence a contest Democrats have not won since 1994.
By Charlotte Dubois ·
Former Governor Evan Bayh and current Governor Mike Braun pursued separate strategies in Indianapolis on Monday, the final day before the Nov. 3 election. The two leaders campaigned for opposing candidates in a secretary of state race that multiple polls describe as a dead heat. Democrats are attempting to win the office for the first time since 1994, a goal that has drawn national attention to the contest.
Bayh, who is not on the ballot, spent his day with his son and Democratic candidate Beau Bayh. The pair visited a memorial for Beau’s mother, Susan Bayh, at Holiday Park in Indianapolis. Susan Bayh died in 2021 following a long illness with brain cancer. Evan Bayh told reporters he was proud of his son for challenging the Republican establishment, including President Trump, who has spoken against Beau Bayh. “It's because they're trying to stop the change in accountability that Beau stands for,” Evan Bayh said.
Beau Bayh campaigned on the premise of holding incumbent Secretary of State Diego Morales accountable. Morales has faced allegations of fraud, nepotism, and misuse of taxpayer dollars. Several candidates have called for an independent audit of his office, a move that could reshape how the state oversees election administration and voter records.
In a separate event on Monday, Governor Mike Braun stumped for Republican candidate Max Engling at a gathering hosted by the Marion County GOP. Braun addressed a crowd that included Senator Todd Young and Attorney General Todd Rokita, neither of whom are running for office. Braun acknowledged that some polls show a lead for Democrats but stated that internal early voting models showed the party ahead. “You know who’s ahead? The GOP in our state,” Braun said.
Engling argued that keeping the secretary of state’s office under Republican control was essential to preventing local voting rules from expanding. He cited a law in Washington, D.C. that allows eligible non-citizens to vote in local offices. “That’s what happens when Democrats run our elections, and we will not let that happen here in Indiana,” Engling said. He also suggested that an Inspector General investigation would be sufficient to address concerns about Morales.
Downballot candidates also addressed the crowd. Treasurer Daniel Elliot highlighted a $1.8 billion surplus raised during his three fiscal years in office. Comptroller Elise Nieshalla concluded her remarks by urging the audience to “Make America Like Indiana.”
Voters will cast ballots on Nov. 3, deciding the fate of the state’s top election official and several other statewide positions.
