Posted By: The Reporter May 26, 2026
Submitted
Republican candidate for Indiana Secretary of State Max Engling announced last Friday, May 22 that State Representative Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis) will serve as chairman for Engling’s convention campaign.
Ireland, one of Indiana’s rising conservative leaders and someone who was widely viewed as a strong potential candidate for Secretary of State himself, formally endorsed Engling and pledged his full support to the campaign.
“As tempting as it would be to put the final nail in the coffin of the Bayh political dynasty, I have more work to do in the Indiana House,” State Rep. Ireland said. “My friend Max Engling is an America First patriot, and he will make an outstanding Secretary of State. He has my full support at the convention. Indiana Republicans need a nominee who can win statewide and serve with integrity. Max understands the importance of election security, transparent government, and protecting Hoosier taxpayers. He is a principled conservative, a tireless worker, and the right person to lead this office at a critical moment for our state.”
Engling said Ireland is the right choice to help him restore trust in the Secretary of State’s Office.
“Andrew Ireland is one of the strongest conservative voices in Indiana, and I’m honored to have him serving as campaign chairman,” Engling said. “Andrew understands what is at stake in this election. Hoosier Republicans are ready to move forward with a conservative nominee who can unite our party, win in November, and restore trust in the Secretary of State’s office.”
Engling currently serves as a senior advisor to U.S. Senator Jim Banks and entered the race for Secretary of State earlier last week after receiving encouragement and support from conservative leaders across Indiana.
Indiana Republican Party delegates will select the party’s nominee for Secretary of State at the state convention in Fort Wayne in June.
