Top Indiana Election Officials Resign Ahead of Primary

Departures raise concerns about election security and spending under Secretary of State Morales

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:52am

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with a lone desk and chair bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight, conveying a sense of transition and uncertainty surrounding the departure of key election officials.The resignations of top election officials in Indiana raise concerns about the stability and leadership of the state's election administration.Indianapolis Today

The top two Republican officials at the Indiana Election Division, including the co-director Brad King and co-general counsel Valerie Warycha, have announced their resignations effective May 6 - the day after the state's primary election. Their departures have raised concerns about election security and spending under the current Republican Secretary of State Diego Morales, who is seeking re-nomination.

Why it matters

The resignations of the long-serving Republican election officials come at a critical time, just before Indiana's primary election. Their departures raise questions about the stability and leadership of the state's election administration, as well as potential issues with the current Secretary of State's management of the division and its budget.

The details

Brad King, the Republican co-director of the Indiana Election Division, is retiring after 24 years in the role. Valerie Warycha, the Republican co-general counsel, is also leaving her position. They work alongside Democratic counterparts in the division, which is part of Secretary of State Diego Morales' agency. Morales is seeking re-nomination at the state convention this summer. In his resignation letter, King cited his contributions to crafting Indiana's voter ID law and establishing the state's voting system and website. Warycha, in a letter with former Secretary of State Connie Lawson, criticized Morales' tenure, citing 'avoidable administrative failures' and questionable spending, such as buying a $90,000 car and hiring family members.

  • Brad King and Valerie Warycha announced their resignations, effective May 6, 2026.
  • The Indiana primary election is scheduled for May 5, 2026.

The players

Brad King

The Republican co-director of the Indiana Election Division, who is retiring after 24 years in the role.

Valerie Warycha

The Republican co-general counsel of the Indiana Election Division, who is also leaving her position.

Diego Morales

The current Republican Secretary of State of Indiana, who is seeking re-nomination at the state convention this summer.

Connie Lawson

The former Republican Secretary of State of Indiana, who co-authored a letter criticizing Morales' tenure.

David Shelton

The Republican candidate for Secretary of State, who Warycha and Lawson are supporting.

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What they’re saying

“I submit this resignation accompanied by my gratitude to the many individuals I have had the privilege to work with and to the people of the State of Indiana whom I have had the privilege to serve.”

— Brad King, Republican co-director of the Indiana Election Division

“We need your help to make sure David (Shelton) gets the nomination at the convention. You are the trusted election experts in your community. No one understands how vital strong and knowledgeable election leadership is more than you!”

— Valerie Warycha, Republican co-general counsel of the Indiana Election Division

What’s next

The governor, in consultation with the Indiana Republican Party, will choose successors for the departing election officials.

The takeaway

The resignations of the long-serving Republican election officials in Indiana raise concerns about the stability and leadership of the state's election administration, as well as potential issues with the current Secretary of State's management of the division and its budget. This development comes at a critical time, just before the state's primary election.