Indiana Democratic Secretary of State Candidates Speak at NWI Forum

Beau Bayh and Blythe Potter outline plans to increase voter turnout and transparency in the office

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Two Democratic candidates for Indiana Secretary of State, Beau Bayh and Blythe Potter, participated in a forum hosted by Indivisible NWI in Merrillville, Indiana. The candidates discussed their goals for the office, including plans to conduct independent audits, expand early voting, and improve civic engagement and voter turnout across the state.

Why it matters

The Indiana Secretary of State plays a crucial role in overseeing elections and protecting the integrity of the democratic process. With the current Secretary of State, Diego Morales, facing criticism from both parties, the election of a new Democratic secretary could shift the balance of power in the Republican-controlled state government.

The details

Bayh, a 30-year-old attorney and U.S. Marine Corps captain, announced plans to conduct an independent audit of the Secretary of State's office on his first day in office, citing concerns about how Morales has used state funds. He also wants to work with legislators to expand early voting and end straight-ticket voting, as well as institute a statewide ballot referendum on issues like abortion access. Potter, a 43-year-old small business owner and U.S. Army Reserves veteran, wants to modernize the INBiz website, update the municipal election filing process, and provide 'welcome to voting' and voter guidebooks to new and young voters.

  • The forum took place on Thursday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Beau Bayh

A 30-year-old attorney and U.S. Marine Corps captain running for Indiana Secretary of State. His grandfather Birch Bayh was a U.S. Senator, and his father Evan Bayh served as Indiana Secretary of State, Governor, and U.S. Senator.

Blythe Potter

A 43-year-old small business owner and U.S. Army Reserves veteran running for Indiana Secretary of State.

Diego Morales

The current Indiana Secretary of State, who took office in 2023 and has faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats for his use of state funds, hiring of a family member, and other issues.

Kim Eldridge

The president of Indivisible NWI, the local progressive organization that hosted the secretary of state candidate forum.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if I could talk when I first got involved (in politics). I have been blessed with an amazing family. My granddad is a hero of mine, and my dad is a hero of mine.”

— Beau Bayh (Chicago Tribune)

“I was not born to be a politician, and I was not raised to be a politician. At many points in my life, I said I didn't want to do this.”

— Blythe Potter (Chicago Tribune)

“Whatever the results of an independent audit are, in real time, I want to make sure that we're sharing that information. That way, Hoosiers know what I know, and they can see what's been going on, and that can be a cautionary tale going forward.”

— Blythe Potter (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The Indiana primary election for Secretary of State will be held on May 7, 2026. The winner of the Democratic primary will face the Republican nominee in the general election on November 5, 2026.

The takeaway

The race for Indiana Secretary of State has become a key battleground, with the Democratic candidates promising to bring more transparency, accountability, and voter engagement to the office. Their focus on independent audits, expanding early voting, and improving civic literacy could have a significant impact on the state's political landscape if one of them is elected.