INDIANAPOLIS — Knox County Clerk David Shelton has officially filed his candidacy for Indiana Secretary of State, becoming the first Republican to enter the race. Shelton, an experienced election administrator, aims to provide Indiana Republicans with a viable choice that prioritizes professional office management over the persistent scandals that have defined the current administration.
“I am officially in this race because Indiana deserves a Secretary of State who knows how to do the job and actually wants to do the job,” said Shelton. “I filed first so Diego can get used to coming in second.”
Shelton’s campaign centers on restoring public trust following a series of high-profile controversies involving incumbent Diego Morales. Since taking office, Morales has faced intense scrutiny from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers regarding his office’s fiscal management and ethical standards. Key issues cited by the Shelton campaign include:
- Nepotism and Excessive Spending: Morales’ decision to hire his brother-in-law for a six-figure state position and later award him $12,500 in spot bonuses.
- Taxpayer-Funded Luxury: The purchase of a $90,000 GMC Yukon Denali using taxpayer funds from state coffers, a move that prompted the Indiana General Assembly to pass new legislation restricting luxury vehicle purchases for state officials.
- Lack of Accountability: Morales dodging budget hearings and refusing to answer questions regarding millions of dollars in no-bid contracts, awarded to campaign donors.
- Questionable International Travel: Diego missed critical legislative budget meetings while on a 10-day trip to India selling access to Hoosier jobs, while families are struggling to make ends meet.
Shelton, who has overseen elections in Knox County since 2019, positions himself as a “battle-tested” alternative to an incumbent he describes as “battle-scarred from self-inflicted wounds.” Shelton brings years of hands-on experience in election administration and private investigation, which he plans to use to weed out fraud and abuse within the Secretary of State’s various divisions.
“Republicans need a candidate they can be proud of—one who focuses on serving Hoosiers rather than self-promotion and campaign kickbacks,” Shelton added.
The Republican Convention to nominate a candidate for Secretary of State will take place on June 20, 2026, followed by the general election on November 3, 2026.
About David Shelton:
David Shelton is the Knox County Clerk and chief election official. With a background as a private investigator and a commitment to bipartisan credibility, he is dedicated to ensuring the integrity of Indiana’s elections.
A Record of Real Results
Shelton’s record in Knox County speaks for itself. In 2021, he led the county’s complex and successful transition to Vote Centers, a move that increased efficiency and voter accessibility. Understanding the importance of innovation and cost savings, Shelton proposed legislation to allow counties to repurpose retired epollbooks as electronic sample ballot stations—a solution that quickly gained legislative support and delivered tangible savings for local governments.
His leadership has earned both statewide and national recognition. In 2023, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission honored Knox County with two of its highest awards: one for outstanding innovations in election cybersecurity and technology, and another for improving accessibility for voters with disabilities. His peers have recognized him as Clerk of the Year 3 times for his integrity and impact on local election administration.
Shelton’s credibility also extends to some of the most sensitive roles in election oversight. He has been appointed to three official recount commissions in Gibson, Dubois, and Delaware counties—testimony to the trust placed in his fairness and expertise. He is a graduate of Ball State University’s CEATS Program (Certificate in Election Administration, Technology, and Security), placing him among Indiana’s most credentialed election officials.
Entrepreneurship and Public Service
Shelton’s approach to public service is informed by decades of private-sector experience. He is the founder of Shelton Specialties, LLC, which developed a patented election solution to fix epollbook connection issues. That solution is now in 35 Indiana counties, almost 50 counties in Georgia and growing.
He also launched Redistricting, Refined, LLC, through which he has provided free redistricting services to over 40% of Indiana counties and numerous cities, ensuring accurate and fair representation at the local level.
In addition, Shelton owns and operates Illiana Investigations, a licensed and insured private investigative firm with more than 25 years of experience in fraud detection and investigative services across Indiana and Illinois. His business ventures reflect a consistent focus on problem-solving, innovation, and accountability—values he brings to every role. He used this experience as county clerk to secure the only election fraud conviction in the 2020 election.
Beyond elections and business, Shelton serves as Chairman of both the Knox County Housing Authority and the Knox County Public Defender Board. In the latter role, he led cost-saving reforms that helped the county avoid almost $600,000 in public defense expenses annually.
David and his wife Rachel live in Vincennes with their five children: Philip, 22, Isaac, 18, Luke, 17, Katie 15, and Matthew, 13.
“Whether it’s strengthening voter confidence, training new clerks, modernizing business services, or preparing for the 2030 Census, I’m ready to serve on day one,” Shelton said. “Indiana needs results — not headlines.”
To learn more, visit www.SheltonForIndiana.com. A full biography and headshot can be found at www.SheltonForIndiana.com.
