FORT WAYNE – Delegates and guests from the Lawrence County Republican Party joined fellow Republicans from across Indiana this past Friday and Saturday for the 2026 Indiana Republican Party State Convention in Fort Wayne.
Convention activities began Friday evening with the Opening Session, where U.S. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana welcomed delegates. Kennedy entertained attendees with his trademark wit and humor while also delivering a message about the importance of strong leadership.
“Weakness invites the wolves, that’s why we must remain strong,” Kennedy told convention delegates gathered from across Indiana.
Additional speakers included Governor Mike Braun, U.S. Senator Todd Young, U.S. Senator Jim Banks, former Indiana Republican Party Chairman Randy Head, and Fort Wayne businessman Bill Bean. During the evening session, Governor Braun presented Bean with a Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana’s highest civilian honors.
Allen County Republican Chairman Steve Shine, the longest-serving county chairman in Indiana with 33 years of service, welcomed delegates back to Fort Wayne. The 2026 convention marked only the third time in Indiana Republican Party history that the state convention has been held outside Indianapolis, and only the second time Fort Wayne has hosted the event. The city’s previous convention was held in 2014.
Following the opening session, delegates attended hospitality events hosted by numerous Republican elected officials and candidates, including U.S. Senators Jim Banks and Todd Young; Governor Mike Braun; Treasurer Daniel Elliott; Attorney General Todd Rokita; Secretary of State candidates Max Engling and David Shelton; Secretary of State Diego Morales; Comptroller Elise Nieshalla; and Congressmen Jefferson Shreve, Marlin Stutzman, and Rudy Yakym.
Connie Koch reflected on the opportunity to connect with Republicans from around the state, saying, “It has been a wonderful afternoon spending time with fellow Hoosier Republicans from around the state.”
Saturday morning, delegates convened for the official business session of the convention.
Treasurer Daniel Elliott was nominated to seek a second term as Indiana State Treasurer. Comptroller Elise Nieshalla was formally nominated for her first statewide election after initially being appointed State Comptroller in 2023.
Delegates then turned their attention to the highly contested race for Indiana Secretary of State.
In the first round of voting, the results were:
- Max Engling – 715 votes
- David Shelton – 543 votes
- Diego Morales – 283 votes
- Jamie Reitenour – 135 votes
Because no candidate received the required majority of 50% plus one, a second round of voting was held.
In the final round, Max Engling secured the Republican nomination with 867 votes. David Shelton finished second with 627 votes, while incumbent Diego Morales received 134 votes.
Lawrence County was allocated 16 delegates to the 2026 Indiana Republican State Convention, with 15 attending and casting votes on the county’s behalf.
District 1 delegates included Connie Koch, Eric Koch, Emily Porter, Amy Voorhies, Brad Bough, and Chase Cummings. District 2 delegates included Rob German, Marla Jones, Troy Lobosky, and Henry Shetler. District 3 delegates included Julie Johnson Hewetson, Nathan Watson, Colton Spires, Phil Inman, and Susan Inman.
Lawrence County was also represented by non-voting guests Andrea Bough, State Representative Chris May, McKenzie Spires, and Makenna Shanks.
Amy Voorhies expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve as a delegate, saying, “Thank you, Lawrence County, for allowing me to represent you at the Republican State Convention this past weekend.”
Nathan Watson also praised the experience, stating, “The GOP Convention in Fort Wayne was a lot of fun.”
Emily Porter added, “I am honored to have served our community as a District 1 State Delegate for the Lawrence County Republican Party.”
Lawrence County Republican Party Chairman Chase Cummings congratulated the statewide nominees following the convention and emphasized the importance of party unity moving forward.
“Congratulations to Max Engling, Daniel Elliott, and Elise Nieshalla on earning the trust and support of Republican delegates from across Indiana,” Cummings said. “Now that the convention has concluded, it is time for Republicans across our state to come together, unite behind our nominees, and focus on winning in November. We look forward to supporting our Republican ticket and continuing to advance conservative principles for Indiana’s future.”
The Lawrence County Republican Party thanked all delegates and guests who attended the convention and represented Lawrence County throughout the weekend’s activities.
