Indiana Republicans have launched a statewide advertising campaign to support secretary of state candidate Max Engling. This move comes approximately one month after Democratic nominee Beau Bayh’s own ads began airing, marking a significant escalation in what is shaping up to be an expensive election contest for a key statewide office.
The state Republican Party announced Thursday plans for a $1 million advertising effort for Engling, with the cost shared between the state party and Gov. Mike Braun’s campaign. State GOP spokeswoman Kylie Glatfelter confirmed that the Engling ads were scheduled to begin airing this week. However, video of the initial commercial was not immediately released following the announcement.
The Republican Party’s statement emphasized that the ad spending "reflects Braun’s strong support for Engling," who is currently a staffer to U.S. Sen. Jim Banks. Gov. Braun affirmed his commitment, stating he was "proud to put my full support behind him" and that the campaign aims to inform voters statewide about the importance of the race. Engling secured the Republican nomination after defeating current Secretary of State Diego Morales at June’s state GOP convention.
Democratic candidate Beau Bayh’s campaign initiated its broadcast advertising roughly four weeks prior to the Republican announcement, enjoying exclusive presence on the political airwaves during that period. Bayh, the son of former Gov. Evan Bayh, concluded June with approximately $2.3 million in his campaign fund. This financial standing positions him as the best-financed Democratic candidate in recent years, as he seeks to become the first Democrat to win a statewide office in Indiana since 2012.
The combined spending by Gov. Braun’s campaign and the state Republicans is intended to help Engling narrow the fundraising disparity between himself and Bayh. Engling experienced a later start in his fundraising efforts, having launched his successful GOP nomination challenge in May. According to Election Division reports, Engling’s campaign held about $150,000 as of June 30. Since July 1, Bayh’s campaign has reported collecting nearly $450,000 in large contributions. In contrast, Engling’s campaign has received approximately $200,000 in large contributions during the same timeframe.
The secretary of state campaign is poised to be financially significant, also featuring former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, who is running under the Lincoln Party banner. Libertarian candidate Lauri Shillings is also included on the ballot. The emerging advertising battle and substantial fundraising indicate a competitive and costly race leading up to the election.
