WOWO IMS CARB DAY EXCLUSIVE: SOS Candidate Max Engling joins KB Live

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WOWO) Republican Indiana Secretary of State candidate Max Engling said Thursday that his entry into the race is focused on securing support from Republican convention delegates and strengthening election administration priorities, during an interview on Fort Wayne’s Morning News with Kayla Blakeslee, broadcast from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Carb Day 2026.

Engling’s appearance came amid recent political developments in Indiana’s Republican primary for secretary of state, including shifts in endorsement support involving incumbent Secretary of State Diego Morales and backing from U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

During the interview, Engling said his campaign is centered on preventing what he described as ideological shifts in state government and maintaining Republican control of the office.

“The Secretary of State’s office has never been more important than right now,” Engling said. “If you look across the country at what’s happening for states that are run by the left, it’s deeply problematic. And I will not allow that to happen here in the state of Indiana.”

Engling said he is actively building support among Republican delegates ahead of the state convention, emphasizing that the nomination process will be decided internally rather than through a traditional statewide primary.

“My job is to gain trust with the delegates, to tell them why I have the shared conservative values that they do, and make sure that the ones who will actually be voting for you at the convention believe in you,” Engling said.

Blakeslee referenced recent public support shifts from Banks and Rokita, who both previously supported Morales before announcing backing for Engling. Engling said he did not speak for either official but pointed to their public statements.

“I don’t want to speak for either of them, but they have both publicly said that now is the time to rally behind a candidate that can win the convention and win in the general,” Engling said.

He also credited additional support from election integrity advocates and Republican leaders across the state.

“And I appreciate that. Senator Banks is behind this. So is Attorney General Todd Rokita. Andrew Ireland, who’s an election watchdog here in the state of Indiana. And many of our most conservative members of both the congressional delegation and the statehouse,” Engling said.

Engling said his campaign is focused on delegate outreach, including direct communication and state travel.

“I have sent a message, a text message to all the delegates with my personal information, laying out my background and what I stand for,” he said. “I want them to talk to me.”

He added that his platform includes election security and business registration oversight, citing concerns about election integrity and corporate filings.

“Priorities are one, no illegals voting in our elections. Absolutely. I stand for that. Also closed primaries,” Engling said.

He also pointed to business registration systems overseen by the secretary of state’s office, suggesting additional scrutiny for filings he described as potentially suspicious.

“I think it’s not too far to say, can we ask if there are 300 shell trucking companies in one neighborhood of 80 homes, that you have some type of way to check for that on the front side,” Engling said.

The interview took place during Carb Day at the Indianapolis 500, with Blakeslee broadcasting live from the Speedway for the first time. Engling said he has attended the Indianapolis 500 multiple times and described the event as a major Indiana tradition.

“This is the premier event in the state of Indiana and we absolutely love it,” Engling said. “I’ve been to 15 or so races.”

He said his preferred viewing area is along the backstretch of the track.

“Number one spot that we go is right between turns two and three on the backstretch,” Engling said. “You got to sit on the grass.”

Blakeslee noted the early morning broadcast environment at the track, prompting Engling to reflect on the atmosphere surrounding race day.

“Whether it’s this morning when you walk in and you just feel that folks are getting ready for it or the pace lap goes around every, the car goes off,” he said. “It feels good.”

Engling also highlighted what he described as the “magic” of the Indianapolis 500 experience for first-time attendees.

“If you have only been in the seats, you got to be in the grass,” he said. “You got to sit on the infield. Pull your own cooler in and enjoy it with your family.”

The interview concluded with a rapid-fire segment on Indiana culture and Indianapolis 500 traditions. Engling selected “milk” over champagne in reference to the race’s traditional victory celebration, chose the Indianapolis 500 over the Indiana State Fair, and selected “tenderloin” over pork burger.

He also chose “pace car” over police escort, “gas pedal” over brake pedal, and “rural Indiana” over downtown Indianapolis, citing agricultural ties.

“Love them,” Engling said of agriculture stakeholders. “It’s the backbone of the state of Indiana.”

When asked to describe Indiana in one word, Engling first said “beautiful” before offering an additional description.

“I would say growers,” he said. “It’s the farmers. It’s the agriculture. It’s the backbone of the state of Indiana.”

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