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The co-directors of the Indiana Election Division are appointed by the governor and have equal authority and responsibilities. (Photo/Pexels.com)

By Marilyn Odendahl
The Indiana Citizen
May 20, 2026

Joseph McLain, who joined the Indiana Election Division in April 2019 as a program director, has been tapped to serve as the Republican co-director, filling the remaining term of former co-director Brad King, who resigned May 6.

McLain was appointed by Gov. Mike Braun to serve as co-director until Dec. 31, 2026. In a letter notifying McLain of his new position within the IED, Braun thanked him “for your willingness to devote your time and talent for the benefit of your fellow citizens.”

McLain will serve opposite Democratic co-director Angela Nussmeyer. Under statute, the co-directors maintain the office for the Election Division, which is part of the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office. Also, they carry out the policies, decisions and recommendations of the Indiana Election Commission.

In his previous role as program director, McLain worked closely with King, who had served as the Republican co-director since February 2002.

“I am humbled and honored that Governor Braun has appointed me to succeed my mentor and friend, Brad King, as the Republican Co-Director of the Election Division,” McLain said in an email. “I believe the sixteen years of local and state election experience will aid me in my new role. I look forward to serving all Hoosiers through helping provide for free and fair elections.”

A graduate of the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, McLain has spent much of his career in the public sector. He served as the Help America Vote Act administrator in the office of Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita from 2003 to 2011. McLain then became district director for Indiana’s 4^th Congressional District, when Rokita held that seat.

Dwight Adams, an editor and writer based in Indianapolis, edited this article. He is a former content editor, copy editor and digital producer at The Indianapolis Star and IndyStar.com, and worked as a planner for other newspapers, including the Louisville Courier Journal.

The Indiana Citizen is a nonpartisan, nonprofit platform dedicated to increasing the number of informed and engaged Hoosier citizens. We are operated by the Indiana Citizen Education Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. For questions about the story, contact Marilyn Odendahl at marilyn.odendahl@indianacitizen.org.