Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson announced Monday she will resign as the state’s top election official, citing a need to focus on her personal health and family after the challenges of 2020.
“I have dedicated the last 32 years of my life to public service,” Lawson said in a statement. “I have served with all of my heart and soul. It has been an honor to serve, but it is time for me to step down.”
Lawson led Indiana through its turbulent 2020 election season, which posed new questions about how to open polls safely during the COVID-19 pandemic and about the need for expanded absentee voting.
Lawson also introduced new cybersecurity tools for all Indiana counties to help protect election security and other reforms during her time as secretary.
Former Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels appointed Lawson to the secretary of state office in 2012. She held the office after successfully winning election in 2014 and 2018, making her the longest serving secretary of state in Indiana’s history.
Now, Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb will appoint Lawson’s replacement. She will continue to serve as secretary until a successor is named and until the pick is ready to serve.
“Like many Hoosiers, 2020 took a toll on me. I am resigning so I can focus on my health and my family,” Lawson said. “I will work with Gov. Holcomb to ensure our next Secretary of State is up to the task and has the tools and resources to hit the ground running.”
Before becoming secretary in 2012, Lawson served as a state senator for 16 years, during which she became the first woman to serve as majority floor leader in 2006. She oversaw the Hendricks County Circuit Court as clerk before joining the legislature.
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