Holli Sullivan Sworn In As Indiana's New Secretary Of State

Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) is Indiana’s new Secretary of State, sworn in Tuesday after the governor picked her to replace retiring Secretary Connie Lawson.

Gov. Eric Holcomb said Sullivan was at the top of his list to serve as the state’s new secretary of state. He lauded her legislative experience (Sullivan has served in the General Assembly since 2014), her private sector experience (the Evansville native has an engineering background) and her commitment to her community.

“The way you lean into helping women develop and steering youth in the community,” Holcomb said.

Sullivan was asked several questions by reporters about her stance on election issues. She largely deflected, saying her top priority is to “safeguard Indiana’s record of free, fair and secure elections.”

“Ensure that Hoosiers of all backgrounds are encouraged to turn out but more importantly that they have confidence that each of their votes will count,” Sullivan said.

The Indiana Democratic Party criticized Sullivan for refusing to say, in response to a question, that the 2020 presidential election was legitimate. Instead, she said she's "hyperfocused" on Indiana and her new role.

She also wouldn't say whether she plans to run for secretary of state in next year's election.

A private Republican caucus will choose Sullivan's replacement in the General Assembly in the coming weeks.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.