News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson announced on Monday, Feb. 15, that she will step down from her position.

Connie Lawson

Lawson has notified Gov. Eric Holcomb and will submit a formal resignation once he selects her successor and the successor is ready to serve.

“I have dedicated the last 32 years of my life to public service,” said Lawson. “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.

“Like many Hoosiers, 2020 took a toll on me. I am resigning so I can focus on my health and my family. I will work with Governor Holcomb to ensure our next Secretary of State is up to the task and has the tools and resources to hit the ground running.”

Lawson was first appointed secretary of state on March 16, 2012, by then Gov. Mitch Daniels. She successfully ran for election in 2014 and 2018. She is the longest serving secretary of state in Indiana history and Indiana’s 61st secretary of state.

Prior to serving as secretary of state, Lawson served in the Indiana Senate for 16 years, where she accomplished significant legislative success. Respected across the aisle, she quickly earned the admiration of her colleagues and made history in 2006 when she was selected as the first woman to serve as majority floor leader in the Indiana Senate.

Before joining the Indiana Senate, Lawson served as clerk of the Hendricks County Circuit Court for eight years. 

Holcomb gave the following statement regarding Lawson’s announcement:

“Indiana’s own Iron Lady, Secretary of State Connie Lawson, has long defined what true public service and leadership is and ought to be all about. Throughout her time in county, legislative and statewide office, she set the standard for commitment, composure, class and credibility. No matter the year or issues of the day, citizens could bank on Connie Lawson leading the way and inspiring others to follow.”

“A trailblazer, holder of state records, even serving alongside three Governors as Secretary of State, through it all, Connie has remained universally respected by veterans and the next generation alike. I’ll forever count myself fortunate and proud to say, ‘I served with Connie Lawson.'”

“And, while she’ll no longer be just down the hall from my Statehouse office, I know that she will continue to be a trusted advisor and great friend.”

“I wish her and her husband Jack and their entire family happy trails upon her retirement and congratulate her on her immediate induction into the Hoosier Pantheon of all-time great public servants.”