Support for Indiana Secretary of State candidate Diego Morales is shifting after two high-profile Republicans withdrew their endorsements and backed a new candidate in the race.

U.S. Senator Jim Banks and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced they are now supporting Max Engling after he officially qualified to run for Indiana Secretary of State.

Both Republicans thanked current Secretary of State Diego Morales for his service but said they believe Engling gives Republicans the best chance to hold the office in November.

Banks called Engling “a strong conservative” and said he would work to keep elections secure while supporting Indiana businesses and farmers.

“Max Engling is a key member of my team and will make a great Secretary of State,” Banks said. “He has my full and total support.”

Rokita said he spoke directly with Morales and urged him to suspend his campaign, arguing that recent controversies surrounding Morales could hurt Republican chances in the general election.

“The Secretary of State’s office is too important to be lost to out-of-touch, left-wing Democrats who put Hoosiers last,” Rokita said.

Rokita also compared the situation to the 2020 Republican convention race in which he defeated an incumbent Secretary of State candidate.

The Indiana Secretary of State oversees elections, business services, and securities regulation across the state.