(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales says he will remain in the race for the Republican nomination despite calls from some party leaders to step aside ahead of next month's state convention.
Morales issued a statement saying Republican convention delegates, not party leaders, should decide who becomes the party's nominee for secretary of state in November.
The comments came after U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced they are backing Max Engling, a senior adviser in Banks' Senate office who entered the race earlier this month.
According to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, Rokita said he asked Morales to suspend his campaign, citing concerns about his ability to win the general election. Banks, who endorsed Morales in March, also withdrew his support and endorsed Engling.
The Republican field now includes Morales, Engling, Knox County Clerk David Shelton and conservative activist Jamie Reitenour.
Delegates will select the Republican nominee at the Indiana Republican Party convention June 20.
Morales' first term has faced scrutiny over use of a taxpayer-funded vehicle, international travel and contracting decisions. Morales has defended those actions as efforts related to election security and promoting Indiana businesses.
Banks also cited allegations involving a former Morales staff member who resigned in April.
Shelton criticized what he described as a late effort by party leaders to rally behind Engling, saying he has spent months campaigning and meeting with delegates across Indiana.
Democrats have already nominated Beau Bayh for secretary of state.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle reports the June 20 convention will determine which Republican candidate advances to the November election.