Hoosier State Today

Election integrity forms the foundational premise of what it means to be a citizen of the American republic.

Tragically, the 2020 presidential election was severely compromised and understandably, still generates considerable cynicism and angst, especially among the most fervent and active Republican voters. The official results were tainted by serious Constitutional violations and raw abuses of political power using the guise of protecting public health against the virus.

Even a red state like Indiana was not immune to problems with the integrity of the vote, which is why the upcoming election for Secretary of State for the Hoosier state matters, both for citizens of Indiana as well as the whole country. I am honored to endorse Diego Morales for this key position for 3 key reasons:

1.  Election Reforms: Our country needs bold champions for election integrity, and far too many Republican legacy officeholders and party donors simply do not grasp the gravity of what unfolded in 2020, and the persistent skepticism regarding the accuracy of the official returns among everyday GOP voters and activists of the America First movement. But regarding the 2020 vote, rank-and-file patriots are not “over it.” Even the biased, leftist cable news network CNN admitted this point in a recent article, titled: “Voters Who Think Trump Won Are the Most Enthusiastic to Vote in 2022.” CNN concedes that among motivated, enthusiastic GOP voters, a massive preponderance rejects Joe Biden’s election as illegitimate. Among likely 2022 GOP voters, a stunning 86% do not acknowledge Biden’s win as accurate. So, despite the wishes of many Republican powerbrokers, this topic remains a burning issue of importance for America First citizens. Thankfully, Diego Morales sees these threats with clear eyes, and promises to ensure that Indiana has the most honest elections in America through three common-sense policies: required universal voter identification, in-person voting except for valid excuses, and a return to paper ballots.

2.  Diego the Outsider: The America First movement, at its core, emanates from outside the world of traditional politics. Our movement is rooted in the Tea Party and the populist reaction at the abuses of the establishment regarding the Housing and Credit Crisis. The cause then found its champion in Donald Trump, a brash and successful outsider who brought an unconventional approach plus the lessons of business and entrepreneurship to politics. Diego Morales comes from that same mold, as a newcomer to elected office, an MBA and businessman who will bring perspective and boldness to Indianapolis, rather than stale and predictable party politics. In addition, Morales will have influence far beyond Indiana, by modeling for other secretaries of state across America how to ensure accurate, transparent elections. Indiana can become a leading state in the reform of election practices with Morales advocating nationally.

3. Background: Diego brings a refreshing and unique biography to the 2022 race. A legal immigrant to America, he represents the best of those who choose to become Americans, the legal and right way. His life already reflects a terrific immigrant success story, in the American heartland. Not only did he earn degrees from both Indiana University and Purdue University, but he also volunteered to serve his adopted country with distinction in the United States Army. The America First movement, still in its infancy historically speaking, changes the Republican Party already in material, lasting ways. As the party becomes more populist, nationalist, and working-class in its orientation, candidates like Diego Morales form the future of a next generation of America First leaders. I know from my experiences as a senior media spokesman for Donald Trump’s campaigns in both 2016 and 2020 just how profoundly Diego supported our efforts -- and will again in the future. He is exactly the kind of visionary leader that our cause needs to become the dominant political movement in America for years to come.

For these reasons, I am proud to endorse Diego Morales for Indiana’s Secretary of State, and I urge other patriots in the America First movement to support his candidacy. 

– Steve Cortes was Senior Advisor for Strategy to the Trump 2020 campaign.