The race for Indiana Secretary of State is getting increasingly heated, and now Republicans are accusing one of Indiana's most powerful Democratic political families of attempting to buy an election.
Republican candidate Max Engling is taking aim at Democrat Beau Bayh after campaign finance records revealed that his father, former Indiana Governor and U.S. Senator Evan Bayh, transferred at least $2.4 MILLION from his old political campaign accounts into Indiana Democratic Party accounts as his son battles for statewide office.
According to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, the Democratic Party has directed approximately $2.2 million toward supporting Beau Bayh's campaign since early September, giving him a significant financial advantage over Engling.
Engling has accused Democrats of using their financial resources to influence the outcome, claiming that "Washington Democrats have spent millions trying to buy it for him."
The Bayh name has been a political powerhouse in Indiana for generations, but this election is raising questions about political family influence, campaign money, and whether candidates with wealthy, well-connected relatives enjoy an unfair advantage.
However, the reported transfers are not, by themselves, evidence of illegal activity. Both major parties use substantial financial resources to support candidates.
With Election Day approaching November 3, Beau Bayh is attempting to become the first Democrat elected to statewide office in Indiana in 14 years.
Is this the Bayh family using its political legacy to help Indiana Democrats make a historic comeback, or does Engling have a legitimate point about wealthy political families influencing elections?
Source: Indiana Capital Chronicle, October 21, 2026.