Connie Lawson

Connie Lawson (born April 20, 1949) is an American politician. A Republican, Lawson was Indiana Secretary of State from 2012 to 2021 and was a member of the Indiana Senate from 1996 to 2012. While in the state senate, she was Republican floor leader.

Connie Lawson
61st Secretary of State of Indiana
In office
March 16, 2012 – March 16, 2021
GovernorMitch Daniels
Mike Pence
Eric Holcomb
Preceded byJerry Bonnet (acting)
Succeeded byHolli Sullivan
Member of the Indiana Senate
from the 24th district
In office
1996–2012
Preceded byRichard Thompson
Succeeded byPete Miller
Personal details
Born (1949-04-20) April 20, 1949
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJack Lawson
Children2

Early life, education, and career

Lawson was born and raised in Danville, located in Hendricks County in central Indiana. She graduated from Danville High School. She attended Darden School of Legislative Leadership and in 1998 she went to Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership. Lawson was elected Clerk of the Hendricks County Circuit Court in 1988. She was subsequently reelected twice to four-year terms As clerk, her responsibilities included maintaining all records of the court and overseeing elections. During this period, Lawson was also president of the Indiana Clerks’ Association and chair of the group’s legislative committee. She also served as Vice Chair of the Hendricks County Republican Party from 1995 to 2005.[1]

State Senate

Lawson was a member of the Indiana Senate from 1996 to 2012.[2] She replaced incumbent State Senator Richard Thompson.[3] She was the first woman appointed to the post of Indiana Senate Majority Floor Leader.[2] The American Conservative Union gave her an Indiana Legislature evaluation of 93%.

Indiana State Senate 24th District Election Results, November 2, 2004

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Connie Lawson (inc.) Republican 44,783 100.0%

Indiana State Senate 24th District Republican Primary Election Results, May 6, 2008

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Connie Lawson (inc.) Republican 10,602 79.2%
John Gootee Republican 2,778 20.8%

Indiana State Senate 24th District Election Results, November 4, 2008

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Connie Lawson (inc.) Republican 53,188 100.0%

Secretary of State

On March 16, 2012, Governor Mitch Daniels appointed Lawson Secretary of State.[4]

Indiana Secretary of State Election Results, November 4, 2014[5]

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Connie Lawson Republican 762,223 57.1%
Elizabeth White Democratic 527,379 39.5%
Karl Tatgenhorst Libertarian 45,393 3.4%

In the summer of 2018, Lawson received two challenges to her eligibility as Candidate for Secretary of State of Indiana.[6][7] The challenges stemmed from the Indiana Constitution's provision that states no person shall be eligible for "more than eight years in any period of twelve years."[8] Both eligibility claims were dismissed, but questions still exist over her ability to finish the entire term if re-elected in 2018.[9] She was reelected.

In 2016, Lawson targeted a voter registration group, the Indiana Voter Registration Project, who she claimed were "nefarious actors" and who were engaging in turning in "forged voter registration applications." Shortly thereafter, police raided the organization's building. There is no evidence that the group was turning in forged voter registration applications.[10][11]

On February 15, 2021, Lawson announced that she intended to resign to focus on her health and family.[12] She formally resigned after Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb selected state Rep. Holli Sullivan as Lawson's successor.[13]

Personal life

Connie Lawson is married to Jack Lawson, has two children Brandon and Kylie, and seven grandchildren. She and her husband own and operate Lawson & Company, an auctioneer and real estate business.

References
  1. "Connie Lawson". Indiana Legislator Database. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  2. Chris Sikich, Can Democrats nab another statewide office?, Indianapolis Star (Oct. 31, 2014).
  3. "The Indianapolis Star 08 May 1996, page Page 12".
  4. Mary Beth Schneider (March 16, 2012). "Gov. Mitch Daniels picks Connie Lawson as new Indiana Secretary of State". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  5. Indiana Election Division (December 27, 2010). "2010 Indiana Election Report" (PDF). Indiana.
  6. Smith, Brandon (2018-07-17). "Challenge To Secretary of State Lawson's Candidacy Denied". WFYI Public Media. Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  7. "Connie Lawson, Indiana Sec of State, reelection eligibility challenged again". News Growl. 2018-08-16. Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  8. "Article 6, Indiana Constitution - Ballotpedia". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  9. "Effort to remove Lawson from ballot fails". Indiana Journal Gazette. Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  10. Reilly, Ryan J.; Craven, Julia (2016-10-22). "Indiana Officials Target A Black Voter Registration Drive On A Technicality". HuffPost. Retrieved 2020-09-30.
  11. Rutenberg, Jim (2020-09-30). "How Trump's 'Voter Fraud' Lie Is Disenfranchising Americans". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-09-30.
  12. "Secretary of State Connie Lawson submits resignation". WISHTV. 15 February 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  13. Lange, Kaitlin (16 March 2021). "Gov. Holcomb announces new secretary of state after Connie Lawson's retirement". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
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