David Shelton

David Shelton was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was elected Knox County Clerk in 2018. Shelton’s career experience includes working as a private investigator and the owner of an upholstery shop.[1]

David Shelton did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Campaign websiteShelton's campaign website stated the following:Why I Am Running:Restore Integrity & Professionalism to the OfficeRemove personal branding and self-promotion from official materials.Re-establish the office as a nonpartisan institution focused on service, not self-interest.Prioritize transparency, public trust, and professionalism.Strengthen Election Administration StatewideLaunch a statewide “Election Bootcamp” to provide hands-on training for new county clerks and election staff.Promote consistency across counties while respecting local flexibility.Champion continuing education for both election administrators and Indiana voters.Lead with Vision and ExperienceEstablish a leadership model for supporting all county election offices.Serve as a working partner on Indiana’s Election Core Team to shape responsible, secure legislation.Enhance Election Security and ModernizationWork with state and federal lawmakers to protect voter registration systems and secure election infrastructure.Advocate for legislative advancements that improve accuracy, access, and accountability in Indiana elections.Support Redistricting Readiness Ahead of the 2030 CensusProvide counties with tools, templates, and hands-on assistance for local redistricting processes.Ensure every county is equipped to handle its post-Census responsibilities with confidence.Elevate the Non-Election Divisions of the OfficeApply 25+ years of fraud investigation experience to strengthen securities and business oversight.Modernize and streamline services across the business services, notary, and auto dealer licensing divisions.Expand consumer protection efforts through proactive enforcement and education.— David Shelton's campaign website (April 16, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am currently the Knox County Clerk. I am an election administrator. Election integrity is not a catch phrase to me, as I live and breath it every single day. I am also a member of the Knox County Public Defender Board and also serve as the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Knox County Housing Authority.

I solved Knox County's record storage issue by moving, sorting, and organizing over 500,000 pounds of County Records. I identified over 75,000 pounds as non-permanent records and properly disposed of them. I vacated over 10,000 square feet of county space in the process

I have been a Private Investigator for over 20 years, currently licensed in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.

I am married to my wife Rachel and we are raising our five children, with our oldest graduating high school May, 2022.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Election Administration Experience- Only candidate with hands on election experienceProfessional background allows for overall qualifications for the other departments of the officeFinancial Conservative, always remembering a small part of tax dollars spent comes from my own pocket.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Election Security

Election Administration Proficiency.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

It oversees elections in the State of Indiana, the very foundation of our representative form of government. It also oversees auto dealerships, security fraud investigations, and business entity filings.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Remember where you came from. Listen to, and understand concerns and complaints from people.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Investigative eye, actual election experience, and the drive, determination, and ability to effect positive change. I'm not afraid to work and get my hands dirty.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Ensure Election integrity, safety, and make sure every legal vote is counted.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Of course, I want to be the best Secretary of State in the history of Indiana.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Marine barracks bombing in Lebanon, I was almost 12.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as a lifeguard and swim instructor.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

While all are important, the election side of the office, to me, is the most important. As a current County Clerk, I oversee and run my local elections. There are 92 ways of running elections in Indiana. Proper training of the County Clerks is of the upmost importance. County Clerks are the first and last line of defense when it comes to our elections.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The Secretary of State oversee Security Fraud Investigations. This role is very important to Hoosiers as it protects them from all kinds of scams.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely, as the only candidate with hands-on election administration experience, there is no substitute for that. As a County Clerk, I know first hand the struggles counties have in finding poll workers, obtaining funding, and how things are done on a County level.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Experience, experience, and experience. I have the election experience lacking in the other candidates. I also have professional experience as a Private Investigator, licensed in three States. This investigative eye will allow me to easily acclimate to, and evaluate all divisions of the office.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Do you know why cannibals don't eat clowns?

Because they taste funny.