(INDIANAPOLIS) – Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson announced Monday that she is stepping down from office.

Lawson says she has notified Governor Eric Holcomb, and will submit a formal resignation once her successor has been selected and is ready to serve.

Lawson says she has dedicated the last 32 years of her life to public service. She has served with all of her heart and soul and while it's been an honor to serve, she says it's time for her to step down.

Lawson says just like many Hoosiers, 2020 took a toll on her. She says she is resigning to she can focus on her health and her family. Lawson says she will work with Governor Holcomb to ensure the next Secretary of State is up to the task and has the tools and resources to hit the ground running.

Lawson was first appointed Secretary of State on March 16, 2012 by then Governor Mitch Daniels. She successfully ran for election in 2014 and 2018. She is the longest serving Secretary of State in Indiana history and the 61st Indiana Secretary of State.

Before serving as Secretary of State, Lawson served in the Indiana Senate for 16 years. She was also selected as the first woman to serve as Majority Floor Leader in 2006. Prior to being elected to the Indiana Senate, Lawson was the Clerk of the Hendricks County Circuit Court of eight years.

Governor Eric Holcomb issued a statement saying that Lawson has long defined what true public service and leadership is and ought to be about. Holcomb says throughout her time in public service, Lawson set the standard for commitment, composure, class and credibility.