Todd Rokita

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Todd Rokita
Official portrait, 2011
Todd Rokita
BornTheodore Edward Rokita
9 2, 1970
BirthplaceChicago, Illinois, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationLawyer, politician
Known forYoungest Secretary of State of Indiana at time of election; U.S. Representative from Indiana's 4th congressional district
EducationWabash College (BA)
Indiana University, Indianapolis (JD)
Spouse(s)Kathy Rokita
Children2

Theodore Edward Rokita (Template:IPAc-en; born February 9, 1970) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the 44th Attorney General of Indiana, a position he has held since January 11, 2021. A member of the Republican Party, Rokita has occupied a prominent place in Indiana politics for more than two decades, beginning with his election as Secretary of State of Indiana in 2002, when at age 32 he became the youngest sitting secretary of state in the United States.[1] He subsequently represented Indiana's 4th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, and after unsuccessful bids for governor and U.S. Senate, won election as attorney general in 2020 and reelection in 2024. Born in Chicago and raised in northwest Indiana, Rokita built his political career around issues of election integrity, fiscal conservatism, and law enforcement, serving under five Indiana governors during his time in state office.

Early Life

Theodore Edward Rokita was born on February 9, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois.[2] He grew up in the Munster area of northwest Indiana, in Lake County.[3] Rokita attended Munster High School in Munster, Indiana, where he was involved in the school's competitive speech team.[3]

Rokita's upbringing in northwest Indiana, a region with a strong industrial heritage and close economic ties to Chicago, shaped his political outlook. The area, which includes parts of the Calumet Region, has historically been a politically competitive part of Indiana, with both Democratic and Republican constituencies. Rokita grew up in a working-class environment and has cited his family background as an influence on his interest in public service and fiscal responsibility.[4]

During his college years, Rokita became a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.[5]

Education

Rokita attended Wabash College, a private liberal arts college for men located in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[2] Wabash College has a long tradition of producing Indiana politicians and public figures. Following his undergraduate studies, Rokita enrolled at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree.[2] His legal education prepared him for a career that would blend law and public service, and he was admitted to the Indiana bar following his graduation from law school.

Career

Early Legal and Political Career

After completing his legal education, Rokita practiced law and became involved in Indiana Republican politics. He worked as general counsel for the Indiana Secretary of State's office, gaining experience in election law and state government operations that would serve as a foundation for his subsequent political career.[6]

Secretary of State of Indiana (2002–2010)

In 2002, Rokita won the Republican nomination for Secretary of State of Indiana at the state party convention.[7] He went on to win the general election in November 2002, defeating his Democratic opponent and becoming, at age 32, the youngest sitting secretary of state in the United States at the time.[8][9]

During his tenure as secretary of state, Rokita served under three governors: Frank O'Bannon, Joe E. Kernan, and Mitch Daniels. His time in office spanned two full terms, from December 1, 2002, to December 1, 2010. As secretary of state, Rokita oversaw Indiana's elections and was a prominent advocate for voter identification requirements. Indiana's voter ID law, enacted during Rokita's tenure, became one of the most discussed election laws in the nation and was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States in Crawford v. Marion County Election Board (2008).[10]

Rokita won reelection as secretary of state in 2006, securing a second term.[11] He was succeeded in the office by Charlie White in December 2010, after Rokita chose to run for the U.S. House of Representatives rather than seek a third term.

U.S. House of Representatives (2011–2019)

2010 Election

In 2010, Rokita ran for the seat representing Indiana's 4th congressional district, which was being vacated by retiring Republican incumbent Steve Buyer. Rokita won the Republican primary and went on to win the general election, securing his place in the 112th United States Congress.[2] His victory was part of a broader Republican wave in the 2010 midterm elections.

Tenure in Congress

Rokita took office on January 3, 2011, and served four consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Indiana's 4th congressional district through January 3, 2019.[12] The 4th district encompassed a largely rural and suburban swath of west-central Indiana, including parts of the greater Indianapolis metropolitan area.

During his time in Congress, Rokita served on several committees and was involved in legislation related to education, labor, and government oversight. He was a member of the Republican Study Committee and aligned with the conservative wing of the House Republican caucus on fiscal and social issues.[13]

Rokita was noted for constituent service efforts during his congressional tenure. In one instance, he arranged for a veteran to fly for free, an act that received local media attention as reflective of his engagement with district constituents.[14]

2012 and 2014 Reelections

Rokita won reelection in 2012 and 2014 by comfortable margins, reflecting the solidly Republican nature of Indiana's 4th congressional district.[15][16][17] During the 2014 campaign cycle, Rokita outlined his positions on fiscal responsibility, government reform, and national defense in candidate profiles published by local media outlets.[18]

2016 Gubernatorial Campaign

In 2016, following the withdrawal of Governor Mike Pence from the gubernatorial race to become Donald Trump's running mate in the 2016 presidential election, Rokita entered the race as a candidate to succeed Pence. However, he lost the Republican nomination to Eric Holcomb, who had been serving as Pence's lieutenant governor.[19] Holcomb went on to win the general election and served as governor.

2018 U.S. Senate Campaign

Rather than seek reelection to his House seat in 2018, Rokita entered the Republican primary for the United States Senate seat held by retiring Democrat Joe Donnelly. The primary was a competitive three-way contest, and Rokita ultimately lost to businessman Mike Braun, who went on to win the general election.[12] Rokita's departure from the House left his seat open, and Jim Baird succeeded him as the representative for Indiana's 4th congressional district beginning in January 2019.[2]

Attorney General of Indiana (2021–present)

2020 Election

In 2020, Rokita returned to the political arena by challenging incumbent Attorney General Curtis Hill for the Republican nomination. Hill had faced controversy during his tenure, and Rokita defeated him in the primary. Rokita then won the general election in November 2020, and took office as the 44th Attorney General of Indiana on January 11, 2021.[2]

First Term

As attorney general, Rokita has served under Governors Eric Holcomb and, beginning in 2025, Mike Braun. His office has pursued a range of legal and enforcement actions on behalf of the state.

A significant focus of Rokita's tenure has been the investigation and prosecution of Medicaid provider fraud. By February 2026, Rokita's office announced that it had recovered more than $100 million from 89 Medicaid provider fraud cases since he took office in 2021.[20][21] According to reporting by WISH-TV, the fraud cases involved overbilling and drug diversion as major causes of Medicaid provider fraud in Indiana.[22] The recovery efforts were also covered by State Affairs, which reported on the scope of the cases handled by Rokita's team.[23]

In 2026, Rokita worked with Governor Mike Braun on initiatives related to trucking safety and immigration enforcement. The two officials collaborated on a crackdown involving foreign-born commercial truck drivers, including efforts to impose English-language proficiency requirements for commercial driver's license (CDL) testing.[24] This effort coincided with legislative action in the Indiana Senate, which added English-language CDL testing and immigration check provisions to a trucking bill.[25]

Disciplinary Proceedings

Rokita has faced professional disciplinary proceedings during his time as attorney general. In August 2025, the Indiana Capital Chronicle reported that a panel overseeing a professional misconduct case against Rokita denied his discovery request and scheduled a hearing for December 2025.[26] The case involved allegations of professional misconduct, and the proceedings were ongoing as of early 2026.[26]

2024 Reelection

Rokita was considered a possible candidate for either the United States Senate or the governorship of Indiana ahead of the 2024 election cycle. He ultimately chose to seek reelection as attorney general and won a second term in the 2024 general election.[2]

Personal Life

Todd Rokita resides in Brownsburg, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis located in Hendricks County.[27] He is married to Kathy Rokita, and the couple has two children.[2] Rokita has maintained his residence in the greater Indianapolis area throughout his tenure in state and federal office.

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rokita split his time between Washington, D.C., and his Indiana district, a common arrangement for members of Congress representing districts outside the national capital. Upon his return to state office as attorney general, Rokita resumed full-time residence in Indiana.

Recognition

Rokita's election as Secretary of State of Indiana in 2002 at age 32 made him the youngest secretary of state in the United States at that time, a distinction that brought him early national attention within Republican political circles.[28]

During his congressional career, Rokita received evaluations and ratings from various political and policy organizations. His voting record was tracked by Vote Smart, which compiled ratings from interest groups across the political spectrum.[29]

As attorney general, Rokita's office has received attention for its Medicaid fraud recovery efforts, with the announcement in February 2026 that more than $100 million had been recovered marking a significant enforcement milestone for the office.[20][21]

Legacy

Todd Rokita's career in Indiana politics spans more than two decades and encompasses service in three distinct statewide offices: Secretary of State, U.S. Representative, and Attorney General. His tenure as secretary of state was marked by the implementation and defense of Indiana's voter identification law, which became a landmark case in American election law after its review by the U.S. Supreme Court. His work on voter ID requirements influenced similar legislative efforts in other states and contributed to a national debate over the balance between election security and voter access.

In Congress, Rokita represented Indiana's 4th district for eight years, aligning with the conservative caucus on fiscal and social policy issues. His subsequent campaigns for governor in 2016 and U.S. Senate in 2018, though unsuccessful, demonstrated his continued ambition and standing within the Indiana Republican Party.

As attorney general, Rokita has focused on consumer protection and law enforcement issues, with the recovery of over $100 million in Medicaid fraud representing one of the more quantifiable accomplishments of his office.[20] His collaboration with Governor Mike Braun on trucking safety and immigration enforcement has placed him at the center of ongoing policy debates in Indiana.[30]

The professional disciplinary proceedings that Rokita has faced as attorney general remain a notable aspect of his tenure, with proceedings continuing into 2026.[26] The outcome of these proceedings may have implications for his political future and legacy in Indiana government.

References

  1. ↑ "Todd Rokita for Congress – About".Todd Rokita for Congress.http://www.toddrokitaforcongress.com/about.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "Rokita, Todd – Biographical Directory of the United States Congress".Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=R000592.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Munster speech team takes top state honors for lucky 13th".The Times of Northwest Indiana.http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/munster/munster-speech-team-takes-top-state-honors-for-lucky-th/article_f446a3fe-f6ab-5890-8d6d-6f7cf23c53eb.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "About Me – Full Biography".Office of Congressman Todd Rokita.http://rokita.house.gov/about-me/full-biography.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "Sigma Chi Notable Members".Sigma Chi International Fraternity.http://weblinks.sigmachi.org/preview/marketing/PAC/list.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "About Me – Full Biography".Office of Congressman Todd Rokita.http://rokita.house.gov/about-me/full-biography.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "GOP nominates Rokita at convention".The Times of Northwest Indiana.http://www.nwitimes.com/uncategorized/gop-nominates-rokita-at-convention/article_8dc133f9-86e1-53af-bcfd-9951f21de5ab.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "2002 Election Booklet".Indiana Secretary of State.https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/files/2002_ELECTION_BOOKLET.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Todd Rokita for Congress – About".Todd Rokita for Congress.http://www.toddrokitaforcongress.com/about.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Todd Rokita for Congress – About".Todd Rokita for Congress.http://www.toddrokitaforcongress.com/about.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "2006 Election Report".Indiana Secretary of State.http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/files/2006_Election_Report.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Member Profile: Todd Rokita".Congress.gov.https://www.congress.gov/member/todd-rokita/2017.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Vote Smart – Todd Rokita Evaluations".Vote Smart.http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/34167/todd-rokita/37.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "Indiana congressman flies veteran for free".WNDU.http://www.wndu.com/content/news/Indiana-congressman-flies-veteran-for-free-384957371.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "2012 General Election Results – Indiana".Indiana Secretary of State.http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/election/general/general2012?page=office&countyID=-1&officeID=5&districtID=-1&candidate=.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "2014 Primary Election Results – Indiana".Indiana Secretary of State.http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/primary/sos_primary14?page=office&countyID=-1&partyID=-1&officeID=5&districtID=-1&districtshortviewID=-1&candidate=.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "2014 General Election Results – Indiana".Indiana Secretary of State.http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/election/general/general2014?page=office&countyID=-1&officeID=5&districtID=-1&candidate=.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Election Profiles".The Daily Reporter.http://www.flyergroup.com/news/election-profiles/article_30a9d050-6398-11e4-a48c-27a2b2540a5f.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Government and Politics".The Times of Northwest Indiana.http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_21e1600b-ede7-54cf-989d-0fc4a139bd4e.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 "Rokita touts Indiana Medicaid provider fraud successes".Indiana Capital Chronicle.2026-02-24.https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/briefs/rokita-touts-indiana-medicaid-provider-fraud-successes/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Indiana AG announces Medicaid fraud recovery".WTHR.2026-02-24.https://www.wthr.com/video/news/crime/indiana-ag-announces-medicaid-fraud-recovery/531-044b5408-27f8-4405-aca5-19335000b8a6.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Attorney general recovers $100 million in Medicaid fraud since 2021".WISH-TV.2026-02-24.https://www.wishtv.com/news/politics/100m-recovered-medicaid-fraud/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Indiana AG Recovers $100 Million in Medicaid Fraud Cases".State Affairs.2026-02-24.https://pro.stateaffairs.com/in/medicaid/indiana-recovers-100m-medicaid-fraud.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Ind. Governor, Attorney General focusing on crackdown of foreign-born truck drivers".WFIE 14 News.2026-02-23.https://www.14news.com/2026/02/23/ind-governor-attorney-general-focusing-crackdown-foreign-born-truck-drivers/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Indiana Senate adds English-language CDL testing, immigration checks to trucking bill".Indiana Capital Chronicle.2026-02-24.https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2026/02/24/indiana-senate-adds-english-language-cdl-testing-immigration-checks-to-trucking-bill/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 "Panel denies Rokita's discovery request, sets December hearing in Indiana AG's disciplinary case".Indiana Capital Chronicle.2025-08-25.https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/08/25/panel-denies-rokitas-discovery-request-sets-december-hearing-in-indiana-ags-disciplinary-case/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "Todd Rokita for Congress – About".Todd Rokita for Congress.http://www.toddrokitaforcongress.com/about.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  28. ↑ "Todd Rokita for Congress – About".Todd Rokita for Congress.http://www.toddrokitaforcongress.com/about.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  29. ↑ "Vote Smart – Todd Rokita Evaluations".Vote Smart.http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/34167/todd-rokita/37.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  30. ↑ "Ind. Governor, Attorney General focusing on crackdown of foreign-born truck drivers".WFIE 14 News.2026-02-23.https://www.14news.com/2026/02/23/ind-governor-attorney-general-focusing-crackdown-foreign-born-truck-drivers/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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