Former Bush administration official to run for Indiana treasurer

A former Bush administration official announced his bid for Indiana state treasurer Thursday. 

Pete Seat, former deputy assistant press secretary for former President George W. Bush, announced his candidacy for the Indiana state position at a Republican event in North Webster, Ind.

“Being the Chief Investment Officer of the State of Indiana, there is a perception that the Treasurer spends all day on the phone with a broker buying and selling stocks,” Seat said at the Kosciusko County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner.

“But at its core this is a role that promotes freedom, prosperity, safety and capitalism through a broad and diversified portfolio of responsibilities that touch millions of Hoosier lives every day,” he added. 

During his time in the Bush administration, Seat worked alongside White House press secretaries Tony Snow and Dana Perino. He has also worked as a political commentator, publishing pieces in Politico, CNN and Newsweek, according to his campaign. 

In his announcement, Seat said that his goals as state treasurer were to increase the age of eligibility for ABLE Accounts from 26 to 46, strengthen cybersecurity and expand Indiana’s state and local tax base.

Seat, 38, works as a vice president at Bose Public Affairs Group where he specializes in “crisis communications, brand management and executive media training.”

According to his campaign site, Seat also previously worked for the Indiana Republican Party as executive director of strategic communications and talent development.

He graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Theatre Arts.