Indiana Sen. Mike Braun launches campaign for governor, creating open Senate seat in 2024
after he filed paperwork last week to run for Indiana’s governor in 2024.
Braun’s decision is likely to draw a crowded field to replace the first-term Republican on Capitol Hill. Already conservative GOP Rep. Jim Banks issued a statement that he is “strongly considering” a Senate run. Because Indiana is solidly red, the winner of the GOP primary will be the favorite to succeed Braun in the Senate.
After serving in the state legislature beginning in 2014, Braun, 68, was first elected to the Senate after defeating incumbent Democrat Joe Donnelly in 2018. He also won a divisive primary against two sitting congressmen at the time: Todd Rokita and Luke Messer.
A conservative, Braun has voted against several federal relief measures, including the American Rescue Plan. Last month, he also voted against the Respect for Marriage Act.
she is running for governor. In 2021, Fort Wayne businessman Eric Doden also announced a run as a Republican.