Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) has filed the appropriate paperwork and announced his intent to run for governor in 2024. His departure from the Senate comes as the GOP is fighting for control in the upper house.
The Washington Examiner projected a “packed field of GOP candidates for Braun’s Senate seat during the next election cycle.”
Less than 24 hours after Braun announced he would step down as Senator in 2024, several Republican lawmakers voiced their interest in his seat.
Braun’s run for governor is expected to be competitive. Mike Pence’s former gubernatorial appointee Eric Doden announced his intent to run several months ago, and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch (R) is also expected to throw her hat in the ring.
Braun was elected to the Senate in 2018, unseating incumbent Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly. Braun hinted at a gubernatorial run earlier this year, complaining about the glacial speed important matters move through Congress.
Politico reported that Braun is a successful businessman and may leave the Senate to accept an executive role in one of several businesses courting him. That rumor has now been debunked.
Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) is said to be considering running for Braun’s Senate seat. A spokesperson for Banks told the Washington Examiner:
“[Banks] is strongly positioned to win a statewide primary and general election in Indiana. He will spend the holidays discussing with his wife, family, and friends around the state how he can best serve Indiana.”
Braun will run to replace Gov. Eric Holcomb (R-IN). Holcomb will step down in 2024 due to term limit restrictions.
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