Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana emerged victorious in a crowded six-way Republican primary to become the next governor of the state, succeeding Gov. Eric Holcomb. The race, which saw a record amount of spending and extensive advertising, was called in Braun’s favor by the Associated Press at 7 p.m. Eastern after polls closed statewide.
Braun’s strong connection to former President Donald Trump, who endorsed him in the gubernatorial race, played a significant role in his success. His previous Senate win in 2018 had already established his name recognition statewide. The competition included candidates such as former state Commerce Secretary Brad Chambers, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, businessman Eric Doden, former state Attorney General Curtis Hill, and conservative activist Jamie Reitenour.
Despite limited polling data, Braun consistently maintained a significant lead over his closest opponent by 20 to 30 percentage points. He will now face the only Democratic candidate, former Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick, in the general election.
The six Republican candidates collectively spent approximately $40 million, marking a new record for campaign spending in an Indiana primary. Braun alone spent $6 million in the first quarter of the year. His campaign highlighted his experience running an auto parts business for nearly four decades, emphasizing his background in the private sector.
On Capitol Hill, Braun gained recognition as a fiscal conservative and a member of the “Breakfast Club,” a group of senators known for challenging Senate GOP leadership on spending and border security issues.
With Braun’s departure to run for governor, Rep. Jim Banks is likely to succeed him in the Senate. Banks will face either Valerie McCray, a psychologist, or Marc Carmichael, a former state representative, in the general election to fill the vacant seat. The non-partisan Cook Political Report rates the seat as Solid Republican.
