Braun to run for Indiana governor, opening Senate seat in 2024

According to paperwork filed Tuesday with the secretary-general’s office, Indiana Senator Mike Braun is running as governor.

POLITICO reported that Braun was elected to the Senate in 2018, after defeating former Senator Joe Donnelly (D.Ind.). Braun was considering a run for gubernatorial office. Six years ago, he won a fierce GOP primary defeating former Reps. Todd Rokita & Luke Messer.

Braun, a former executive in a distribution firm, has been frustrated by the Senate’s speed and Indiana Republicans close to Braun say that he is better suited for executive roles. His current term expires in 2024. He was part of a small group that supported Florida Senator Rick Scott’s challenge for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier in the month.

Braun’s decision could set off a crowded GOP Senate primary to succeed he, with both Reps. Victoria Spartz (and Rep. Jim Banks) expressing interest in the seat.

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Braun’s entry in the gubernatorial election means that there will be a primary. He will join Eric Doden (a former Mike Pence appointee to the governorship), who has been running since months and Lt. Governor. Suzanne Crouch is also expected to run.

Braun stated that the filing occurred yesterday in a short phone conversation. “We’ll speak to you down the road.”

Josh Kelley, Braun’s chief of staff, and senior political advisor, responded to the question by saying, “Mike Braun had filed his paperwork to run as governor and will soon make an official announcement about his candidacy.”