Senator Mike Braun files paperwork to run for governor in Indiana

Sen. Mike Braun, a Republican from Indiana, has formed a campaign to run for governor in 2024, according to paperwork presented on Tuesday.

development first reported Per Politico, it had been expected for months, with Braun hinting that he was interested in the run.

Josh Kelley, Braun’s chief of staff and top political adviser, acknowledged the introduction, saying the first-time senator “will be making an official announcement of his candidacy very soon.”

Braun’s decision opens up a Senate seat in what has become a trusted Republican state since he ousted Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly in 2018. The state’s other Republican senator, Todd Young, was reelected by a convincing margin this month. .

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb has a limited term in 2024, and Braun is likely to face competition for the Republican nomination to succeed him.

Eric Doden, former head of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., has been run since early 2021. On his campaign website, Doden emphasizes his appointment by the then-governor. Mike Pence, who was later elected vice president under Donald Trump and is believed to be considering a 2024 presidential run.

Other potential Republican contenders they include Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch and retiring US Representative Trey Hollingsworth.

Braun’s 2018 election followed a competitive Republican primary in which he edged out Luke Messer and Todd Rokita, both of whom were members of the House at the time.

In a statement Wednesday morning, Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Schmuhl greeted Braun’s candidacy with derision.

“As a self-styled businessman, Mike Braun has done very little to improve Indiana as a US senator and certainly won’t as governor,” Schmuhl said. “Braun’s half-hearted efforts have been ineffective, and he’s more likely to be seen on national cable TV shows than talking to Hoosiers in real life about solving real problems.”

sahil kapur contributed.