A former executive of a distribution company, [Mike] Braun has long chafed at the speed of the Senate, and Indiana Republicans close to him say he is more suited to being an executive. His current term ends in 2024. He was among a small group of Republicans backing Florida Sen. Rick Scott’s challenge to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier this month.
Braun’s decision could kick off a crowded GOP Senate primary to succeed him, with both Reps. Victoria Spartz and Rep. Jim Banks voicing interest in the seat.
Braun’s entry into the gubernatorial race also means a competitive primary there: He’ll join a former Mike Pence gubernatorial appointee Eric Doden, who has been running for months, and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch is expected to run as well.
“That filing did occur yesterday,” Braun said in a brief phone conversation. “We’ll talk to you down the road.”
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