INDIANA—Indiana will continue to be led by a Republican at the state level. Mike Braun will be the 52nd Governor of Indiana.
Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun won the race for Indiana governor on Tuesday, defeating Democrat Jennifer McCormick and ensuring the GOP’s dominance in the state’s highest office for a third consecutive decade.
Braun, a businessman and founder of a national auto parts distribution company, will succeed Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, who is term-limited after serving two terms. Braun’s victory extends the Republican Party’s 20-year hold on the governorship in Indiana, a streak that began in 2005 with the election of then-Gov. Mitch Daniels.
After serving one term in the U.S. Senate, Braun will leave his position in Washington, D.C., to return to state politics and take on the role of governor. His win reflects the continued strength of the Republican Party in Indiana, which has been a reliably red state in recent years.
In his victory speech, Braun emphasized his business background and commitment to promoting economic growth, job creation, and fiscal responsibility. “Indiana is a state built on hard work and opportunity, and I’m honored to be trusted to lead it forward,” he said. “We’re going to continue the tradition of success in Indiana and ensure every Hoosier has a chance to succeed.”
Jennifer McCormick, a former Republican who served as Indiana’s state superintendent of public instruction from 2016 to 2021, ran on a platform focused on education reform, healthcare access, and economic development. After her tenure as superintendent, McCormick switched her party affiliation to Democrat and has been an outspoken critic of state education policies, particularly those under the leadership of Republican officials.
McCormick’s bid for the governorship marked a dramatic shift in her political alignment. Once a rising star in the Republican Party, McCormick broke with the party over disagreements with state education policies and left in early 2021, citing concerns about the direction the party was taking on issues like school choice and education funding. Despite a well-funded campaign and strong support from some education advocacy groups, McCormick was ultimately unable to overcome the state’s Republican-leaning political landscape.
Braun’s victory signals continued GOP control in Indiana. Republicans have held the governorship, both U.S. Senate seats, and a majority in the state legislature for most of the last twenty years. His win also sets the stage for new leadership at the state level. Braun promises to carry forward the economic policies that have made Indiana one of the nation’s top states for business investment.
Braun will take office in January, following a transition period with outgoing Gov. Holcomb. The leadership change is expected to further solidify the Republican Party’s influence in Indiana’s political landscape.
“It’s been an honor and privilege of a lifetime to service 6.8 million Hoosier over the last eight years,” said Governor Eric Holcomb. “Congratulations to Governor-Elect Braun on this same opportunity to lead our state next as Indiana’s 52nd Governor. As we run through the tape during these last two months of my term, our Administration, like all those before me, will provide the support Governor-Elect Braun needs to ensure a smooth transition for our great State and, most importantly, the citizens that call Indiana home.”
Republican Governors Association Chair and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement congratulating Governor-Elect Mike Braun on his victory in Indiana:
“Governor-Elect Mike Braun is a true conservative who built a successful business and created thousands of high-paying jobs for Hoosier families. Mike’s record of public service has delivered results for Indiana, and his commitment to economic growth, protecting parental rights, and defending our constitutional freedoms will keep Indiana moving forward.
“The RGA is proud to congratulate Governor-Elect Mike Braun and looks forward to supporting him as he puts his freedom and opportunity agenda into action.”
