Braun’s decision could kick off a crowded GOP Senate primary to succeed himwith 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.”
Josh Kelley, Braun’s chief of staff and senior political adviser, followed up to say, “Mike Braun has filed his paperwork to run for governor and will be making an official announcement of his candidacy very soon.”