On Wednesday, Indiana Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Braun announced his choice for his running mate in the November election. Braun, who recently won the primary with nearly 40% of votes, endorsed state Rep. Julie McGuire for the position. McGuire, who was elected just two years ago and represents parts of Marion County, is described as a “strong conservative” by Braun. The official nomination of lieutenant governor nominees in Indiana is traditionally done by delegates at annual party conventions, and it is expected that McGuire will join Braun’s ticket if nominated.
Braun made the announcement of his choice for running mate on the social platform X, expressing his vision of making Indiana a national beacon of freedom and opportunity with McGuire by his side. The GOP convention where McGuire’s nomination will be decided is set to take place on June 15. If chosen by the delegates, McGuire will be running alongside Braun against Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater. This election is particularly interesting as McGuire will also be competing with conservative pastor Micah Beckwith for the position.
Unlike McGuire, who was uncontested in her own primary, Braun had to defeat five other Republican candidates in Tuesday’s primary to secure his nomination. One of his competitors was current Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, whom he surpassed. Outgoing Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, who is term-limited, will not be running for re-election. The political landscape in Indiana is shifting with these nominations, setting the stage for a heated gubernatorial race in November.
Julie McGuire’s entry into the lieutenant governor race comes at a time when abortion policies in Indiana are under scrutiny. McGuire’s predecessor, former Republican state Rep. John Jacob, faced backlash for pushing a complete ban on abortion during his tenure. Indiana’s current law allows for exceptions to the ban in rare and limited circumstances. McGuire’s stance on this issue is likely to become a point of discussion during the campaign, especially as she aligns herself with Braun’s vision for the state.
As the campaign for the Indiana gubernatorial election heats up, all eyes are on the candidates and their platforms. Braun and McGuire are positioning themselves as a strong conservative duo, advocating for freedom and opportunity in the state. With the official nomination of lieutenant governor candidates just around the corner, the GOP convention on June 15 will be a crucial event in determining the final lineup for the November election. The outcome of this race will not only shape the future of Indiana but also have broader implications for the political landscape in the region.
