On Monday, Republican Senator Mike Braun officially announced his campaign to become Indiana's next governor.
Current Governor Eric Holcomb (R) is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.
“I'm a Main Street businessman, not a politician, and I want every Hoosier to have a chance at the American dream that I built here in Indiana. I'm running for the Governor of Indiana to make our state a beacon of freedom and opportunity for America,” Braun tweeted.
The first-term Indiana senator made his decision official during a luncheon at an Indianapolis steakhouse on Monday, according to The Hill.
Braun's announcement was not unexpected. The Senator has reportedly been mulling the run for nearly a year and last month he filed his campaign paperwork. (RELATED: Republican Senator Files to Run for Indiana Governor)
Braun's announcement came just hours after another Indiana Republican, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, jumped into the gubernatorial race. Eric Doden, a former appointee of former Gov. Mike Pence, has been in the contest since May. Republicans have controlled the Indiana governor's mansion for two decades.
Braun's gubernatorial campaign is more than likely to trigger a competitive primary for the open Senate seat. Indiana Rep. Jim Banks has reportedly been considering running for Senate.
“Indiana deserves a proven conservative to continue Senator Braun's work in the United States Senate,” Banks said in a statement. “I am strongly considering running for the open Indiana Senate seat in 2024, and I will spend the upcoming holidays praying and talking with my wife, family and close friends about how I can best serve Indiana.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back with American Liberty News for the latest updates.
READ NEXT: Loudoun County Schools Under Investigation Following Allegations of Students Doing ‘Sex Work' >>
I think it’s wonderful that he cares that much about his state. I only hope they can find a great candidate to replace him in the Senate to keep the Democrats from getting too much power b4 Jan. and 2024.