Colwell: Mike Braun is running for governor. A look at other potential candidates.

Sen. Mike Braun is running for governor. Gov. Eric Holcomb could run for senator. Congressman Jim Banks also may seek that Sente seat.

They all are looking at 2024. They all are Republicans, and by no means the only ones pondering races for governor or senator.

Q. Why did Braun decide to run for governor instead of reelection as senator?

A. He didn’t like the Senate, with its slow pace and limited opportunities as just one of 100 legislators. The Senate didn’t seem to like him either. He wasn’t with coalitions that could get some things done. So, he prefers an executive office, governor, perhaps better suited for the wealthy businessman.

Q. Why did Braun make his decision public so soon?

A. Making his intentions clear could scare off other potential candidates for the Republican nomination.

Q. Why would other Republicans be afraid to challenge someone who hasn’t exactly earned high marks in his Senate term?

A. Braun showed that he will use his personal wealth to win elections. He wasn’t well known when he ran against two congressmen for the Senate nomination back in 2018. He beat them. Then, with ample funding, he defeated Joe Donnelly, the incumbent Democrat seeking reelection. Money isn’t everything, but it sure is something.

Potential candidates:From Mike Braun to Jennifer McCormick, here's who could run for Indiana governor in 2024

Q. What else does Braun have going for him?

A. Donald Trump.

Q. Would Trump support him, and would Trump support still mean much?

A. Yes. And yes. All-out support from Trump during the 2018 campaign helped Braun defeat Donnelly. In the Senate, Braun has been in tune with the Trump base. Trump would endorse him. And Trump retains popularity in Indiana, at least among potential Republican primary voters.

Q. Was Braun forming a finance committee for governor a big surprise?

A. No. Braun had been talking about governor. And when he was one of the few Republican senators to oppose retaining Sen. Mitch McConnell as their Senate leader, that signaled what he was going to do.

Q. How so?

A. If he planned to stay in the Senate, why would he oppose the man sure to remain a powerful leader? But if he was going for governor with an eye on the Trump base, it made sense to oppose McConnell. Trump detests McConnell. And the feeling is mutual.

Q. Any others who might run for the Republican nomination for governor?

A. Absolutely. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch is expected to run. Eric Doden, a Fort Wayne businessman, announced his candidacy back in 2021. Congressman Trey Hollingsworth, who didn’t seek reelection, could now run for governor, with his own personal wealth to finance a campaign. Atty. Gen. Todd Rokita eyes the race.

Q. How about on the Democratic side?

A. There has been speculation that Donnelly, now ambassador to the Vatican, could return next year to run for governor. The poor showing of Democrats in the election this fall makes that seem less attractive. Jennifer McCormick, a former state school superintendent, who was elected as a Republican, was disappointed with lack of Republican support for education and is a possible Democratic nominee. There will be others, too.

Q. Will Holcomb run for the Senate?

A. He certainly could. He reached the two-term limit for governor after winning twice by landslides.

Q. Who else for the Republican nomination for the Senate seat?

A. Congressman Jim Banks, just reelected in Indiana’s 3rd District, looks at running for the Senate in ’24 after losing his bid for House Republican whip. If he can’t progress in House leadership, he could advance his political career with a move to the Senate. Congresswoman Victoria Spartz has talked of a Senate race. Maybe Rokita would enter that race.

Q. Any of the possible 2024 contenders worry about overshadowing their party’s candidates in the 2023 city elections?

A. No.

Jack Colwell is a columnist for The Tribune. Write to him in care of The Tribune or by email at jcolwell@comcast.net.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Mike Braun, Eric Holcomb and other statewide 2024 possible contenders