Candidates seeking the Republican nomination for Indiana’s next governor will debate Tuesday night, two weeks before the state’s May 7 primary.
The six candidates in the multi-million dollar primary are expected to compete as outsiders in their appeal to conservative voters, even though five of them hold statewide roles. taking a stand. No matter who wins the primary, they will most likely go to the November general election in states where Republicans are guaranteed to be elected.
Tuesday will be the last televised debate before the primary for candidates vying to replace Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, who has not endorsed a term-limited candidate. Early voting has already begun in Indiana.
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Sen. Mike Braun, who flipped the Democratic Senate seat in 2018, boasts advantages such as name recognition, money and support from former President Donald Trump. Brown’s campaign spent more than $6 million in 2024, according to its latest summary report. But he may not be able to attend the debate because of a Senate vote on aid for Ukraine and Israel that begins in Washington on Tuesday.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch (another household name having run twice with Mr. Holcomb) campaigned to reduce the state’s income tax and promised to strengthen addiction and mental health services. Crouch ended his most recent fundraising period with $3 million, the most cash on hand of any Indiana gubernatorial candidate. However, she only spent $2.1 million in her first three months of the year.
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Brad Chambers, a businessman and former Commerce Secretary, has a more moderate message than other candidates, focusing on the economy. Chambers spent $6.7 million this year, and reports say he donated $8 million to his campaign.
Former state Commerce Secretary Eric Dowden’s top priorities include plans to invest in Indiana’s small towns. He spent $5.2 million in the first three months of this year and last reported having about $250,000 in cash on hand.
Former Attorney General Curtis Hill, once a rising star in Indiana politics, has struggled to compete. Hill lost the Republican nomination in 2020 after he was accused of molesting four women in 2018. His mother, Jamie Lightner, who has no political experience, is also running with support from Hamilton County Moms for Liberty. She said she would appoint the leader as state education director.