Indianapolis, IN — Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch has joined the 2024 race for Indiana Governor.
Crouch launched her campaign Monday, while U.S. Senator and fellow Republican Mike Braun officially announced his bid a few hours later.
Also in the field for the GOP gubernatorial nomination is Fort Wayne businessman Eric Doden.
Unlike Braun, Crouch began campaigning before the ink was dry on her official documents.
In a video announcing the launch of her campaign, Crouch touted her previous experience as a state legislator and state Auditor while promising lower taxes, more worker training, and greater parental involvement in school curricula.
Braun has several goals in place, saying he wants to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Indiana and improve educational outcomes.
Crouch’s campaign already has about $2.5 million on hand but Braun holds a 37-point lead, according to an internal poll conducted by his campaign.
Braun’s decision will leave an open Senate seat in 2024.
Republican Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) issued a statement Monday saying he is “strongly considering” a run for the Senate seat now held by Braun.
GOP Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (IN-05) has said she is debating a run of her own for the Senate but has not yet decided.
Current Gov. Eric Holcomb is term-limited and can’t run again.
Crouch has been Lt. Gov. since 2017 and is the first Republican woman to run for Indiana Governor.
WRBI reporter Bill Remeika contributed to this story.
