The first Republican debate for Indiana governor showed Indiana residents the candidates together on one stage March 26. The debate marks a significant point in the upcoming primary this May.
Six Republicans and one Democrat are on the ballot for Indiana governor, and the debate showcased four Republican candidates looking to set themselves apart. The four candidates present met the set polling numbers and fundraising support standards to qualify for the debate.
U.S. Senator Mike Braun, former Commerce Secretary Brad Chambers, Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch and entrepreneur Eric Doden answered questions on a wide range of topics affecting the state, including immigration, marijuana legalization, gas taxes and more.
“Unlike my opponents, I have the experience and political courage to deliver results for Hoosiers, and I’ve already been doing that,” Crouch said.
Since 2016, Eric Holcomb has been governor of Indiana, winning back-to-back elections. Indiana will now have a new executive leader for the first time in almost a decade.
The debate started by allowing all four candidates to describe what types of leaders they would be.
Crouch began by touting her political track record as lieutenant governor. She said that history shows she is the perfect candidate to address the real problems facing Hoosiers and to make the fundamental changes they want to see in areas like property tax cuts, mental health issues and addiction.
“As governor, I will boldly lead Indiana into the future. We’ll start by leading the fight to eliminate Indiana’s state income tax,” Crouch said
Braun said Indiana needs a governor who will stand up for Hoosiers and address many of the subjects that other candidates will not, and he is that candidate.
“If you are going to get stuff done, you’ve got to work on the issues that are meaningful to the broad spectrum of Hoosiers,” Braun said.
Chambers and Doden both focused on personal achievements that have helped them understand what it means to be true leaders.
“That’s what leadership is all about; it’s getting teams together and achieving ambitious goals for the betterment of all Hoosiers, and it takes an outsider, someone that is a CEO to do that,” Chambers said.
“The hallmark of my leadership has been building great teams that can get things done, and that’s going to be the focus of our administration,” Doden said.
The Indiana primary election is May 7. To vote in the primary, you must register by April 8. In-person voting begins April 9. For more information, visit indianavoters.in.gov.
Contact Racial Justice Reporter Garrett Simms at 317-762-7847.
There is no mention of the Democrate in the race, not their name.nor position on the issues.!