Braun endorses Banks for Senate

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun has endorsed Republican Third District Congressman Jim Banks to take over his Senate seat.

Braun chose not to seek re-election, running for governor instead.

“Jim Banks is a proven conservative leader who has a strong track record of fighting for Hoosier values as a former member of the Indiana Statehouse, a veteran of Afghanistan, and a member of the US House. I am confident Jim will continue to put America First and fight for conservative values in the US Senate,” Braun said.

“I give Jim Banks my full and complete endorsement for the United States Senate because he knows America is worth fighting for.”

Banks has already earned an endorsement from the Indiana Republican Party for his 2024 U.S. Senate bid — marking the first time in recent history that the state party has made an endorsement before primary elections for an open seat.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, who is also running for the GOP gubernatorial nod, endorsed Banks earlier this year in March. But Banks so far has been silent on the governor race.

John Rust, an openly gay conservative Republican who chairs the Seymour-based Rose Acre Farms, also has entered the race for the GOP U.S. Senate nomination.

But because Rust doesn’t qualify to run as a Republican based only on his primary voting history, he needs additional approval from his county party chair. Jackson County Chair Amanda Lowery told IndyStar she won’t approve his candidacy.