Former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels Not Running for Open Senate Seat

Former Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN). He announced that he would not be running for Senate to replace the retiring senator. Mike Braun (R-IN), and avoiding what was most likely to be one of a contentious GOP primaries during the 2024 cycle. This is as Republicans try to take control over the upper chamber.

Daniels announced Tuesday that he will not seek higher office. He stated that he did not believe it was the best decision at this stage of his career. According to Politico. The Purdue University president had been contemplating whether to return in politics for months before finally making his decision.

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“After what I hope was adequate reflection, I’ve decided not to become a candidate for the U.S. Senate,” Daniels stated this to the outlet. “With full credit and respect for the institution and those serving in it, I conclude that it’s just not the job for me, not the town for me, and not the life I want to live at this point.”

Daniels was previously the governor of the Hoosier State from 2005 to 2013, before accepting the job as president at Purdue University. Later, the former governor announced his retirement from Purdue University in 2022. This sparked speculation that he was planning to run for Senate.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Daniels, while privately considering a Senate bid, was under intense scrutiny from former President Donald Trump’s allies. They sought to paint him as a RINO and orator. “Republican in Name Only.”

Braun, the first Senate Republican to announce his retirement in 2024, announced that he would not run for reelection in December.

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Daniels is no longer running for the GOP primary, which means that there are other Republican candidates who can replace Braun. Although Rep. Victoria Spartz (R.I.) has not yet announced her intention to run, she is considered a preferred candidate. Only Rep. Jim Banks, R-IN, has so far announced his intent to run.

Senate Republicans responded positively to Daniels’s announcement and applauded the former governor for previous political experience, while supporting his decision.

“I have the utmost respect for the years of service Governor Daniels has given to Indiana and wish him well in the future,” Steve Daines, Chairman of the National Republican Senate Committee, stated in a statement. “I’m looking forward to working with one of our top recruits this cycle, Jim Banks, to keep Indiana red in 2024.”

Because Indiana is considered to be a reliably-red state, the winner of the GOP primary will most likely win the Senate seat for 2024.