Sen. Mike Braun’s (R-IN) path to win the GOP nomination for governor appears clear, according to a new survey of Hoosier State Republicans.
Braun, a one-term senator and budget hawk, leads with 34% in a four-way race.
None of his competitors controls more than 7% of the GOP vote in the latest Emerson College Polling survey. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch (R-IN) has the 7%.
The undecided vote is 43%, but one analyst told Secrets that is likely due to the low-key nature of the GOP primary battle so far.
“It’s been a sleepy race; none of Braun’s opponents have attacked him yet, because they are so far behind,” the insider said. The race is expected to heat up next month when debates begin.
On the four key topics in the election — immigration, economy, crime, and education — Republican primary voters overwhelmingly prefer Braun, a Main Street businessman who has made a name for himself in Washington by challenging Democrats on spending and immigration. He is also a solid supporter of former President Donald Trump.
“Republican primary voters who find immigration to be the top issue facing the state break for Braun at 48%, and the economy at 40%,” said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. “Braun’s support in the Republican primary is about ten points higher among men than women, 38% to 28%, as 51% of women are undecided ahead of the May election.”
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Trump is very popular in the state also. He has a 78% approval versus 30% for President Joe Biden.
Added the survey analysis, “In a potential 2024 general presidential election, 55% support Donald Trump, 34% Joe Biden, and 12% are undecided.”
