Mike Braun was sworn in as the state’s 52nd governor on Monday before hundreds of Hoosiers in downtown Indianapolis. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana’s new governor was sworn into office before an enthusiastic crowd of hundreds of the state’s most powerful politicos and everyday Hoosiers on Monday, with speakers focusing on the Hoosier State’s future under the new administration — which coincides with new leadership at the federal level.
Mike Braun, a former U.S. senator, took the oath of office on two Bibles — one used by his family and the other used for Benjamin Harrison’s presidential inauguration. Harrison is the only Hoosier to ever hold the nation’s highest office.
“Now is the time to empower the next generation of Hoosiers and one again pursue freedom and opportunity without fear,” Braun said. “I am committed to being a governor of not just words, but actions, as we create a prosperous future … for all Hoosiers.”
The ceremony showcased the 70-year-old’s personal ties, with the national anthem performed by the Wabash College Glee Club — his alma mater — and the Pledge of Allegiance led by three of his grandchildren. The Rev. Andrew Thomas with the St. James and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Haubstadt delivered the benediction for the devout Catholic’s inauguration.
Braun will be the state’s 52nd governor to take office and succeeds Eric Holcomb, who held the office for eight years. Braun won a contentious six-way Republican primary in May and overcame challenges from Democrat Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater in a November election.
Between elections, party delegates selected Micah Beckwith, a conservative Noblesville pastor, as his running mate over Braun’s preferred pick. Beckwith was also sworn into office on Monday alongside Attorney General Todd Rokita, who won re-election in November.
In the weeks since claiming victory, Braun unveiled a restructured cabinet streamlined into eight “verticals,” rather than each agency head directly reporting to him. He said the additional layer of government would increase efficiency and be “entrepreneurial.”
Braun’s inauguration comes in the midst of budget negotiations during the 2025 legislative session — with far less spending leeway for ambitious projects. Despite the constraints, Braun has vowed to reform the state’s property tax system following unprecedented, double-digit growth.
Other agenda items include addressing health care and energy costs.
This story will be updated.
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