FROM INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING

Indiana Governor-elect Mike Braun began discussing his transition plan on Wednesday, following a significant victory in the race for governor. Braun says his win provides a “platter of opportunity” to address the core issues he campaigned on, including property tax and health care reform.

Braun’s focus during the transition will include a review of state agencies and leadership roles. He described his approach as “entrepreneurial” and emphasized his desire for swift action. “It’s going to be my vision of being an entrepreneurial governor that’s conservative on the financial side but very entrepreneurial on the problem-fixing side,” Braun said, adding that leadership announcements should be expected soon.

Lieutenant Governor-elect Micah Beckwith, who was not Braun’s initial choice, will also play a role in the new administration. Beckwith, a self described Christian-Nationalist,  was chosen by Republican convention delegates and has been a key figure in uniting the party’s conservative base. “The part of the party that I think he represents is where all the passion is on the conservative side,” Braun said. “It’s my job to make sure the full spectrum of what being a Republican is about in this state is then going to be focused on the kitchen table issues.”

Braun indicated that Beckwith will focus on his statutory duties, including overseeing the Department of Agriculture and housing, community development, and rural affairs agencies, while also being a voice Braun listens to as governor.

Braun’s transition comes as he prepares to work with the state legislature on key reforms that align with his campaign priorities.