Mike Braun is the projected winner in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.
Braun will face incumbent Sen. Joe Donnelly (D) in November's general election. Donnelly is one of 10 Democratic senators up for re-election this year in states President Donald Trump won in 2016.
Braun, who owns an auto parts distribution empire, largely self-funded his campaign as he positioned himself as the political outsider in the race. That's despite more than a decade in elected office – first on a local school board, then three years at the Statehouse. Braun also faced questions about that business – specifically, lawsuits alleging unsafe work practices and a failure to properly compensate employees.
"I've built my company on the idea that you compete hard," Braun says. "I mean, you get out there and dig every day, but you also find a way to kind of get along with competition."
While checking out at the liquor store, the clerk said “Congratulations, making history!â€
Rokita continued that trend in his concession speech.
"I want to congratulate Mike Braun on his victory tonight. I hope he will rise to the occasion and truly fight for this state - I know he has it in him - and not just wage an expensive media campaign to buy a Senate seat only to keep Washington at the status quo," Rokita said. "We can't afford it. We need to beat Joe Donnelly and I know from being around this entire state that all Republicans and most Hoosiers are united in that effort."
Messer just gave his concession speech. Says the results are disappointing but he “wouldn’t change a thing.†pic.twitter.com/pdlnzlskpY
Gov. Eric Holcomb released a statement supporting Braun after his victory was announced.
"I believe that Mike Braun is the right person to ensure that our long-held Indiana principles are pushed hard in Washington, D.C.," Holcomb said. "I've long said that we need to see less of Washington in Indiana, and more of Indiana in Washington. Mike Braun will take a message of purpose with him to Washington as a U.S. Senator, and be a strong partner for me and for all Hoosiers."
