Gov. Mike Braun says southern Indiana won't be overlooked during his tenure

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Gov. Mike Braun said southern Indiana won't be overlooked under his leadership during a visit Monday.

Braun was elected governor in November 2024 after serving one term in the U.S. Senate. Braun was preceded by Eric Holcomb, who was not eligible to run for a third term after he was elected governor in 2016 and 2020.

The Republican governor wanted Hoosiers living in the lower half of the state to know they're on his radar.

"We all are lucky we live in southern Indiana, it's the part of the state that often gets overlooked," Braun said. "You're going to see a lot of me across the state and since I'm from southern Indiana, even more of me here."

Braun attended the Scouting American Distinguished Citizen Luncheon Monday at Huber's Orchard and Winery. Braun said he couldn't always fit events in Indiana into his schedule as a U.S. Senator as he commuted back and forth to Washington, D.C.

"Being governor, this is one of the benefits, I couldn't do as much of this when I was working afar, but now it enables me to do so," Braun said.

His visit Monday put a spotlight on southern Indiana and recognized the growth in the region.

"I think in the past we had a real good reason for feeling like we've been overlooked but we're catching up, and we're catching up quickly," said state Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser, a Democrat who represents House District 71. "We have beautiful downtowns, we have vibrant communities, we have employment opportunities, we have investment in ourselves and that gets the attention of folks in Indianapolis."

Braun said he's focused on creating economic opportunities to encourage Hoosiers to return and raise their families in Indiana.

"Many states are struggling to get their kids and grandkids to come back," Braun said. "For me that will be the biggest measurement, if I can do things that make it a place that our kids and grandkids look as the first choice to come back to."

Braun said any Hoosier is welcome to make an appointment to visit in Jasper on Fridays.

Clarksville police asking for help as search for suspects in weekend shooting continues

Businesses frustrated after another 'street takeover' on Bardstown Road near the Highlands

Public input sought as Kentucky prepares for 502 area code change

Gov. Mike Braun says southern Indiana won't be overlooked during his tenure