LOUISVILLE, Ky (WDRB) — Indiana Governor Mike Braun is brushing off political tension within his own party after losing a high-profile redistricting battle that put the state in the national spotlight.
Braun criticized members of the Republican-controlled legislature who voted against a new congressional map, saying they ignored the will of most conservatives.
“When our Senate bucked what 80% of Republicans and conservatives in our own state wanted to do,” Braun told WDRB's Richard Essex Thursday.
Twenty-one Republican senators — including Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray — joined 12 House Republicans in voting against the redistricting proposal. Afterward, Braun took to social media, pledging to help former President Donald Trump “primary” those who opposed the measure.
Despite the political friction, Braun said he expects no problems working with lawmakers when the General Assembly returns to the Statehouse in three weeks.
“No,” he said when asked if the split within the party would make that difficult.
Braun also pointed to Indiana’s economic growth as evidence of his leadership.
“Health care, education, economic development — we just grew our Indiana economy in the first year I’ve been here at 2.6% GDP growth,” he said. “That’s twice that of Illinois or Ohio, three times as fast as Kentucky.”
Still, one of Braun’s key legislative victories — sweeping property tax reform — is now creating financial strain for local governments. The reform was designed to provide relief for homeowners but has left some cities and counties struggling to fund essential services.
“Yes, I met with mayors and commissioners this week, and we’ve been doing it over the last year,” Braun said. “If there’s some type of tweak that’s practical, yes, we’re always listening.”
Cities like Charlestown and Jeffersonville are already cutting expenses to maintain public safety. Braun said pandemic-era federal spending and inflation under the previous administration put additional pressure on local budgets.
“The loudest complaints left would be mostly Republicans that run local governments,” he said. “But this is nothing more than getting back to where you were pre-COVID on that trajectory.”
More News:
Louisville man charged with murder in September Phoenix Hill shooting
Motorcyclist found dead 4 hours after losing control on I-264 ramp near Louisville's airport
Kentucky Supreme Court reverses 2024 decision, altering the power in Louisville public schools
