Curt Smith: Braun shaping government into frugal, effective asset

Indiana’s new governor, Mike Braun, a Republican from Jasper, is off to a strong start, displaying political acumen, communication skills and executive energy that Hoosiers are likely to embrace.

Since being sworn in on Jan. 13, Braun has championed property tax reform, an issue that former popular governors Otis Bowen (1973-1981) and Mitch Daniels (2005-2013) also advanced, to the delight of Hoosier taxpayers. Braun’s tax stance has already drawn a clear distinction from the Indiana General Assembly’s approach, prompting his first veto threat.

Indiana’s governorship, by design, creates a relatively weak executive, requiring incumbents to work diligently to influence the Legislature, where a veto can be overridden by a simple majority. Braun has staked out his position and communicated it clearly to both legislators and the public. This lack of ambiguity, coupled with a willingness to expend political capital for a preferred policy outcome, will resonate with Indiana residents while earning respect from lawmakers—even those who might disagree on specifics.

In doing so, Braun has kept his public agenda for the Legislature focused and narrow. This political and communication discipline will benefit his administration and enhance his public standing.

Simultaneously, he has taken steps to govern in a way that reassures key constituencies he remembers his campaign promises. He has issued executive orders limiting transgender participation in sports (e.g., biological males on women’s teams), a national issue where some governors might defer to the broader conversation. Not Braun.

He also directed the Indiana health department to disclose more abortion data, fulfilling a request from the pro-life community to better monitor Indiana’s much-modified abortion laws. While the courts will ultimately resolve this issue, Braun delivered a key priority for the pro-life movement in a highly visible way.

Additionally, he has moved to cut some state spending and curb government growth in other budget areas. Fiscal conservatives and budget hawks will appreciate these actions, especially if the economy slows and state revenue weakens compared to the robust post-COVID years. Naturally, this group also cheers his property tax reforms.

All signs at this early stage suggest Braun has assembled a capable team of leaders to guide state government. He has also fostered a positive working relationship with his lieutenant governor, Noblesville Republican Micah Beckwith.

Complementing these efforts is an energetic communication strategy—from executive orders announced in public settings, to roundtables across the state, to media interviews and events. His views and priorities are known, consistent, clear and compelling. This marks a shift from his six-year tenure in the U.S. Senate, where Braun was a “workhorse” who focused on passing bills and solving constituent problems rather than a “showhorse” courting news coverage and public attention.

Not all leaders can adapt to a new style in a new role, but Braun is showing signs of being an energetic executive capable of shaping state government into a frugal yet effective asset. This could help Hoosiers enjoy the prosperity, opportunity and quality of life we expect our elected officials to steward.

It’s early, of course, in a four-year term—or perhaps eight, if Braun chooses to run again and voters grant him a second term, as they typically have for incumbents for decades. Still, the trends are encouraging, and the path forward looks promising. Braun may well lead Indiana into the era that President Donald Trump has promised will be an American Golden Age.•

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Smith is chairman of the Indiana Family Institute and author of “Deicide: Why Eliminating The Deity is Destroying America.” Send comments to [email protected].

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