Indiana Republicans at their state convention on Saturday rejected Senator Mike Braun’s choice for lieutenant governor and instead selected a podcasting pastor with strong conservative views to be his running mate.
Braun, who is leaving the Senate to run for governor, had endorsed State Representative Julie McGuire as his running mate. Normally, Indiana delegates support the nominee’s pick without contest.
However, during the convention, party delegates opted for pastor Micah Beckwith, known for his firm stances on abortion, gender, and sexuality issues. Beckwith, who co-hosts the podcast “Jesus, Sex and Politics,” had actively campaigned for a year to secure the nomination.
Julie McGuire partakes in the first legislative session (Via James Steyn/Shutterstock)
Beckwith received 891 delegate votes, surpassing McGuire who received 828 votes, according to Griffin Reid, spokesperson for the Indiana Republican Party.
Former President Donald Trump had endorsed Braun and had campaigned on national issues like immigration. Trump unexpectedly endorsed McGuire shortly before the convention, which highlighted the competitive nature of Beckwith’s campaign.
Braun expressed his acceptance of Beckwith’s victory, emphasizing that he would lead and collaborate effectively with Beckwith in their campaign.
