Allegations that Hill drunkenly grabbed four women at a party cost him the 2020 Republican candidacy. He contested the charges, but the Indiana Supreme Court suspended his license “by clear and convincing evidence that (Hill) committed the criminal act of battery” against three female legislative aides and a state senator.
He and Braun have spoken out most on national election themes like immigration and border security. Shufeldt said Holcomb and Mitchell Daniels, who served two terms before Mike Pence, focused on school choice and economic growth more than “cultural issues”.
“A Braun or Hill governorship probably puts cultural issues more front and center,” he added. Hill had $123,000 in cash at year's end, millions behind the competitors.
Other Republican candidates Brad Chambers and Eric Doden have comparable resumes. Both have led the quasi-governmental Indiana Economic Development Corporation and campaigned for Indiana's economic future.
The core of Doden's effort is his “Main Street Initiative” to revive Indiana's small towns' economies. Since becoming secretary of commerce, Chambers has promoted Indiana's economic growth. Both have promoted police enforcement.
In 2023, Chambers, who entered the campaign last in August, raised $8.5 million and gave $5 million. Records show he had $2.91 million in the bank at year's end. Doden entered in 2021 and had over $1 million in cash by 2023. His campaign reported $5 million raised.
Laura Wilson, University of Indianapolis political science professor, said the election is projected to be the most costly in Indiana history for the post, but it is unlikely to increase turnout. The 2020 primary saw 24% of registered Indiana voters, a very low participation. With less name recognition than the other contenders, Doden and Chambers may prioritize fundraising.
Former Indiana schools superintendent Jennifer McCormick is a longshot Democratic candidate to switch the state's highest position. McCormick left the GOP over education issues and switched parties once her tenure expired in early 2021. The post is also sought by Libertarian Donald Rainwater and Republican Jamie Reitenour.
Wilson anticipated political issues like abortion and Trump backing to dominate the contest. "For some voters, I think, this race unfortunately is going to be somewhat of an afterthought because the national focus will be so heavy on the presidential," Wilson said.