When current U.S. Sen. Mike Braun decided to run for governor, Congressman Jim Banks decided to run for the Senate seat. He received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, ran unopposed in this week's Republican primary, and will face Democrat opponent Dr. Valerie McCray in November.
Micah Clark, executive director of the American Family Association of Indiana, says Banks, a Christian and outspoken conservative, would make a good addition to Republicans in the U.S. Senate.
“This is not just a rank-and-file Republican. He is a conservative leader,” Clark says of Banks, 44.
A former state senator, Banks currently represents Indiana’s 3rd District which covers Indiana’s northeast portion, including Fort Wayne, Huntington, and Decatur.
Clark says Banks and his U.S. Senate race are moving toward Election Day against McCray, an opponent who is not well known. So he predicts the national Democratic Party will not pour money into the race.
McCray, a clinical psychologist, won the Democratic primary with 65% of the statewide vote.
"The fact that I can claim victory in the Primary says one thing – the people of Indiana are ready for someone who understands their struggles," McCray said after her primary win. "Who will fight for mental health care, breathable wages, and reproductive rights!"
Regarding the race for governor, which now includes Rep. Braun, Clark says the current Republican governor, Eric Holcomb, has been disappointing on cultural issues.
“I think Braun is a better pro-family, more conservative candidate,” Clark advises.
