The final Indiana gubernatorial debate of 2024 between candidates Republican Mike Braun, Democrat Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater took place Thursday, highlighting three different plans for Indiana’s economy and other state issues.
The debate was presented by the Indiana Debate Commission in Indianapolis and moderated by Laura Merrifield Wilson, an associate professor of political science at the University of Indianapolis.
On economy, McCormick said she aims to step up human capital and ensure that the workforce is “healthy and educated.” Braun emphasized the need to spread economic development throughout the state and foster growth for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Rainwater argued that there is a worker shortage, rather than job shortage, and creating more jobs is hurting small businesses.
Braun pinned the job of creating affordable housing on businesses, not the government. Rainwater said he supports the rehabilitation of vacant houses to create affordable housing for families.
McCormick negated Braun’s tax plan and said it did not return money to Hoosiers as it should have. McCormick also brought up Braun’s previous votes against child tax credit and highlighted her focus on fair lending and renter protection.
Braun agreed with McCormick on her position of supporting parent and student choice over school’s choice so that all kids have access to “world class education.”
Rainwater said he is in favor of universal school choice and the public school system has brought down its quality while driving up its cost.
“We have a lot of work to do to rethink education completely from the ground up,” Rainwater said during the debate Thursday.
On reducing property taxes, McCormick described her plan for property taxes as well-received, saying it will give relief to every Hoosier.
Braun undercut McCormick, calling her plan “unchecked” while saying his plan will put a lid on property tax so it cannot go up more than 2% for vulnerable taxpayers or 3% for average taxpayers. Rainwater called his opponent’s comments “word salad” and said his plan will keep property taxes static until they are ended.
Braun sparred with McCormick on her public service record. She condemned Braun for omitting her 25 years of teaching in his definition of public service.
On the topic of gun laws, McCormick critiqued Braun’s lieutenant governor nominee Micah Beckwith’s views, saying he would aim repeal red flag laws. Red flag laws allow firearms to be temporarily taken from individuals who pose a risk to themselves or to others.
Braun said he hopes to improve red flag laws to keep criminals and people with mental illnesses from possessing guns. McCormick said officials must listen to state police and maintain red flag laws. Rainwater stood in direct opposition of red flag laws, claiming that “criminals don’t follow laws.”
Braun stood in defense of Indiana’s current near-total abortion ban, saying it was vetted, passed with a large majority and has reasonable exceptions. Abortion is currently illegal in Indiana with the exception of providing abortion care if the mother’s health or life is at risk. Additionally, if a lethal fetal anomaly is detected, abortion is allowed before 20 weeks of gestation and up to 10 weeks in cases of rape or incest.
Rainwater said voters need to contact legislators if they want to make a change in abortion laws. McCormick, known for her pro-choice values, criticized Braun for calling Indiana’s abortion laws a “good product,” saying that women’s health is being put at risk with the current state of abortion rights in Indiana.
She also said the ban is not vetted, but she will fight for a citizen’s initiative ballot because “Hoosiers deserve to have a voice.”
All candidates voiced support for some form of legalized cannabis. Rainwater expressed his belief that all forms of cannabis should be legalized, McCormick said she will help legalize medical cannabis use followed by adult use and Braun stuck to only legalizing medical use of cannabis, saying that recreational use laws can be decided later.
McCormick brought up Beckwith again in her response to a question about downsizing state agencies. She mentioned his comments about firing employees who include pronouns in their signatures.
She highlighted her plan to not cut salaries and not spend more but prioritize healthcare, education and a strong economy. Braun focused his response on his experience as a business owner and plan to not increase spending. Rainwater attacked both Democrats and Republicans, saying both parties take and spend, highlighting his goal of holding bureaucracy accountable.
The final question sent in by voters was about the current political landscape and how Hoosier’s political views will affect the candidates’ treatment of them.
Rainwater called Braun the “ultimate insider” and claimed the government wants citizens to depend on them and the government “is the enemy.”
McCormick said she opposes extreme policies, calling Beckwith divisive, and said she is focused on restoring balance. Braun suggested being entrepreneurial, balancing budget and getting things done, undercutting McCormick’s policies.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the number of gestational weeks under which abortions are permitted in Indiana.
