Holcomb Administration Officially Over As Mike Braun Is Sworn In

Source: Kevin Dietsch / Getty

Mike Braun was officially sworn as Indiana’s 52nd governor Monday, replacing term-limited Eric Holcomb, who had been governor of Indiana since 2017.

The inauguration ceremony took place at the Hilbert Circle Theatre on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. During the ceremony, Braun, a former U.S. senator, took the oath of office on two Bibles — one used by his family and the other used for Benjamin Harrison’s presidential inauguration. Harrison is the only Hoosier to ever hold the nation’s highest office.

“Now is the time to empower the next generation of Hoosiers and one again pursue freedom and opportunity without fear,” Braun said. “I am committed to being a governor of not just words, but actions, as we create a prosperous future … for all Hoosiers.”

The ceremony showcased the 70-year-old’s personal ties, with the national anthem performed by the Wabash College Glee Club — his alma mater — and the Pledge of Allegiance led by three of his grandchildren. The Rev. Andrew Thomas with the St. James and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Haubstadt delivered the benediction for the devout Catholic’s inauguration.

Holcomb watched from the front row, as did former Democratic Gov. Evan Bayh; Indiana’s two U.S. Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks were also in attendance.

Beckwith was also sworn into office on Monday alongside Attorney General Todd Rokita, who won re-election in November.

Braun, a Republican, was elected in November 2024 after defeating Democratic candidate Jennifer McCormick, the former superintendent of public instruction. and Libertarian nominee Donald Rainwater. Braun received 54.4% of the vote.