Governor Mike Braun: Leading Indiana with Wellness, Innovation, and Integrity

Governor Mike Braun’s journey from entrepreneurial grit to national leadership paints a picture of principled conservatism rooted in real-world results. In a recent sit-down with entrepreneur and agricultural leader Sarah Frey, the Indiana Governor shared how his lived experience—building a business, raising a family, and serving in the U.S. Senate—informs his health care and agricultural reforms across the Hoosier State.

From Businessman to Statesman

Governor Braun didn’t arrive in Washington from the marble halls of academia but from the tree rows of his family farm and the grind of private enterprise. Having launched his own logistics business in 1981, Braun understood firsthand the struggles American employers face—particularly the burdens of rising health care costs. In 2008, he transformed his company’s health plan by self-insuring and focusing on wellness and prevention, not just expensive treatment. Seventeen years later, he’s proud to say there’s been no premium increase for his employees—a feat unheard of in the business world.

Pioneering Health Reform in the Senate

While serving on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Braun pushed for transparency in health care pricing, even garnering rare bipartisan support from Senator Bernie Sanders. His efforts spotlighted how broken the system is—and why real reform must come from states, not Washington bureaucrats.

SNAP Waivers and Nutritional Independence

Now as Governor, Braun has wasted no time turning bold policy into tangible change. Indiana is one of the earliest states to receive a SNAP nutritional waiver, empowering low-income residents to access healthier food options. Governor Braun emphasizes that nutrition must be the cornerstone of any meaningful food assistance program, noting, “Wholesome food is where our taxpayer dollars should go.”

Executive Orders for Farm-to-Table Innovation

Earlier this year, Braun signed executive orders aimed at revolutionizing how fresh produce reaches Indiana tables. His administration is assembling task forces to explore local food infrastructure, reduce reliance on ultra-processed products, and foster farm diversification. He sees a future where year-round hydroponic farming, not just seasonal farm stands, supplies Indiana families with fresh fruits and vegetables.

An Entrepreneurial Approach to Governance

Braun’s philosophy as Governor is simple: empower citizens and cut red tape. He likens good governance to entrepreneurship—thinking outside the box, taking calculated risks, and ensuring growth. In agriculture, that means supporting farmers not just as producers but as innovators. His work on the Growing Climate Solutions Act as a Senator paved the way for rewarding environmental stewardship without regulatory overreach.

Partnership with Secretary Rollins and USDA

The Governor also praised Secretary Rollins’ leadership at the USDA, celebrating a productive day in Washington where states aligned on strategies to improve food systems and public health. Braun noted the enthusiasm in the room, saying “Now we’ve got an administration that’s going to be behind innovation.” It was a stark contrast to his Senate years, where progress often stalled in the gridlock of the Capitol.

Indiana: A State Poised for Growth

With ample water, fertile soil, and a governor focused on maximizing both, Indiana is becoming a beacon for food innovation and health-first policies. “We live within our means,” Braun remarked, contrasting Indiana’s fiscal responsibility with federal dysfunction. His goal is nothing short of transformational: a state where farmers thrive, families flourish, and health care empowers rather than burdens.

Final Thoughts

Governor Mike Braun’s leadership exemplifies what happens when conservative principles meet real-world application. From challenging Big Insurance to championing food sovereignty, he’s proving that states led by patriots with courage and clarity can chart a new path for the nation.

Stay tuned for more conversations with America’s conservative leaders who are fighting every day to put America First—in our fields, our families, and our future.