US Sen. Braun’s brother seeking Indiana congressional seat

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The brother of U.S. Sen. Mike Braun is entering the race for the central Indiana congressional seat being given up by Republican Rep. Susan Brooks.

Steve Braun filed a Federal Election Commission candidacy statement Friday for the 5th Congressional District. He is a former Republican state representative from Zionsville who was appointed state workforce development commissioner by then-Gov. Mike Pence.

Braun unsuccessfully sought the 2018 Republican nomination in the neighboring 4th District.

He’s the first prominent Republican in the race since Brooks announced in June she wouldn’t seek a fifth term.

Former Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Christina Hale is campaigning for the seat. Democrats are looking to compete next year in the district long held by Republicans that stretches from the northern Indianapolis suburbs to rural areas around Marion.