EDlection 2018: Indiana Hands Republican Challenger Braun Senate Victory Over Incumbent Donnelly, Implications for Undocumented Students
EDlection2018: This is just one of many races we have examined for the upcoming midterms in 2018, which have the potential to impact education policy at the state and federal level. Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to Newsletter.
In a closely contested Senate campaign in Indiana, former state Representative Mike Braun, a member of the Republican Party, has emerged as the victor over incumbent Democratic Senator Joe Donnelly, according to Politico.
Braun currently holds a lead of 54 percent to 42 percent, with 59 percent of precincts having reported their results.
Throughout the course of the campaign, Braun did not hesitate to associate himself with President Donald Trump. This is significant as Indiana, having supported Barack Obama in 2008, switched to support Trump in 2016. The Republican Party views this victory as a major achievement in securing their position in the Senate.
Although Braun defeated two Republican advocates for education reform during the primary, the topic of education did not take center stage during the campaign. However, this does not mean that Braun’s win will not have significant implications for students. As in other races across the country, the issue of immigration was a contentious point in the Indiana Senate campaign, especially with regard to undocumented students.
Related: Braun achieves unexpected victory in Indiana Republican Senate primary, surpassing school choice supporters Rokita and Messer
Braun openly supported the Trump administration’s decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which offers work permits and protection against deportation to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children. Braun has expressed opposition towards granting "special treatment" to DACA recipients, unless funding for Trump’s proposed border wall is approved, in which case he will be open to negotiation regarding DACA.
With this win, Braun has defeated a moderate Democrat who often sided with Trump on votes. In the past, Donnelly voted against the nomination of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
From the @braun4indiana campaign – here is a photo of Mike Braun receiving a concession call from Senator Joe Donnelly. pic.twitter.com/BpEteQzaSw
— John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) November 7, 2018
Related: A Comprehensive Overview of the 2018 EDlection: Summarizing the 70 Candidates, Races, and Notable Winners that Hold Significance for American Education Policy.
EDlection2018: This is just one of many races we have examined for the upcoming midterms in 2018, which have the potential to impact education policy at the state and federal level. Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to Newsletter.
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