INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s former commerce secretary, Brad Chambers, announced Thursday that he’s entered the 2024 Indiana governor’s race, joining several other Republicans in seeking their party’s nomination for the state’s top post.
Chambers said he filed paperwork Thursday with the Indiana Secretary of State’s office formally creating a gubernatorial campaign committee. Gov. Eric Holcomb cannot seek reelection because of term limits.
“As Indiana’s Secretary of Commerce, the last two years, I have witnessed firsthand how important leadership, vision, urgency and aspiration are to the future of Indiana,” Chambers said. “I am running for governor because I want Hoosiers of today and Hoosiers of tomorrow to believe that Indiana offers an opportunity for an excellent life. I am ambitious in my vision for Indiana, and I look forward to talking with Hoosiers about the best way to continue making our state the envy of many.”
Chambers, a native Hoosier, recently concluded a historic two-year term as the Secretary of Commerce for the state of Indiana. Under his leadership, the IEDC secured over $33 billion of committed capital investments during his tenure, including an unprecedented $22.2 billion last year alone with average wages 30% higher than anytime in IEDC history, according to the announcement. These included Indiana’s first ever industry investments in microelectronics, electric vehicles, and the largest life sciences investment in state history, the candidate said.
As founder, President and CEO of Indianapolis-based Buckingham Companies, Chambers has led the strategic direction of the company’s various integrated divisions since he started the company as a student at Indiana University in 1984. Buckingham said he grew the company from its first rental property purchase to the development and acquisition of a real estate portfolio exceeding $3 billion.
Chambers was appointed Secretary of Commerce for the State of Indiana by Gov. Eric Holcomb, serving as a member of Governor Holcomb’s cabinet. Chambers also serves as a founder and board member of the Buckingham Foundation Inc., a philanthropic organization focused on making a positive impact on communities within the mission areas of affordable housing, community and economic development, arts and culture, and childhood hunger. Chambers currently serves on the board of the Indiana International Center and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.
Chambers previously served as chairman of the Indiana State Fair Commission and on the boards of Indianapolis Downtown Inc., National Multi-Housing Council, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. He also previously served as vice chair of the Urban Land Institute of Indiana and as a member of the Indiana State Office Building Commission, the Apartment Association of Indiana, the Indianapolis Police Department Civilian Merit Board, and trustee of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Chambers received his bachelor’s degree in finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
Indiana Democrats released a statement on the announcement, saying, “Another month, and yet another Republican jumping into the race for governor. In 2024, Hoosiers deserve an honest conversation about the last 20 years of Republican one-party control, and how their policies have impacted our state.
“As Secretary of Commerce, Chambers did not address Indiana’s poor standing for workers and wages. Wages grew significantly slower in Indiana than in the country as a whole over the past few years and our state is one of the worst places to find a job in the entire country,” the Democrats said.
“Next year, we have an opportunity to elect a Democratic governor who will put working Hoosiers first, address our inadequate childcare system, advocate for union jobs, and restore the right to choose for Hoosier women,” the statement said.
