Micah Beckwith

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Micah Beckwith
Official portrait, 2026
53rd Lieutenant Governor of Indiana
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 13, 2025
GovernorMike Braun
Preceded bySuzanne Crouch
Personal details
BornMicah Adam Beckwith[1]
August 1982 (age 43)
Hillsdale, Michigan, U.S.
PartyRepublican
SpouseSusan Beckwith
Children2
EducationHuntington University (BA)

Micah Adam Beckwith (born August 1982) is an American pastor and politician serving since 2025 as the 53rd lieutenant governor of Indiana. A member of the Republican Party, he won the 2024 election as the running mate of Mike Braun.

Early life and education

Beckwith is from Hillsdale, Michigan, and graduated from Huntington University with a Bachelor of Arts in business economics.[2] He is a pastor at Life Church in Noblesville, Indiana.[3]

Political career

Beckwith sought the Republican Party's nomination for Indiana's 5th congressional district in the 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Indiana.[4] He finished in third place with 12.7% of the vote, losing to Victoria Spartz by 25%.[5]

The Hamilton County Council appointed Beckwith to a vacant seat on the Hamilton East Public Library board of trustees on September 7, 2022. Beckwith's appointment attracted local controversy due to his stated views on LGBTQ issues, and his belief that public school students were being taught "gay" and "oral sex" and being "indoctrinated with Marxist ideology." In comments to The Indianapolis Star, Beckwith denied charges that he had an "agenda to censor books."[6] During his tenure, Beckwith supported revisions to the library's collection development policy that barred materials containing "depictions of sex, violence and repeated profanity" from being shelved in the library's young adult section. Nearly 2,000 titles were relocated as a result of the policy. The board suspended the new policy in August 2023 following public backlash that attracted national press attention and criticism from local authors such as John Green.[7][8] The board subsequently voted to repeal the new policy in December 2023 following the resignation of several conservative board members. Beckwith resigned from the board of trustees in January 2024 in order to pursue his candidacy for lieutenant governor.[3]

Lieutenant Governor of Indiana

In 2023, Beckwith announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor of Indiana in the 2024 election.[9] Beckwith faced Julie McGuire for the nomination, and won with 891 votes against McGuire's 828.[10] He won the election on a ticket with U.S. senator Mike Braun, defeating the Democratic Party nominees Jennifer McCormick and Terry Goodin.[11]

During the gubernatorial campaign, Beckwith said that McCormick's campaign and its support of abortion rights and gender-affirming care represented "boldness for immorality" and the "Jezebel spirit", and additionally referred to pro-choice Hoosiers as "demonic". In response, the Indiana Democratic Party called the Braun-Beckwith ticket a "woman hating campaign". Beckwith later said that his comparison of the Indiana Democratic ticket to the Jezebel spirit had "nothing to do with being a woman or not."[12]

In November 2024, Beckwith addressed a story posted in Indiana University's student newspaper, the Indiana Daily Student, in a post on X. The front-page story featured president-elect Donald Trump and critical remarks made about him by former members of his cabinet. He called the IDS story "WOKE propaganda" and wrote that "[t]his type of elitist leftist propaganda needs to stop or we will be happy to stop it for them."[13] In an email to local NBC News affiliate WTHR, Beckwith said he would ensure the IDS "receives no taxpayer support directly or indirectly", though the newspaper's co-editor in chief noted that it receives no taxpayer funds.[14] In a follow-up interview with the IDS, Beckwith stated he would protect the newspaper's free speech rights if he felt the stories run by the paper were "fair".[15]

In April 2025, Democrats in the Indiana Senate argued against Indiana Senate Bill 289, an anti-DEI measure, comparing it to the Three-fifths Compromise. Beckwith responded to the argument by defending the Three-fifths Compromise, calling it "a great move" and saying that the policy "helped to root out slavery". His comments were condemned by the Alliance of Baptists, the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, and the Indiana chapter of the National Action Network in a joint statement that called Beckwith's interpretation of the compromise "historical revisionism".[16] Beckwith defended his comments in an interview several days later, stating "I said exactly what needed to be said."[17]

In September 2025, Beckwith, faced backlash from conservative circles after posting on social media about his meeting with Haitian pastors regarding faith and family. In the post, he noted that over 40,000 Haitians were seeking asylum in Indiana, praised their determination to work hard, and encouraged assimilation into the American way of life. Conservative commentators accused him of advocating for mass Haitian migration, he clarified by emphasizing that any Haitians who come must do so legally, learn English, and assimilate.[18] Beckwith said on WOWO, that he has not "flip-flopped" referring to his stance on immigration. In 2024, he described Haitian resettlement in Logansport as a burden on public services, such as schools and hospitals, and emergency response agencies were being stretched thin by “people who should not be here.” He blamed the amount of Haitians in Indiana on then-President Joe Biden extending their temporary protected status. Beckwith subsequently deleted the original post and attributed the backlash to misinterpretation of his message.[19]

In October 2025, Beckwith's office became the subject of a Marion County grand jury investigation into allegations of ghost employment and the distribution of an intimate image. No charges have been filed, and Beckwith's office stated it had no knowledge of the grand jury proceedings due to confidentiality laws.[20]

In May 2026, Beckwith generated significant controversy during an appearance on the Christian political program FlashPoint, where he declared, "I hate Islam. It's a demonic death cult," and asserted that Americans should be given "permission to hate again." [21] While Beckwith later defended his remarks by stating he "loves Muslims" and hoped they would convert to Christianity, his comments drew widespread condemnation from interfaith leaders, civil rights organizations, and political figures from both major parties. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) denounced the rhetoric as dangerous to the state's Muslim community and extended an invitation for Beckwith to visit a local mosque. Governor Mike Braun stated Beckwith likely regretted his phrasing, while state Treasurer Daniel Elliott joined Democratic lawmakers and around one hundred constituents at an June 2026 Indiana Statehouse rally to publicly reaffirm the state's commitment to religious freedom. Beckwith repeatedly doubled down on his position via social media, arguing that his comments were protected expressions of his faith and framing Islam as a political system incompatible with the U.S. Constitution. [22]

Political positions

Abortion

Beckwith opposes abortion. He says that he would consider abortion for instances like rape or incest; if a baby was conceived by rape and was then aborted, then the rapist would be charged for rape and homicide, deterring other rapists from committing rape.[23]

Capital punishment

According to an Indianapolis Business Journal op-ed Beckwith wrote, he supports the death penalty.[24]

Christianity

Beckwith identifies as a Christian nationalist.[3]

Drug policy reform

Beckwith believes cannabis should be legal for medical usage in Indiana.[23]

Education

Beckwith supports school choice.[25] He campaigned against a school referendum in Avon that raised property taxes.[26]

Beckwith had a public spat with Westfield High School in March 2026. He said that the high school was "slow walking" approval of a Turning Point USA student chapter. The chapter was approved after Beckwith and his office got involved.[27] The next month, he criticized the marching band for playing a rendition of Carmen Fantasy, denouncing the performance as "demonic" and that "Christian conservatives" were being targeted.[28][29]

Beckwith became involved in a public dispute with Valparaiso Community Schools following his invitation to a career fair at Valparaiso High School. After local media reported that parents alleged Beckwith made disparaging remarks regarding transgender individuals to a group of students after his speech, district Superintendent Jim McCall issued a public apology to families. McCall stated that some of Beckwith's interactions were "offensive," clarified that the district did not endorse his personal views, and noted that schools "are not a platform for any political agenda." Beckwith responded by launching a series of social media posts criticizing McCall's leadership as "weak" and applauded McCall's resignation, framing the apology as an example of a "woke education system" that shielded students from opposing viewpoints. Beckwith utilized the incident to advocate for the expansion of Indiana's school voucher program and school choice policies, arguing that public schools were indoctrinating rather than educating students.[30]

Islam

In a May 2026 interview on Flashpoint, a show on the network of televangelist Kenneth Copeland, Beckwith said "I am going to call on others to hate [Islam], because I hate Islam. It is a death cult. Now I love Muslims, because they make great Christians when Jesus gets a hold of them, but I hate Islam. And we need to be okay with hating again." After Muslim-American groups, including CAIR accused Beckwith of promoting religious bigotry, Beckwith responded "I love and support all groups of people who come to our country legally and assimilate to our culture. Sharia Law does the exact opposite of that and promotes the destruction of our country, our Constitution, and our way of life. I will never apologize for saying the United States of America is now and always should be one nation under God."[31][32]

Beckwith, who has a history of anti-Islam social media statements, doubled down on his May, 2026 Flashpoint statements in a social media post on the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha: "I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Muslims in Indiana the best. And by best I mean I hope you all become Christian."[33]

Personal life

Beckwith lives in Noblesville, Indiana, with his wife Susan and their two children.[34] Susan was crowned Miss Indiana in 2005.[35]

References

  1. https://indianacitizen.org/beckwith-barnstorms-indianas-controversial-lieutenant-governor-faces-vastly-different-reactions-in-two-town-halls/
  2. "Your guide to Indiana's 5th District primary candidates". WRTV Indianapolis. May 25, 2020.
  3. Tuohy, John. "Micah Beckwith, pastor who led book removal policy in HamCo, resigns from library board". The Indianapolis Star.
  4. Noblesville, The Times of (April 13, 2022). "1 in 10 Hoosiers Identify with at Least One Sign of Alcoholism". The Times of Noblesville.
  5. Lange, Kaitlin. "Spartz, Hale claim victory in Indiana 5th District". The Indianapolis Star.
  6. Tuohy, John (October 16, 2022). "Hamilton East library board choice sparks furor: Critics question process, say conservative pastor will try to ban books". Indianapolis Star. ProQuest 2724940914.
  7. Appleton, Rory (May 7, 2023). "Kids' books under fire at Noblesville library". The Indianapolis Star. ProQuest 2810285224.
  8. Gaines, Lee V. (August 24, 2023). "After criticism from John Green, HEPL library pauses policy to review, reshelve teen books". WFYI Indianapolis.
  9. Reporter, The. "Micah Beckwith announces run for Lt. Governor".
  10. Smith, Brandon (June 15, 2024). "Pastor Micah Beckwith is Indiana GOP nominee for lieutenant governor, beating Mike Braun's pick". WFYI Public Media.
  11. Forrest, Jack (November 5, 2024). "Mike Braun wins Indiana governor race, Micah Beckwith to be lieutenant governor". Indiana Daily Student. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  12. Dwyer, Kayla (October 2, 2024). "Lt. Gov. candidate Micah Beckwith compares Indiana Democrats to the 'Jezebel spirit'". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  13. Rosenzweig, Brian (November 14, 2024). "Can the lieutenant governor defund the Indiana Daily Student? What to know". The Herald-Times. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  14. Longnecker, Emily (November 14, 2024). "Indiana Daily Student responds to criticism from Lieutenant Governor-elect Micah Beckwith". WTHR. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  15. Adamson, Hannah (November 15, 2024). "IU student newspaper responds to Lt. Governor-elect Beckwith's public rebuke". Fox 59. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
  16. Raji, Tobi (April 26, 2025). "Indiana lieutenant governor calls Three-Fifths Compromise 'a great move'". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  17. Dwyer, Kayla (May 1, 2025). "'I don't like it': Gov. Mike Braun rebukes Beckwith for Three-Fifths Compromise comments". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  18. Muñiz, Leslie (September 8, 2025). "LG Beckwith's Haitian asylum-seeker post sparks conservative backlash". Indiana Capital Chronicle. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  19. Byerly, Sydney (September 8, 2025). "'I HAVEN'T FLIP-FLOPPED': Beckwith defends post praising Haitian pastors, immigrants". The Indiana Citizen. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  20. "Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith's office investigated by grand jury over ghost employment allegations". WTHR. October 2025. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
  21. Thorp, Benjamin (May 28, 2026). "Lt. Gov. Beckwith: "I hate Islam."". WFYI Public Media. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  22. Bonilla Muñiz, Leslie (June 12, 2026). "Faith, political leaders celebrate religious freedom after Indiana LG's Islam comments". Indiana Capital Chronicle. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  23. Ground, Olivia (October 17, 2024). "Micah Beckwith wants a "more conservative state"". Daily News.
  24. Beckwith, Micah (September 19, 2025). "Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith: Death penalty gives voice to those who are silenced". Indianapolis Business Journal.
  25. Gay, David (September 17, 2024). "Braun/Beckwith campaign releases education plan". WXIN. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
  26. Weddle, Eric (October 28, 2025). "Beckwith urges 'no' vote as school districts seek passage of property tax referendums". WFYI. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
  27. Meeks, Jarred (March 26, 2026). "Beckwith says pressure campaign helped secure Turning Point-linked school club after delays". State Affairs. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
  28. Cox, Trevor; Rhodes, Ella (April 24, 2026). "'This is demonic' Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith doubles down on his criticism of Westfield band". WTHR. Retrieved May 28, 2026.
  29. Golden, Todd (April 23, 2026). "Lt. Gov. Beckwith criticizes Westfield band, schools in Facebook post". Current Publishing. Retrieved May 28, 2026.
  30. Byerly, Sydney (April 20, 2026). "Lt. Gov. Beckwith targets Valparaiso superintendent in latest 'woke schools' clash". The Indiana Citizen. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  31. Schroeder, Joe (May 28, 2026). "Indiana Lt. Governor calls Islam a 'demonic death cult,' sparking criticism from Muslim advocacy groups". Fox59 News. Retrieved May 28, 2026.
  32. Meador, Marissa (May 28, 2026). "National Muslim group condemns Micah Beckwith after he calls Islam 'demonic'". IndyStar. Retrieved May 28, 2026.
  33. Odendahl, Marilyn (May 29, 2026). "Lt. Gov. Beckwith says it's wrong to 'eradicate hate in our culture' and calls Islam a 'demonic death cult'". The Indiana Citizen. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
  34. Davies, Tom (June 15, 2024). "Beckwith prevails in Republican lieutenant governor race over Braun's choice". State Affairs Pro. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  35. "Guilkey crowned Miss Indiana". Huntington University. June 26, 2005. Retrieved May 8, 2025.