Braun ran in a three-way all-Republican primary in 2012 versus the incumbent state senator Dan Swecker and employment specialist and former substitute teacher Rae Lowery.

[7] In the General Election, Braun greatly improved on his primary showing; defeating Swecker with 55.43 percent of the vote.

[9] He held his first floor speech February 15, 2013, and sponsored more than 70 bills as a freshman legislator.

[10] In November 2020, Braun was elected Washington Senate Minority Leader by members of the Republican caucus.

[12] As of 2012[update], he lives in Centralia with his wife and four children, while managing the family business.