Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is Donald Trump’s VP pick
Trump has picked Mike Pence, current Indiana governor, as his selection for vice president. A press conference will be held tomorrow to formally announce the decision. USA TODAY, Collin Brennan
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence joins Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally in Westfield, Ind., July 12, 2016.(Photo: AP)
Update, 11 a.m Friday: Donald Trump acknowledged via Twitter on Friday what the IndyStar confirmed Thursday: Indiana Gov. Mike Pence will be his running mate.
Earlier story:
Gov. Mike Pence is dropping his re-election bid in Indiana to become Donald Trumps running mate.
IndyStar confirmed shortly after noon ThursdaythatTrump is planning to announce Pence as hisselection for vice president. Several national news outlets, including CNN and ABC News,laterreported Trump had offered the post to Pence and he had accepted,ending a weekslongcasting call during which Trump vetted a handful of high-profile Republicans.
Trump had beenscheduledtoformallyannounce his pick at a news conferencein Manhattan at 11 a.m. Friday, but delayed the event in the wake of an attack in Nice, France, that leftmore than 70 people dead.
The delay could leavePence, who had already traveled to New York, in political limbo. Hefaces a noon Friday deadline to withdraw from the governor's race to allowIndiana Republican leaders to select a replacement candidate.
The developments capped another wild day in the vice presidential search, with Trump's campaign team insisting throughout the day that no decision had been made, even as Pence was beingwhisked toward Manhattan in a motorcade after flying on a private plane from Indianapolis toTeterboro, N.J.
In a Thursday evening interview with Fox News, Trump said he still hadn't made a "final, final" decision.It wasn't clear if those comments were meanttomaintain a sense of surprise for the plannedannouncement, but Republican strategists, including a former Trump adviser, have repeatedly emphasized Trump's unpredictability and noted anything is possible.
Trump's long-awaited decision upends the political landscape in Indiana and at least partially remakes the Trump campaign.
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In Pence, Trump addsa social conservative whom GOP strategists say will reassure rank-and-file Republicans that Trump can be trusted to pursue their interests. Veteran political observers say Pence, a former U.S. House member and chairman of the House Republican Conference, will provide a disciplined counter to Trumps improvisational campaign style. Pence also brings fundraising power and credibility on a wide range of policy issues that are important to conservatives.
Pence wouldofficially become the vice presidential nominee during the Republican National Convention, which starts July 18 in Cleveland. He could become the first vice president from Indiana since Dan Quayle took office in 1989 under George H.W. Bush.
Pences departure for national politics sets up a scramble among Indiana Republicans to determine who will replace Pence to run against Democratic challenger John Gregg in the November gubernatorial election.
For the first time in state history, the Indiana Republican State Committee will determine the GOP candidate for governor in a process that could last into August. The 22-member panel has 30 days to choose Pences replacement on the ballot.Once its clear who will be vying for the Republican nomination, the committee must provide a 10-day notice before it votes. That means, at the earliest, the process will conclude in late July.
Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, who has not yet publicly said he will seek the office, is thought to be a front-runner. U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks of Carmel plans to withdraw from her congressional race and run for governor,said Murray Clark,a former state Republican Party chairman and a partner at the law firmFaegre Baker Daniels.U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita has said he plans to run.
First, though, Pence must file paperwork to withdraw his name from the ballot. While the deadline to dothat is noon Friday,Pence could withdraw, then ask the state's GOP central committee to renominate him if he doesn't get the vice presidential nomination.
Pence's elevation in the political world comes as he faced a tight race in Indiana.The most recent publicpoll, which was conducted in May, showed Pence leading Gregg 40 percent to 36 percent, a virtual tie when factoring in the 4 percent margin of error. Pence defeated Gregg in the 2012 race by 3 percentage points.
Pence, a vocal Trump supporter since he clinched the Republican nomination, will turn his attention toward helping the real estate mogul defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton in November. Even without Pence, Trump has been closing the gap.A national CBS News/New York Times pollreleased this week showsClinton and Trump tied at 40 percentjust one month after Clinton had a 6 percentage point lead. Yet, projections based on state pollssuggest Clinton has anadvantage, albeit a diminishing one.
Trump appearedto have winnowed the field of potential running matesfrom about 10 people last week in a fashion that some have compared to a reality-TV show, complete with auditionlike campaign appearances.Aside from Pence, the other favorites were former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
Pence essentially tried outfor the position during a Trump rally in Westfieldand a fundraiser in Indianapolison Tuesday. Pence, who has traditionally eschewed negative campaigning, used the rally to attackClinton for the loss of U.S. personnel in Benghazi, Libya, and compareTrump to Ronald Reagan.
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3 times Gov. Mike Pence distanced himself from Donald Trump
Speculation that Trump would pick Pence intensified afterTrump and his family unexpectedlydined with Pence and his wife at a swanky Downtown restaurant Tuesday night, then had breakfast at the governor's residence the next morning.
Call IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at (317) 444-6081. Follow him on Twitter:@indystartony.
Call IndyStar reporter James Briggs at (317) 444-6307. Follow him on Twitter: @JamesEBriggs.
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Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is Donald Trump's VP pick
- Mike Pence Warns Trump 'The Last Thing We Need' Is a Canada Trade War, Says Tariffs Could Hurt American Families and Businesses - Yahoo - August 29th, 2026 [August 29th, 2026]
- See Mike Pence through the years, from Indiana governor to vice president - IndyStar - August 25th, 2026 [August 25th, 2026]
- Mike Pence, Keith Kellogg join International Forum of Conservative Politics in Kyiv - Ukrinform - August 25th, 2026 [August 25th, 2026]
- See Mike Pence through the years, from Indiana governor to vice president - Yahoo - August 25th, 2026 [August 25th, 2026]
- Mike Pence Warns Trump 'The Last Thing We Need' Is a Canada Trade War, Says Tariffs Could Hurt American F - Benzinga - August 25th, 2026 [August 25th, 2026]
- Mike Pence says trade tensions with Canada are hurting American families, economy - WPLG Local 10 - August 25th, 2026 [August 25th, 2026]
- Mike Pence warns Trump hell have to go in and finish the job in Iran - AOL.com - August 25th, 2026 [August 25th, 2026]
- Why This CNN Host Slobbered All Over Mike Pence This Weekend - KSLM Radio - August 25th, 2026 [August 25th, 2026]
- Former VP Mike Pence to return to Western Pa. college for third year - WTAE - August 23rd, 2026 [August 23rd, 2026]
- Mike Pence warns Trump hell have to go in and finish the job in Iran - the-independent.com - August 23rd, 2026 [August 23rd, 2026]
- Mike Pence will speak, autograph books in Indy. Here's how to get tickets - IndyStar - August 23rd, 2026 [August 23rd, 2026]
- Its in the U.S.s national interest: Mike Pence promised in Kyiv to urge Americans to support Ukraine - shelter.in.ua - August 23rd, 2026 [August 23rd, 2026]
- Mike Pence to Return to Grove City College this Fall - Erie News Now - August 23rd, 2026 [August 23rd, 2026]
- Tix on sale for TU Patriotic Constitution Day Luncheon Featuring Mike Pence - Citizen Tribune - August 18th, 2026 [August 18th, 2026]
- Former VP Mike Pence to teach in Colorado as visiting faculty member - KKTV - August 11th, 2026 [August 11th, 2026]
- Indiana Historical Society to host talk, book signing with Mike Pence - dailyjournal.net - August 11th, 2026 [August 11th, 2026]
- Vice President Mike Pence to Travel to the Republic of Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Australia, and Hawaii - pacom.mil - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Mike Pence Confident Trump Will Eventually Snap on Iran - Yahoo - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- OPINION: WSUs decision to honor Mike Pence is a slap in the face and a stab in the back - The Daily Evergreen - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- Mike Pence to receive WSU Foley award in Spokane - The Daily Evergreen - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- MIKE PENCE: Here's where we should look for the leadership America needs now more than ever - Fox News - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Mike Pence says Trump was right on Iran ahead of Spokane event - NonStop Local KHQ - July 21st, 2026 [July 21st, 2026]
- Former Vice President Mike Pence to visit Spokane to receive WSU's Thomas S. Foley Award - The Spokesman-Review - July 18th, 2026 [July 18th, 2026]
- Foley Distinguished Public Service Award to be received by former Vice President Mike Pence - WSU Insider - July 18th, 2026 [July 18th, 2026]
- Mike Pence to receive Foley Award at Gonzaga on Sept. 10 - KXLY.com - July 18th, 2026 [July 18th, 2026]
- Former VP Mike Pence to receive award in Spokane - KXLY.com - July 18th, 2026 [July 18th, 2026]
- Mike Pence calls Lindsey Graham an American patriot and a voice for freedom - Yahoo - July 18th, 2026 [July 18th, 2026]
- Mike Pence to visit Spokane in September to receive award - NonStop Local KHQ - July 18th, 2026 [July 18th, 2026]
- MIKE PENCE: The next generation needs faith in God and confidence in the American ideal - Fox News - July 6th, 2026 [July 6th, 2026]
- The American Experiment Interviews Revealed: What Hillary Clinton and Mike Pence Say in Netflix Documentary - IMDb - June 26th, 2026 [June 26th, 2026]
- The MOU 'falls far short' of what the US should be 'demanding': Mike Pence - Fox News - June 22nd, 2026 [June 22nd, 2026]
- VIDEO: Former Vice President Mike Pence on His New Book, Party Politics, and Texas - The Texan - June 22nd, 2026 [June 22nd, 2026]
- Why Mike Pence disagrees with Trump on his Iran strategy - The Hill - June 22nd, 2026 [June 22nd, 2026]
- Mike Pence Torches Trumps Ill-Advised Peace Deal With Iran: Much Bigger Than a Mistake - Yahoo - June 22nd, 2026 [June 22nd, 2026]
- Mike Pence turns on Trump over Iran appeasement - The Telegraph - June 22nd, 2026 [June 22nd, 2026]
- Mike Pence is done running for president but hes not done fighting for the soul of the GOP - Washington Examiner - June 16th, 2026 [June 16th, 2026]
- Ex-VP Mike Pence casts doubt on US and Iran peace deal | The Hill Sunday - NewsNation - June 16th, 2026 [June 16th, 2026]
- What Conservatives Believe: Vice President Mike Pence Shares His Vision for the Future of the GOP - Richard Nixon Foundation - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- Mike Pence: Conservatives Have Forgotten What They Believe - The Free Press - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- Bill Maher Confronts Mike Pence Over Death Threats From Jan. 6 Rioters - HuffPost - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- Mike Pence says Jan. 6 rioters who assaulted police "never should have been pardoned" on 'Real Time With Bill Maher' - decider.com - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- Mike Pence criticizes Trump's 'lawfare' fund that may help Jan. 6 rioters - IndyStar - May 25th, 2026 [May 25th, 2026]
- Mike Pence criticizes Trump's 'lawfare' fund that may help Jan. 6 rioters - myupnow.com - May 25th, 2026 [May 25th, 2026]
- Fact Check: No Male Prostitute Was Found Dead In Home Of Mike Pence -- Fake Story From Facebook 'Comedian' - Yahoo - May 25th, 2026 [May 25th, 2026]
- Mike Pence criticizes Trump's 'lawfare' fund that may help Jan. 6 rioters - Elko Daily Free Press - May 25th, 2026 [May 25th, 2026]
- Mike Pence Warns Trump Has Turned the GOP Into a Populist Party and Brings Receipts - Latin Times - May 13th, 2026 [May 13th, 2026]
- Mike Pence eyes the future as kingmaker, not candidate - MS NOW - May 3rd, 2026 [May 3rd, 2026]
- Mike Pence says Trump should back off the Pope, offensive Jesus pics - The Independent - April 25th, 2026 [April 25th, 2026]
- President Trumps Former VP Mike Pence Claims Hes Never Spoken to JD Vance: Hes Changed His Views - Globe Magazine - April 25th, 2026 [April 25th, 2026]
- College Station man arrested at Texas A&M after shouting profanities at former VP Mike Pence - KBTX News 3 - April 25th, 2026 [April 25th, 2026]
- Mike Pence Advises Trump to Back Down in Pope Feud After Blasting Offensive Jesus Meme - Yahoo News UK - April 25th, 2026 [April 25th, 2026]
- Mike Pence Breaks Silence With Tough Message To Trump Over Tariffs And Jesus Image - The Kenya Times - April 25th, 2026 [April 25th, 2026]
- Mike Pence warns JD Vance to avoid Obama-style Iran deal as nuclear talks set to begin in Pakistan - Fox News - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Mike Pence urges Trump to 'finish the job' as pressure mounts on Iran - Fox News - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Mike Pence warns JD Vance to avoid Obama-style Iran deal as nuclear talks set to begin in Pakistan - AOL.com - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Mike Pence Warns JD Vance To Avoid Obama-Style Iran Deal As Nuclear Talks Set To Begin In Pakistan - wowo.com - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- From rivals to allies, Mike Pence and Jeff Flake advocate for conservative values - Deseret News - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Mike Pence criticizes Jan. 6, but not Trump himself, in ASU remarks - azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]
- Mike Pence To Speak At UChicagos Institute Of Politics In April - Block Club Chicago - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Staff revolts, secret meetings: Inside the tense fight between Mike Pence and the Heritage Foundation - CNN - March 26th, 2026 [March 26th, 2026]
- Former VP Mike Pence On War In Iran: Finish the job once and for all | NewsNation - PIX11 - March 17th, 2026 [March 17th, 2026]
- Former VP Mike Pence On War In Iran: Finish the job once and for all | NewsNation - wspa.com - March 17th, 2026 [March 17th, 2026]
- MIKE PENCE: Trump and our incredible military are ending 47 years of Iranian terror - Fox News - March 13th, 2026 [March 13th, 2026]
- Mike Pence: History will record Trump 'made the right call' - CNN - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- Debating the Ex-IDF Spokesman About the War in Iran on Piers Morgan's Show, with Mike Pence - Glenn Greenwald | Substack - March 7th, 2026 [March 7th, 2026]
- V.P. Mike Pence Calls for Congress to Pass the SAVE Act - Advancing American Freedom - February 16th, 2026 [February 16th, 2026]
- Mike Pence to speak as the universitys annual Alice Pope Shade Lecture - suquill.com - February 9th, 2026 [February 9th, 2026]
- Mike Pence joins growing number of Republicans splitting with Trump on Greenland - The Independent - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Watch Hopeful SCOTUS Will Overturn Trump Tariffs: Mike Pence - Bloomberg - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Mike Pence Defends Trump's Greenland Ambitions, Saying National Security Demands ItAnd NATO Might Not Be Happy - Yahoo - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- EXCLUSIVE: Mike Pence's Group Hires Former Heritage Legal Scholar Amid Exodus From Think Tank - freebeacon.com - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Mike Pence on military force in Greenland: "no" - CNN - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- MIKE PENCE: Venezuela has a chance for freedom, thanks to Trump and our armed forces - Fox News - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Mike Pence Slams Trump White House's Jan. 6 Website as 'Very Offensive' and 'Deeply Wrong' | Video - TheWrap - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- MIKE PENCE: Venezuela has a chance for freedom, thanks to Trump and our armed forces - FOX 8 TV - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- A rift in MAGA has top Heritage Foundation officials leaving to join with Mike Pence - Indiana Public Media - December 27th, 2025 [December 27th, 2025]
- A rift in MAGA has top Heritage Foundation officials leaving to join with Mike Pence - NPR - December 22nd, 2025 [December 22nd, 2025]
- Mike Pence Slams the Fallen Heritage Foundation Amid Mass Exodus to His Own Think Tank - Yahoo - December 22nd, 2025 [December 22nd, 2025]
- Mike Pence Slams Trump's 'Doctrine Of Contradictions,' Warns New Security Strategy Will Please China, Russia But 'Discomfit' Allies - Benzinga - December 12th, 2025 [December 12th, 2025]
- Enter To Win Tickets To See Mike Pence On January 28 At The Sacramento Speaker Series! - Talk 650 KSTE - December 7th, 2025 [December 7th, 2025]