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 Revives Trump Tirades Against RFK Jr. in New Ad - The Daily Beast - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Mike Pence Shares Brutal Video Montage of Trumps Own Words on RFK Jr. - The New Republic - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Mike Pence Takes Aim at Donald Trump: 'Deviated From This Record' - Newsweek - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Mike Pence Shares Brutal Video Montage of Trumps Own Words on RFK Jr. - Yahoo! Voices - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Opinion | Mike Pence Hits the Hong Kong Target - The Wall Street Journal - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Mike Pence Back on the Scene as His Group Moves to Undermine Trump - MSN - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Mike Pence to attend inauguration - ABC7 Los Angeles - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Mike Pence arrives at Capitol before Trump inauguration - CBS News - January 22nd, 2025 [January 22nd, 2025]
- Mike Pence Will Reportedly Attend Trump's Inauguration: What We Know - Newsweek - January 22nd, 2025 [January 22nd, 2025]
- Mike Pence to Trump: cutting Taiwan support would likely spark a new nuclear arms race - The Guardian - January 22nd, 2025 [January 22nd, 2025]
- Mike Pence booed by crowd as former presidents enter Capitol Rotunda - FOX 5 DC - January 22nd, 2025 [January 22nd, 2025]
- Rachel Maddow Admits Mike Pence's Wife Refusing to Stand for Trump at President Carter Funeral Is Marriage Goals - TheWrap - January 22nd, 2025 [January 22nd, 2025]
- Bill and Hillary Clinton and Mike Pence BOOED by MAGA fans as they enter the Capitol Rotunda - Daily Mail - January 22nd, 2025 [January 22nd, 2025]
- Mike Pence makes shocking U-turn on Donald Trump support despite being branded as 'disloyal' - Daily Mail - January 22nd, 2025 [January 22nd, 2025]
- Mike Pence makes brutal 'arms race' warning to Donald Trump - Irish Star - January 22nd, 2025 [January 22nd, 2025]
- Ex-Mike Pence Aide Olivia Troye Says Kash Patel Threatened to Sue Her for Calling Him a Delusional Liar on MSNBC - Yahoo! Voices - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Ex-Mike Pence Aide Olivia Troye Says Kash Patel Threatened to Sue Her for Calling Him a 'Delusional Liar' on MSNBC - TheWrap - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Karoline Leavitt praised Mike Pence in 2021 and then deleted two social media posts - The Times of India - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Mike Pence urges Senate Republicans to reject RFK Jr for US health secretary - The Guardian US - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- RFK Jr. nomination to HHS slammed by Mike Pence over abortion rights stance - USA TODAY - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- Mike Pence Urges Senate To Oppose RFK Jr. For HHS Secretary Over Abortion Stance - HuffPost - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- Mike Pence blasts Trump's pick of RFK, says health nominee is betrayal of pro-life movement - Washington Times - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- Mike Pence's 'Prayer' For Trump Proves Their Chilly Relationship Isn't Thawing Anytime Soon - The List - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- Mike Pence Breaks with Trump on Pardoning Capitol Rioters, Says No One Who Assaulted Officers on January 6 Should Be Pardoned - LatinTimes - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- Mike Pence Reacts to Donald Trump's Decisive Election Win - Newsweek - November 10th, 2024 [November 10th, 2024]
- Mike Pence reacts to Donald Trumps election win after declining to endorse him - KCBD - November 10th, 2024 [November 10th, 2024]
- Jack Smith immunity appendix reveals highlighted pages of Mike Pence book that Jan. 6 prosecutors want to use against Trump - Law & Crime - October 21st, 2024 [October 21st, 2024]
- Mike Pence Is Haunting This Election - The Atlantic - October 21st, 2024 [October 21st, 2024]
- Did Mike Pence endorse Kamala Harris for president? Here's the truth - The Economic Times - October 21st, 2024 [October 21st, 2024]
- So what: Trumps alleged reaction to news that Mike Pence was in danger on Jan 6 - The Independent - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Why former Indiana governor, VP Mike Pence came up in the debate between Walz and Vance - IndyStar - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Days before Trump rioters tried to hang him, Mike Pence was warned he would be in danger - NJ.com - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Trump 'resorted to crimes,' bullied VP Mike Pence in Jan. 6 election interference plot: newly unsealed filing - New York Daily News - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Mike Pence quietly lays the groundwork for a post-Trump future - Semafor - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Mike Pence Delivers Blow To Trump Weeks Ahead of Election - MSN - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Fox contributor Kellyanne Conway attempts to minimize the divide between Donald Trump and Mike Pence - Media Matters for America - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Mike Pence takes extraordinary swipe at Trump in sign that he wants to return to politics - Daily Mail - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Mike Pence Offers Advice to JD Vance - Newsweek - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- Mike Pence Offers Advice to JD Vance - MSN - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- Shame: National Review Slams Trump-Vance Ticket for Doubling Down on Election Denialism and Slandering Mike Pence - Mediaite - September 19th, 2024 [September 19th, 2024]
- Trump Wants to Hide His Attempt to Assassinate Mike Pence from Voters - Emptywheel - August 31st, 2024 [August 31st, 2024]
- Mike Pence Group Issues Warning to Donald Trump Over RFK. Jr.'Loony Ideas' - Newsweek - August 31st, 2024 [August 31st, 2024]
- 'We're Gonna Pray Right Now': Mike Pence Reveals Immediate Reaction to Learning of Trump Assassination Attempt - CBN.com - August 18th, 2024 [August 18th, 2024]
- Former VP Mike Pence to address Long Island Association business group in October - Newsday - August 16th, 2024 [August 16th, 2024]
- Were Gonna Pray Right Now: Mike Pence Reveals Immediate Reaction to Learning of Trump Assassination Attempt - Faithwire - August 16th, 2024 [August 16th, 2024]
- Buttigieg compares JD Vance to Mike Pence in rebuke of Trump VP pick - The Hill - July 24th, 2024 [July 24th, 2024]
- Mike Pence thanks Biden for stepping out of presidential race: 'The right decision' - KOMO News - July 24th, 2024 [July 24th, 2024]
- The most important story about Trumps VP is why he needs a new one - Media Matters for America - July 12th, 2024 [July 12th, 2024]
- Trump v. United States Opines On Whether The Vice President Is a Legislative Officer - Reason - July 12th, 2024 [July 12th, 2024]
- Former Pence adviser blasts Trump trying to distance himself from Project 2025: Ludicrous - Washington Examiner - July 12th, 2024 [July 12th, 2024]
- Pence slams RNC platform changes on abortion - Washington Examiner - July 12th, 2024 [July 12th, 2024]
- Mike Pence warns against pro-life 'surrender' in revised RNC platform - Washington Times - July 12th, 2024 [July 12th, 2024]
- Opinion | Mike Pence: Donald Trump Has Betrayed the Pro-Life Movement - The New York Times - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Mike Pence: Russian aggression poses 'serious threat' to Europe - Euronews - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Mike Pence: US will continue to support Ukraine - Euronews - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Mike Johnson, Like Pence, Does What Passes for Brave in Todays GOP: His Job - The New York Times - April 22nd, 2024 [April 22nd, 2024]
- Brian Howey: Trumps Hoosiers passing on a second term - Daily Journal - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Former Trump officials are among the most vocal opponents of returning him to the White House - Yoursun.com - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Ex-Trump lawyer and former law school dean who suggested Mike Pence interfere in the election should lose his ... - Fortune - March 28th, 2024 [March 28th, 2024]
- On The New Abnormal, Matt Gertz explains why the Pence story got swept under the rug: Fox News is a "Trumpian ... - Media Matters for America - March 28th, 2024 [March 28th, 2024]
- Trump Told Pence Certifying Election Would Be 'Career Killer,' Valet Testified - The New York Times - March 28th, 2024 [March 28th, 2024]
- Fox News Buried Its Own Mike Pence Story to Benefit Trump - The Daily Beast - March 28th, 2024 [March 28th, 2024]
- Republican Group's Ad Taunts Donald Trump By Noting Mike Pence Put 'Country Over Party' - Yahoo Singapore News - March 28th, 2024 [March 28th, 2024]
- Pence cannot in good conscience back Trump but Capito can - The Dominion Post - March 28th, 2024 [March 28th, 2024]
- Ex-Pence Aide Recalls Trump-Haley Oval Office Moment That Left Her 'In Shock' - Yahoo News - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Sure They Wanted to Hang Mike Pence, But It'll Be Different for Me! - The Bulwark - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Rep. Greg Pence: Chaos in Congress a factor in retirement - Daily Journal - January 25th, 2024 [January 25th, 2024]
- Mike Pence's Brother Joins Republicans Retiring From Congress - The Daily Beast - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Pence says he believes the FBI didn't contribute to Jan. 6 riot - POLITICO - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Former US VP Mike Pence to Israel: 'The American people are with you' - The Jerusalem Post - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Real Photograph of Mike Pence Signing an Artillery Shell in Israel? - Snopes.com - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Greg Pence hangs it up after six years in Congress - The Times of Northwest Indiana - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- U.S. Rep. Greg Pence announces he won't seek reelection - The Daily News - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Pence decides not to file again for Congress - 101.5 WKKG - 101.5 WKKG - January 10th, 2024 [January 10th, 2024]
- Mike Pence heckled by man claiming they are both gay - PinkNews - October 15th, 2023 [October 15th, 2023]
- Mike Pence Heckled by Man Claiming to Be His Lover - Yahoo News - October 15th, 2023 [October 15th, 2023]
- Mike Pence Claims the Reagan Mantle. So Far, It Isn't Helping Him. - Reason - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- No, Mike Pence, We Should Not Make It Easier To Execute Mass ... - Reason - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Trump Was Privately Chanting for Mike Pence's Hanging on January ... - Vanity Fair - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]
- Vivek Ramaswamy Is Attacked Over China, Ukraine and TikTok - The New York Times - September 29th, 2023 [September 29th, 2023]