UPDATE 7/15, 10:59 a.m. ET: Despite postponing his news conference about the announcement, Donald Trump confirmed on Friday, July 15, that he had tapped Mike Pence to be his running mate. He shared the news on Twitter, noting that a press conference would follow on Saturday.
I am pleased to announce that I have chosen Governor Mike Pence as my Vice Presidential running mate. News conference tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2016
UPDATE 7/14: Following news of the Bastille Day attack in Nice, France, Trump tweeted: “In light of the horrible attack in Nice, France, I have postponed tomorrow’s news conference concerning my Vice Presidential announcement.”
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He’s got his second-in-command ready in the wings. Donald Trump has named Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his vice presidential running mate, CNN confirmed Thursday, July 14. The Republican candidate will officially announce his choice on Friday, July 15.
According to CNN, Trump called Pence late Wednesday evening to offer him the vice-presidential slot on his ticket, and Pence accepted.
Earlier in the day, IndyStar reported that Pence, 57, is dropping his re-election bid as governor to join Trump’s presidential race toward the White House.
At the time, Trump’s national campaign spokeswoman, Hope Hicks, told the publication that “a decision has not been made”; sources previously told Reuters that Trump was leaning toward Pence.
“Let us resolve, from here and now, from this day forward, we will unite, we will stand together, we will not rest, we will not relent, until we make this good man our next president,” Pence said by way of introducing Trump during a political rally in Westfield, Indiana, on Tuesday, July 12. “I give you the next President of the United States of America, Mr. Donald J. Trump.”
According to Roll Call, Trump, 70, was reportedly impressed by Pence’s calm demeanor, as well as his experience on Capitol Hill and as a governor, since the former Apprentice host has never held elected office.
The real estate mogul was also believed to have been considering former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (who dropped out of the Republican primary race in February) for the job.
Pence previously supported Trump’s rival, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, in April, before Cruz dropped out of the presidential race in May.
