Holcomb to replace Pence on Repbublican gubernatorial ticket

INDIANAPOLIS — The 22-member state central committee met Tuesday and selected Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb to replace Gov. Mike Pence on the Republican gubernatorial ballot.

Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, accepting the nomination for the Republican gubernatorial position. Holcomb is replacing Gov. Mike Pence on the ticket after Pence accepted the Republican vice presidental nomination. Photo by Ashley Steeb, TheStatehouseFile.com

Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, accepting the nomination for the Republican gubernatorial position. Holcomb is replacing Gov. Mike Pence on the ticket after Pence accepted the Republican vice presidental nomination. Photo by Ashley Steeb, TheStatehouseFile.com

“Today we stand united and give our full support to Eric as we race toward victor in November,” Chairman of the Republican Party, Jeff Cardwell, said.

The committee had four choices: Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita and Sen. Jim Tomes. The committee chose Holcomb, who has never won an elected office.

Rokita and Brooks will not seek the vacant lieutenant governor position, but will return to their congressional districts.

U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, R-IN, was one of the candiates for the Republican gubernatorial position. Brooks announced she is returning to her U.S. House race. Photo by Ashley Steeb, TheStatehouseFile.com

U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, R-IN, was one of the candiates for the Republican gubernatorial position. Brooks announced she is returning to her U.S. House race. Photo by Ashley Steeb, TheStatehouseFile.com

“We’ve got work to do and a short time to get there,” Holcomb said after being chosen as the new gubernatorial candidate. “I am ready to answer this next call and lead us to victory.”

Holcomb will face Democratic candidate for governor, John Gregg. Gregg said although there is a new name on the ballot, the issues he will target remain the same.

“Eric Holcomb wholeheartedly embraced the failed approach that embarrassed our state, cost us jobs and has left the middle class behind,” Gregg said in a statement. “My economic plan sets our state on a new path forward, one that puts jobs and the middle class first.”

Todd Rokita, Republican U.S. Representative, announced he is returning to his U.S. House race. Rokita was a candidate for the Republican gubernatorial race, but lost to Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb. Photo by Ashley Steeb, TheStatehouseFile.com

Todd Rokita, Republican U.S. Representative, announced he is returning to his U.S. House race. Rokita was a candidate for the Republican gubernatorial race, but lost to Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb. Photo by Ashley Steeb, TheStatehouseFile.com

Last week Pence endorsed Holcomb as his replacement on the ballot.

“As Karen and I embark on a mission to restore strong Republican leadership to our nation, I do so with optimism about the boundless future of Indiana, and I wholeheartedly endorse Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb to serve as the Republican nominee for Governor of Indiana in the upcoming election,” Pence said in a statement.

U.S. Senate candidate Todd Young also endorsed Holcomb.

Jeff Cardwell, Indiana Republican Party chairman, announcing Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb is the Republican gubernatorial nominee. The Republican Party held a meeting to vote for a candidate to replace Gov. Mike Pence in the race. Photo by Ashley Steeb, TheStatehouseFile.com

Jeff Cardwell, Indiana Republican Party chairman, announcing Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb is the Republican gubernatorial nominee. The Republican Party held a meeting to vote for a candidate to replace Gov. Mike Pence in the race. Photo by Ashley Steeb, TheStatehouseFile.com

“Hoosiers should be proud to have Eric Holcomb as their Republican choice for governor this fall,” Young said in a statement. “I’ve known Eric for years, and can attest to his dedication to serving our state.

Sen. Dan Coats congratulated Holcomb on his selection and said he is the best person to serve as the next Indiana Governor.

“Eric will use his wealth of experience and deep love of our state to continue the progress Indiana has made over the last decade,” Coats said in a statement.

Holcomb said he will continue to move the state forward. He has about three months to campaign and show voters he has what it takes to become the next governor of Indiana.

“I’m going to reach out to everyone — even if I don’t agree with them on a certain issue,” said Holcomb. “But I’m not going to sacrifice my core principles.”

Alongside the state committee, Holcomb will choose his running mate on August 1.

 

Article writer Adrianna Pitrelli is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.