Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced on Twitter Friday he has chosen Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana as his vice presidential running mate.
Trump was scheduled to make the announcement at an 11 a.m. press conference today, but tweeted Thursday he was postponing the event in light of the Nice, France, tragedy.
Trump is slated for an official press conference at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the New York Hilton Midtown, according to a release from his campaign. Pence will join him for the first time since his appointment as Trump's VP pick.
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
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said in an email from her campaign Trump's choice in vice presidential candidate is indicative of what kind of president he would be.
"If there was any doubt about Trump's intentions — if you ever thought maybe he was just grandstanding about his anti-equality, anti-woman, anti-immigrant policies and his commitment to an economy that favors millionaires and corporations over working families — well, with Pence as his vice president, we know exactly what to expect," she said.
Trump's announcement comes after a week of rallying with Pence, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Trump's final rally in Indiana before his impending deadline and his visit to Pence's home Wednesday led many to believe Pence was the nominee's vice presidential pick.
“Mike Pence has spent the past three years focused only on his personal ambition," John Zody, chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, said in a statement. "He has embarrassed Hoosiers, signed divisive and discriminatory legislation into law, and alienated the business community, costing our state money in the process. Unfortunately, that qualifies him as a compatible running mate for Donald Trump, who is out only for himself and running one of the most toxic presidential campaigns in history."
The Indiana Republican Party released a statement congratulating Pence on his nomination.
"Indiana looks forward to supporting Donald J. Trump and Governor Mike Pence in November and putting two strong conservatives back in the White House," party chairman Jeff Cardwell said in a prepared statement.
Republican Senator Dan Coats also tweeted Friday he believes Pence is a "proven leader" who is a great choice for a vice president.
"As Indiana's governor, @GovPenceIN has continued our state's remarkable economic progress and pushed for more efficient government," he wrote. "More importantly, Mike and Karen are people of integrity with hearts for public service. I congratulate both on them on this high honor."
Democrat John Gregg is now left alone in Indiana's gubernatorial race, and state party leaders have up to 30 days to choose a new candidate to run against him in November.
"With Mike Pence exiting the governor's race, Democratic candidate John Gregg is in [a] stronger position than ever to win in November," said Jared Leopold, Democratic Governors Association communications director, in a statement. "Republicans now face an open-seat race with a candidate who is virtually unknown by Hoosier voters."
This story will be updated.
Anicka Slachta
