INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Governor Mike Pence on Tuesday nominated Eric Holcomb to be the next Lieutenant Governor of the state, and his running mate in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
The announcement came in a news conference Tuesday afternoon. The legislature still has to approve the choice.
Holcomb had recently dropped out of the race for Indiana Senate, after trailing his two fellow candidates in fundraising by several hundred thousand dollars.
When Holcomb made his announcement Monday, he gave a hint about what was to come with the following statement:
Today, I withdrew my name as a candidate for the United States Senate as Janet and I believe we have been called to serve our beloved state in a different capacity.
RELATED | Holcomb drops out of Indiana Senate race
Holcomb will replace Sue Ellspermann, who will resign over the coming weeks and months. She has applied for the job of President at Ivy Tech, saying it was a "better seat on the bus" for serving Hoosiers.
We chatted about the change on Facebook Live Tuesday afternoon with our Indianapolis This Week political insiders:
Does Trump need to win New Hampshire?! What does Gov. Pence's historic announcement mean for the governor's race going forward?! Chat live with Jason Fechner RTV6 and our political insiders now!
Posted by RTV6 (WRTV - Indianapolis) on Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Read below on some of the highlights from the new conference announcing the change:
Holcomb: The Lt. Governor's area of responsibility aligns perfectly with my areas of interest. @rtv6 #INGov
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
.@SueEllspermann I will be, at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way, resigning as Lt. Governor @rtv6 #INGov
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
Gov. Pence: Lt. Gov. @sueellspermann has done a "phenomenal job" serving people of state @rtv6 pic.twitter.com/HUFv7jQAYV
— Katie Heinz (@katieheinz6) February 9, 2016
Pence says he intends to nominate Eric Holcomb to serve as Lt. Gov. Says he has the "character and experience" to serve in role. @rtv6
— Katie Heinz (@katieheinz6) February 9, 2016
Pence says he's known Holcomb for 20 years. Both attended Hanover College, both members of same fraternity. @rtv6
— Katie Heinz (@katieheinz6) February 9, 2016
Pence calls Holcomb a man of "faith, humility, integrity and optimism." Says Holcomb is ready "day one" to assume duties of Lt. Gov. @rtv6
— Katie Heinz (@katieheinz6) February 9, 2016
.@SueEllspermann: thanks Gov for opportunity to serve. Has applied for president @IvyTechCC, decision up to board of trustees @rtv6
— Katie Heinz (@katieheinz6) February 9, 2016
Holcomb: I could not be more excited and more proud to serve this man at this time. @rtv6 #INGov
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
Holcomb: Gov. Pence does not sleep. He has Hoosiers on his mind and on his heart every hour of the day @rtv6 #INGov
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
Holcomb: I could not be more excited and more proud to serve this man at this time. @rtv6 #INGov
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
.@GovPenceIN We thought it would be in the interest of taxpayers to make this change during the legislative session @rtv6 #INGov
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
Holcomb: I think @GovPenceIN struck the right tone on civil rights changes in his State of the State Address @rtv6 #INGov
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
.@GovPenceIN No, policy disagreements did not play a role in this decision @rtv6 #INGov
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
.@GovPenceIN Sue Ellspermann has been a phenomenal Lt. Governor @rtv6 #INGov
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
From @GreggForGov: Pence "shoving aside an accomplished businesswoman" @rtv6 #INGov pic.twitter.com/eTNCQot9bs
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
More reax: @IndyGOP applauds nomination of Eric Holcomb as next Lt. Governor @rtv6 #INGov pic.twitter.com/JZEXEtKZWZ
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
Reax to @GovPenceIN announcement on Lt. Gov: @INDems call it "a back room deal" @rtv6 pic.twitter.com/q8KmkPFN8R
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016
NEW: @SenDanCoats congratulates Lt. Gov. nominee Eric Holcomb @rtv6 https://t.co/Teb0d7eQyU
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) February 9, 2016