Trump makes it official: Mike Pence is his running mate

Donald Trump has tapped Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate, the presumptive GOP nominee announced via Twitter on Friday, picking a partner who has executive and congressional experience as well as support within the Republican Party's conservative base.

"I am pleased to announce that I have chosen Governor Mike Pence as my Vice Presidential running mate," Trump tweeted, adding that a news conference would be held 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

Pence, who served 12 years in the U.S. House before winning election as Indiana governor in 2012, is particularly popular with religious conservatives and spent much of his career opposing increased government spending and immigration "amnesty."

Pence, 57, who said he voted for Ted Cruz in Indiana's Republican primary on May 3, endorsed Trump shortly after the New York businessman's big win in the Hoosier State forced Cruz from the race.

"I’m going to campaign hard for the Republican nominee because Indiana needs a partner in the White House," Pence said during his endorsement speech.

By joining Trump's ticket, Pence gives up his re-election bid. Indiana law prohibits candidate from running in more than one race.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee met with Pence and his wife, Karen, on July 2 at the candidate's golf resort in New Jersey. He later described the governor as "a great guy."
 

In his search for a running mate, Trump also considered former House speaker Newt Gingrich, Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Gingrich told a CNN reporter Thursday that he thought Trump would go with Pence, citing his relative youth.

Throughout the selection process, Trump said he wanted a vice president who could help him lobby Congress on legislation.

Pence was born and raised in the central Indiana town of Columbus. He was first elected to his House seat in 2000, following two unsuccessful runs in 1988 and 1990. In the intervening years, Pence ran a conservative think tank and hosted conservative radio and television talk shows.

Despite backing from the right, Pence lost overwhelmingly in his bid to become House GOP leader against John Boehner following the 2006 midterm elections.

Pence has been mentioned as a possible Republican presidential contender in recent election cycles but has never sought national office.

The Pence selection ends a months-long search.

Other potential running mates — including former opponents Marco Rubio and John Kasich — expressed no interest in joining Trump's ticket.

Even before word of Pence's selection leaked, Democrats denounced the Indiana governor for pushing legislation to restrict abortion and gay rights.

Pence is an "anti-gay, anti-choice social warrior with few discernable accomplishments," said Democratic strategist Lis Smith.

Contributing: Cooper Allen