Eric Holcomb

Eric Holcomb (2016)

Eric Holcomb (* 2. May 1968 in Indianapolis , Indiana ) is an American politician of the Republican Party and, since January 9, 2017 Governor of the State of Indiana. He was previously Lieutenant Governor since March 2016 .

Life

After attending Hanover College , Holcomb served in the United States Navy for six years . Among other things, he was stationed in Florida and Portugal . In 1997, he became a staff member of Republican Congressman John Hostettler . In the 2000 elections, Holcomb ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Indiana House of Representatives . In 2003 he became an employee of Governor Mitch Daniels , whom he also advised on various political issues. In addition, he became chairman of the Republican Party in Indiana. He gave up this post and the activity for Governor Daniels in 2010 to become Chief of Staff of US Senator Dan Coats . When the latter announced in 2015 that he would not apply for this office again in 2016, Holcomb announced his own candidacy as a Senator . In February 2016, however, he announced his exit from the race for the Republican nomination.

March 2016 it appointed Governor Mike Pence , with the approval of the State Legislature for lieutenant governor . Previously, the elected incumbent Sue Ellspermann had resigned from this post. On March 3, Holcomb was sworn in as Pence's deputy.

For the upcoming gubernatorial election in November 2016, Pence intended to run with Holcomb as running mate . However, in July 2016, Pence withdrew his application for a second term after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump selected him as his runner-up candidate (running for both offices is illegal under state law). However, since Pence had already been named a candidate in May of that year by a regular area code , the Republican party executive had to determine a new candidate. The committee then elected Holcomb as the new candidate. Polls foresaw a close election result between Holcomb and his Democratic rival John R. Gregg . Gregg, who competed against Pence in 2012, easily led the majority of the polls. In his election campaign, Holcomb campaigned for a lean state and a balanced budget . He is also critical of restrictions on gun law . However, during a televised debate with Gregg in early October, he spoke favorably of security checks banning the sale of weapons to people on a no fly list .

On election day, November 8th, Holcomb prevailed with 51% to 45% against his opponent and was elected as the new governor. However, his share of the vote remained significantly behind the result of Donald Trump during the presidential election that was taking place at the same time (57% of the vote in Indiana). Suzanne Crouch was elected lieutenant governor by his side. He took over the governorship on January 9, 2017, replacing Mike Pence.