WASHINGTON – Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is set to name Indiana Gov. Mike Pence his vice presidential running mate, according to several reports.
According to the New York Times, Trump’s advisors have informed national Republican officials that Pence will be the running mate, according to three people with knowledge of the conversations.
The Washington D.C. newspaper Roll Call also reported that Trump was making Pence his running mate.
Along with Pence, Trump’s short list had included New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Pence quickly exited a speaking event in Indianapolis Thursday morning without taking questions from reporters. His staff has not released details of any other planned appearances Thursday.
All three of the finalists have had extensive conversations with Trump and his family in recent days.
Pence, 57, is a steady, staunch conservative who would help calm nervous Republican wary of Trump's impulsive style. He served six terms in Congress before becoming Indiana governor. He also has deep ties to evangelical Christians and other conservatives, particularly after signing a law last year that critics said would have allowed businesses to deny service to gay people for religious reasons.
Trump took notice of Pence during the Indiana primary, noting that the governor had high praise for him despite endorsing one of his rivals.
