Donald Trump picked Indiana Gov. Mike Pence to be his running mate Friday, passing over a handful of finalists that included former Georgia lawmaker Newt Gingrich.
The announcement came a day after word leaked that Pence would be his pick - and after Trump delayed his formal announcement in the aftermath of French terror attacks. He will appear with Pence at a press conference Saturday at 11 a.m.
Pence is seen as an unwavering conservative who could spark enthusiasm among evangelical Republicans who remain skeptical of the free-wheeling real estate mogul. The first-term governor is a former congressman who could offer Trump a sidekick with political experience and a more subdued alter ego to balance the real estate mogul’s brash persona. He is perhaps best known for his struggles over Indiana’s “religious liberty” legislation, which has also roiled Georgia politics.
But many conservatives in Georgia and elsewhere are infuriated with the choice, arguing that his backtrack on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act legislation is a "betrayal."
And here's more AJC coverage of Pence:
About the Author
