Eric Holcomb officially became Indiana’s 51st Lieutenant Governor Thursday. The longtime Hoosier political figure replaces Sue Ellspermann, who left to pursue a job at Ivy Tech.
A veritable who’s who of Indiana government gathered at the Statehouse to watch Supreme Court Justice Mark Massa swear in Eric Holcomb. The balconies ringing the atrium were crowded with lobbyists, lawmakers and politicos, all to see a ceremony that’s taken place in the middle of a term only twice in the last century.
When introducing Holcomb, Gov. Mike Pence noted the many hats he’s worn: Navy veteran, congressional staffer, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Mitch Daniels, Indiana Republican Party Chair, and Chief of Staff to Senator Dan Coats.
“I believe Eric Holcomb may be the best-prepared person to ever assume the duties of lieutenant governor of the state of Indiana,” Pence says.
Holcomb says all those roles have taken him around the world -- but that he’s always been drawn home to Indiana.
“From our urban to rural settings, Indiana has it all,” Holcomb says. “And I’m eager to spread the good word, far and wide.”
Holcomb’s ascension comes just eight months before his name will appear on the ballot with Pence.
