Introduction
Eric Holcomb, the 51st governor of Indiana, has been serving the state since January 9, 2017. A member of the Republican Party, Holcomb succeeded Mike Pence, who left the governorship to become Vice President of the United States. His tenure has been marked by a focus on economic development, infrastructure improvement, and public health initiatives.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 2, 1968, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Holcomb graduated from Pike High School and later attended Hanover College, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in U.S. History. During his time at Hanover, he was active in student government and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Military and Early Political Career
After college, Holcomb served in the United States Navy for six years as an intelligence officer, which provided him with leadership experience and a global perspective. His public service career includes:
- Former State Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Dan Coats
- Former Indiana Republican Party Chairman
- Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Mitch Daniels
- Lieutenant Governor under Mike Pence
Governorship
Path to Office
When Pence was selected as Donald Trump's running mate in 2016, Holcomb was chosen by the Indiana Republican State Committee to replace Pence on the gubernatorial ballot. He won the 2016 election against Democratic candidate John Gregg and was later re-elected in 2020, defeating Dr. Woody Myers.
Key Accomplishments
Economic Development
- Led Indiana to record-breaking economic development in 2019
- Launched the Next Level Jobs program
- Maintained Indiana's AAA credit rating
- Attracted significant business investment to the state
Infrastructure
- Implemented the 20-year "Next Level Roads" plan through the Indiana Department of Transportation
- Expanded broadband access to rural communities
- Developed the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative
Education
- Increased funding for K-12 education
- Expanded pre-kindergarten programs
- Strengthened workforce development initiatives
- Supported career and technical education programs
COVID-19 Response
During the global pandemic, Holcomb took a measured approach to managing the crisis:
- Implemented a staged reopening plan
- Established the Indiana COVID-19 Response
- Coordinated vaccine distribution
- Balanced public health measures with economic concerns
Current Term and Future
"Taking Indiana to the next level means ensuring we have a strong workforce, maintaining our fiscal strength, and continuing to make Indiana the best place to live, work, play, study, and stay."
Holcomb's current term will conclude in January 2025, and due to term limits in Indiana's constitution, he is ineligible to run for a third consecutive term as governor. Under his leadership, Indiana has maintained its reputation for fiscal responsibility while pursuing modernization initiatives.
For more information about Governor Eric Holcomb and his initiatives, visit the official website of the Governor of Indiana.