How will Indiana Governor’s Office transition after Trump, Pence win?

Every state across the nation has a constitutionally driven plan if they need to fill vacancies in the office of governor. For Indiana, that plan will go into effect soon now that Governor Mike Pence is the Vice President-elect of the United States. But some might wonder how this will happen.

45 states, including Indiana, have a Lieutenant Governor who is first in line of succession of the Governor. At this time, Republican Governor-elect Eric Holcomb is Indiana's Lieutenant Governor. In this case, Holcomb would take Pence’s place once he becomes Vice President. Eric Holcomb won Indiana's gubernatorial race on November 8th.

According to the Indiana Constitution, Article 5 Section 10, if the Governor resigns or is removed from office, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor and is to hold office for the unexpired term of the person whom the Lieutenant Governor succeeds, and should discharge the powers and duties of the office as Acting Governor.

So what happens in the place of Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor? Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor, the current Governor will nominate a new Lieutenant Governor who will take office after a majority vote is reached in each house of the General Assembly. That new Lieutenant Governor will hold office for the remaining term of the previous Lieutenant. You can also find more detailed circumstances about vacancies by clicking here. 

A press conference is being held by Governor-elect Eric Holcomb, Lieutenant Governor-elect Suzanne Crouch, and Members of their transition team in Indianapolis at 1:45 p.m. ET. Stay with ABC57 News for the latest.