Donald Trump met with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence during his visit to Indiana on Wednesday.
Trump and Pence were joined by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a top Trump surrogate and former chairman of the Republican Governors Association. The men met at Pence’s home, according to CBS4 in Indianapolis.
Video our #CBS4Indy photographer shot of #DonaldTrump arriving at Gov. Pence’s home. He was joined by Gov. Christie. pic.twitter.com/igne57W3fR
— CBS4 Indy (@CBS4Indy) April 20, 2016
Pence may meet with each of the remaining GOP presidential candidates, as the Washington Examiner‘s David Drucker previously reported.
“Gov. Pence was pleased to welcome Mr. Trump back to Indiana and hear firsthand his plans for the country,” said Kara Brooks, Pence’s spokeswoman, in a statement. “The governor was also grateful for the opportunity to describe Indiana’s economic success, and expressed his desire to have a partner in the White House who will help advance pro-growth economic policies, reduce burdensome regulation and curb the size and scope of government.”
Pence’s upcoming re-election bid could be competitive, and any endorsement could alienate right-leaning voters he cannot afford to lose. Pence appears to already be in hot water with evangelical conservatives who felt Pence failed to stand up for his state’s Religious Freedom and Restoration Act.
The meeting also appears to be a different approach for Trump, who did not meet with Gov. Scott Walker before the Wisconsin primary and instead attacked him for failing to raise taxes.
Republicans will vote in Indiana’s primary on May 3. Trump’s focus on the state ahead of the upcoming April 26 primary contests suggests he is putting a premium on victory in the Hoosier State.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, meanwhile, will visit Indianapolis on Thursday. Pence’s office confirmed that the governor would meet with Cruz during the senator’s visit.
