Just two days after U.S. Senator Dan Coats announced he won’t seek reelection next year, a contender is throwing his hat into the ring.
Eric Holcomb steered former Governor Mitch Daniels’ 2008 reelection campaign, led the Indiana Republican Party and most recently served as State Chief of Staff to Senator Dan Coats.
But Thursday, Holcomb announced a personal first: a run for office.
“And that’s why today, ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud, I’m excited," says Holcomb, "to announce my candidacy for the United States Senate.”
Despite never serving in elected office, he says he’s not worried about making the jump all the way to a Senate run.
“I’ve been around very successful folks who’ve held office and I’ve helped them all along the way," says Holcomb. "So I’ve learned a ton over the years and I want to take what I’ve learned and lead it in Washington, D.C.”
Holcomb is the first to join what could be a crowded GOP primary field for Coats’ seat. Other possible candidates include Congresswomen Susan Brooks and Jackie Walorski and Congressmen Todd Young, Todd Rokita, and Marlin Stutzman.