5 Things To Know About Mike Pence, Donald Trump's Reported Running Mate

Donald Trump has made his pick for a vice presidential running mate: Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

Not familiar with Pence, a former U.S. congressman, or what he could bring to the presidential election? Here are five things to know.

He endorsed Ted Cruz over Trump in the primary...

...but it was one of the most half-hearted endorsements ever. Walking an impressive tightrope — no doubt with a gubernatorial re-election campaign on the brain — Pence gushed over Trump for more than a minute before saying, "I’m not against anybody, but I will be voting for Ted Cruz."

He really doesn't like Obama

At a town hall in 2009, a concerned citizen told Pence that some of Obama's language "sounds a lot like Hilter." Instead of denouncing the comparison to the former German dictator responsible for the murder of millions of people, Pence simply responded to her lengthy ramble with: "Thanks."

Three years later, after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Obamacare, Pence reportedly likened the decision to the terrorist attacks of September 11. He apologized in a statement to Politico, saying he "certainly did not intend to minimize any tragedy our nation has faced and I apologize."

Strong 'religious freedom' proponent

Arguably the most notable piece of legislation passed in Indiana during his term was the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that was signed into law in March of 2015, before North Carolina, Mississippi and other states enacted similar laws. Essentially, it allowed people and businesses to deny services to LGBT people if they had a strong enough religious belief.

Major companies halted expansion plans into the state, and several cities banned travel to Indiana. As controversy swirled about the law, Pence told ABC News, "We are not going to change this law."

Four days after the interview, several significant portions of the law were rolled back.

...But that kind of stance could help him on Trump's ticket

Trump has been fairly open and welcoming when it comes to gay and transgender people. Pence's brand of social conservatism could give Trump a lift among voters from a party that still defines marriage as "one man and one woman" in its official platform.

He has publicly denounced one of Trump's central policy proposals