LANSING, MI - Libertarian candidate for governor Bill Gelineau on Wednesday named Angelique Thomas as his running mate and choice for lieutenant governor.

A Lake Orion native, Thomas studied political science and later law at University of Detroit Mercy. Her father is a veteran and her mother a Filipino immigrant who was so proud to become a citizen she wore red, white and blue to the courthouse.

As a businesswoman, Thomas brings an additional demographic to the Libertarian ticket.

"I am hoping to bring a feeling of inclusion where I'm relatable to additional sectors of society that haven't heard of us before," Thomas said.

While working as an attorney, she saw a business opportunity in making specialized circuitry and components. Her company, Manufacture and Design Electronics, employs about 30 people and does business globally.

Gelineau said he wanted the best candidate as well as somebody who could reach out to groups Libertarians haven't traditionally gained traction with.

"I wanted somebody who was going to change the game, and I think we accomplished that,"Gelineau said.

Libertarians will make the pick official - and choose the rest of their candidate slate for positions like Secretary of State and Attorney General - at their nominating convention this weekend.

The party is categorized as a major party by the state this cycle following an uptick in votes for Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson in 2016.