Michael Richard Pence was born on June 7, 1959, in Columbus, Indiana, USA. He was raised in a devout Catholic family of Irish descent and developed an early interest in public service and conservative values.
Pence attended Hanover College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1981. During college, he experienced a spiritual transformation, transitioning from Catholicism to Evangelical Christianity, a shift that would shape his political ideology. He later earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the Indiana University School of Law in 1986.
Early Career and Entry into Politics
Legal Career and Early Political Runs
After completing law school, Pence worked as an attorney and hosted the “Mike Pence Show”, a conservative talk radio program that helped him build a national reputation as a voice for traditional values.
He made two unsuccessful bids for Congress in 1988 and 1990 before successfully winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000, representing Indiana’s 2nd and later the 6th district.
U.S. House of Representatives (2001-2013)
During his 12 years in Congress, Pence became known for his fiscal conservatism, pro-life advocacy, and limited government stance. He served as the Chair of the House Republican Conference (2009-2011), the third-highest Republican leadership position in the House.
Key legislative positions:
- Opposed the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
- Supported tax cuts and reductions in federal spending.
- Pro-Life Advocacy: Consistently supported restrictions on abortion rights.
Governor of Indiana (2013-2017)
Pence was elected the 50th Governor of Indiana in 2012, where he focused on:
- Tax Cuts: Signed one of the largest income tax reductions in Indiana history.
- Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA): Signed the controversial RFRA bill in 2015, criticized for enabling potential discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
Vice Presidency (2017-2021)
Pence was selected as Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, bringing experience and evangelical support to the ticket. They won the election, and he served as Vice President from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021.
Key Moments and Policies:
- COVID-19 Task Force: Pence led the White House Coronavirus Task Force in 2020.
- Judicial Appointments: Advocated for the appointment of conservative judges, including three Supreme Court justices.
- Religious Freedom Advocacy: Continued to promote pro-life and religious freedom initiatives.
Role in the January 6 Capitol Riot
On January 6, 2021, Pence famously refused to block the certification of the 2020 Presidential Election, citing his constitutional duty despite pressure from Donald Trump and his supporters. His stance drew both praise and criticism, marking a pivotal moment in his political career.
Post-Vice Presidency and 2024 Presidential Campaign
Break with Donald Trump
Pence publicly distanced himself from Trump following the Capitol riot and criticized the former president’s role in election denial.
- Recent Reunion: Pence recently met Trump for the first time in four years at Jimmy Carter’s state funeral, where they briefly exchanged words. (Fox News, 15 hours ago)
2024 Presidential Bid
Pence launched a bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but struggled to gain momentum, ultimately suspending his campaign after low polling and limited support. (The Hill, June 7, 2023)
Recent News and Statements (2025)
- Reconciliation with Trump: Pence an
