Mike Pence is an American politician, lawyer, and former broadcaster who served as the 48th Vice President of the United States from 2017 to 2021 under President Donald Trump. He was born Michael Richard Pence on June 7, 1959, in Columbus, Indiana.


Pence earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Hanover College in 1981 and a Juris Doctor from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1986. Before entering politics, Pence worked as an attorney and hosted a conservative talk radio show.



Pence's political career began in the early 1990s when he unsuccessfully ran for Congress twice. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000, where he served six terms from 2001 to 2013. During his time in Congress, Pence established himself as a staunch conservative, particularly on social issues, and was known for his opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.


In 2012, Pence successfully ran for Governor of Indiana, serving from 2013 to 2017. His tenure as governor was marked by a focus on tax cuts, education reform, and religious freedom. However, his support for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 2015 sparked national controversy, as critics argued it could allow discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.



In 2016, Pence was selected as Donald Trump's running mate, bringing political experience and conservative credentials to the ticket. After winning the election, Pence served as vice president from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. During his tenure, he chaired the White House Coronavirus Task Force and was known for his loyalty to Trump, although he ultimately certified the 2020 election results, affirming Joe Biden's victory.


After leaving office, Pence remained active in conservative politics and public speaking, with speculation about a potential run for the presidency in the future.