Mike Pence

Mike Pence – Life, Career, and Notable Quotes

Mike Pence (born June 7, 1959) is an American politician, lawyer, and public figure who served as the 48th Vice President of the United States (2017–2021). His political path spans from radio host to Congressman, Governor of Indiana, and national leader.

Introduction

Michael Richard “Mike” Pence built a career steeped in conservative ideology, faith, and public service. Known for his disciplined approach, traditional values, and ready presence in the public eye, Pence served as Vice President under Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021.

This article walks through Pence’s early life, political rise, policy positions, legacy, and some of his most memorable statements.

Early Life and Education

Mike Pence was born on June 7, 1959 in Columbus, Indiana, one of six children born to Edward Joseph Pence, Jr. and Nancy Pence.

He attended Columbus North High School, graduating in 1977. Hanover College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1981. Juris Doctor from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law (then known as Indiana University–Indianapolis).

During his college years, Pence underwent a religious transformation: he became a born-again Christian (within the broader framework of evangelical Catholicism). This faith commitment would become a cornerstone of his political identity.

Early Career & Entry into Politics

After law school, Pence practiced law for a period.

He won his first congressional seat in 2000, representing Indiana’s 2nd District (later renumbered to Indiana’s 6th). Chair of the House Republican Conference from 2009 to 2011.

Governorship of Indiana (2013–2017)

In 2012, Pence ran for Governor of Indiana and won, taking office in January 2013. As governor, he enacted a number of fiscal and policy agendas:

He oversaw tax cuts and maintained a budget reserve, emphasizing fiscal discipline.
Education: He supported pre-K pilot programs, expanding school choice, and increasing state education funding (especially early childhood).
On social and religious policy: Pence signed efforts like the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) in 2015, which became controversial over concerns about impacts on LGBT rights.
On abortion: Pence signed legislation banning abortions based on race, gender, or fetal disability and requiring remains be buried or cremated—though parts of the law were later blocked by courts.
He also clashed with legislators at times — for example, he vetoed a retroactive local tax bill in 2013 that was then overridden.

Pence’s governorship served as a springboard to the national stage.

Vice Presidency (2017–2021)

Election & Role

In 2016, Donald Trump selected Mike Pence as his running mate. Vice President on January 20, 2017.

As Vice President, Pence served multiple formal and informal roles:

He chaired the National Space Council (revived under the Trump administration).
He coordinated the White House Coronavirus Task Force beginning in early 2020.
He regularly presided over the U.S. Senate (casting tie-breaking votes).

January 6, 2021 & Election Certification

One of the most consequential moments of Pence’s vice presidency occurred on January 6, 2021, when he presided over the joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 presidential election results. Despite intense pressure from President Trump to overturn or delay certification, Pence affirmed that his constitutional duties did not grant him unilateral power to reject electoral votes.

Later Term & 2020 Election

Throughout his vice presidency, Pence was often a loyal surrogate in speechmaking, foreign trips, and policy advocacy.

In recognition of his role in upholding the constitutional certification on January 6, 2025, Pence was awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.

Post-Vice Presidency & Ongoing Influence

After leaving office:

Pence founded Advancing American Freedom, a conservative advocacy and communications organization.
He joined The Heritage Foundation as a distinguished visiting fellow.
He ventured into media: for example, narrating the Fox Nation series Age of Rush and signing a book deal—his memoir(s) are in the works.
In 2025, he joined George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government as a distinguished professor of practice.

Pence also made a bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but withdrew in October 2023.

Personality, Political Style & Philosophy

Mike Pence is often described as disciplined, reserved, doctrinal, and consistent. He adheres to a worldview centered on:

Social conservatism: policies opposing abortion, emphasizing religious freedom, and skeptical of expansive LGBT rights initiatives.
Fiscal conservatism: promoting limited government, lower taxes, and responsible budgets.
Faith and public life: his evangelical Christian identity is central to his political persona; he often frames public policy in moral and religious terms.

He is also known for being careful, cautious in speech, and attentive to institutional norms—traits that perhaps guided his approach during the January 6 certification.

Selected Quotes

Here are a few notable statements and quotes attributed to Pence:

“I am a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order.” — A phrase he has often used to frame his identity.
On the limits of his vice presidential authority during certification:

“I don’t believe the Constitution gives me the power to overturn the election — or even to adjudicate it.” (paraphrased from his public defense)
On the significance of Jan. 6 decision:

“We will obey the law, we will tell the truth” (said upon testifying before grand jury in 2023).
On leaving the 2024 presidential race:

“After much prayer and deliberation … I have decided to suspend my campaign.”

Legacy & Assessment

Mike Pence’s legacy is still evolving, but several themes stand out:

Strengths & Contributions

He provided a stabilizing, institutional counterweight during turbulent times, especially during the transition from Trump’s demands to constitutional certainties.
His adherence to principle over personal party pressure (particularly during January 6) is seen by some as an act of courage and constitutional fidelity.
He remains a voice in conservative public policy and ideology through his foundation, teaching, and commentary.

Criticisms & Challenges

Some view his political alignment—and close association with Trump’s administration—as complicating his claims to principled independence.
His policy record as governor and as a Congressman draws critique from opponents on issues like social rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and the impacts of strict religious freedom laws.
His pivot from longtime loyalty to break with certain post-election tactics places him in a complex position within Republican politics.

In sum, Pence’s legacy may be seen as that of a principled conservative adhering to religious and institutional norms, but one also tested by the fierce contradictions of modern partisan conflict.

Conclusion

Mike Pence’s journey—from a Midwestern upbringing in Indiana, through law, media, congressional service, state governance, and ultimately the vice presidency—illustrates a consistent conservatism grounded in faith and institutional respect. His role in certifying the 2020 election results under duress is likely to be among the defining moments that shape how history views him.