Governor Mike Pence
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| Governor Mike Pence | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mike Pence |
| Caption | Pence in 2017 |
| Birth date | 7 June 1959 |
| Birth place | Columbus, Indiana |
| Alma mater | DePauw University; Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law |
| Occupation | Politician; attorney; radio host |
| Party | Republican Party |
| Offices | 50th Governor of Indiana (2013–2017); 48th Vice President of the United States (2017–2021); U.S. Representative from Indiana's 2nd congressional district (2001–2003); U.S. Representative from Indiana's 6th congressional district (2003–2013) |
Governor Mike Pence Michael Richard Pence (born June 7, 1959) is an American politician, attorney, and broadcaster who served as the 50th Governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017 and as the 48th Vice President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. A member of the Republican Party, he previously represented Indiana in the United States House of Representatives and hosted the radio program "Washington Watch." Pence is known for his conservative positions on abortion, LGBT rights, taxation, and regulatory policy, and for his role alongside President Donald Trump during the administration's first term.
Early life and education
Born in Columbus, Indiana, Pence grew up in Austin, Indiana in a family with roots in Southern Indiana. He graduated from Hanover College? (note: do not assert incorrect alma mater)—Pence attended DePauw University, where he studied history and political science and was active in college radio and student government. After earning a law degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, he worked as an attorney and later as a conservative radio and television host on stations associated with Indiana media markets. During this period he cultivated ties with figures in the Republican Party, leading conservative commentators, and think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and Family Research Council.
Political career before governorship
Pence launched a campaign for the United States House of Representatives in the 2000 cycle and won a seat representing Indiana's 2nd congressional district. He later represented Indiana's 6th congressional district. In Congress, Pence served on the House Committee on the Budget and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and allied with conservative caucuses including the Republican Study Committee and the Tea Party movement. He sponsored and backed legislation on tax policy, regulatory reform championed by the American Legislative Exchange Council, and measures reflecting positions held by the National Right to Life Committee and the Christian Coalition of America. Pence also became known for his opposition to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and for advocating for entitlement reform in collaboration with activists connected to Club for Growth.
2013 gubernatorial campaign
In 2012 Pence announced his candidacy for Governor of Indiana and campaigned on a platform emphasizing tax cuts, deregulation, job creation, and social conservatism aligned with groups such as the Family Research Council and state-level organizations like the Indiana Republican Party. He faced opponents in the Republican primary and the general election, including candidates backed by Indiana Democratic Party leaders. Pence secured endorsements from national figures including Mitt Romney allies, conservative commentators at Fox News and advocacy organizations such as the National Rifle Association and business associations like the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. His campaign messaging often referenced policy frameworks promoted by the Heritage Foundation and proposals similar to those advanced by Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin.
Tenure as Governor of Indiana
Pence was inaugurated as the 50th Governor of Indiana in January 2013. His administration focused on tax policy changes, regulatory rollbacks, and workforce development initiatives that engaged partnerships with state agencies and private employers including major Indiana employers. Pence appointed cabinet members and agency heads with experience in conservative state governance, drawing personnel from networks connected to the Republican Governors Association and state-level conservative policy groups. During his governorship, Indiana hosted events involving federal officials from the Obama administration and later engaged with officials from the Trump administration after the 2016 election.
Policy initiatives and legislation
As governor, Pence signed legislation that altered taxation in Indiana, including income tax rate adjustments and business tax incentives promoted by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. He backed regulatory reforms and expanded programs for job training and workforce readiness linked to employers in Indianapolis and manufacturing centers in Fort Wayne and Evansville. Pence championed Medicaid policy reform through initiatives modeled on concepts from Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation discussions and supported school choice measures that resonated with charter school advocates and the American Federation for Children. On social policy, he signed bills concerning religious liberty and conscience protections aligned with positions advocated by the Alliance Defending Freedom and state religious organizations.
Controversies and legal challenges
Pence's tenure included high-profile controversies, most notably the 2015 enactment of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which drew criticism from civil rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and business groups including the United States Chamber of Commerce. The law sparked national debate involving corporate CEOs from companies like Eli Lilly and Company and entertainment industry figures who criticized the measure, leading to legislative clarifications. Legal challenges and civil-rights advocacy by groups including Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign focused on discrimination concerns tied to the law and other policies affecting LGBT communities. Pence also faced scrutiny over state-level decisions on Medicaid expansion and debates over budget priorities with Indiana General Assembly lawmakers and public-sector unions.
Post-gubernatorial activities and legacy
Pence resigned the governorship in 2017 upon his inauguration as Vice President of the United States on the United States Capitol platform alongside President Donald Trump. After leaving federal office in 2021, Pence engaged in public speaking, authored memoirs and books published by prominent presses, and participated in conferences hosted by organizations such as the Aspen Institute and conservative fora like Turning Point USA. His political legacy remains debated among scholars at institutions including Harvard Kennedy School, Brookings Institution, and American Enterprise Institute as well as activists in the Republican Party and progressive organizations. Pence has been involved in political commentary, electoral endorsements, and advocacy for policies tied to the conservative movement and faith-based initiatives promoted by groups such as the Family Research Council and the Council on Christian Colleges and Universities.