Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mike Pence

How Mike Pence built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Michael Richard Pence served as the 48th Vice President of the United States under Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021. A Republican, his political career includes serving as the 50th Governor of Indiana (2013-2017) and as a U.S. Representative for Indiana (2001-2013). As Vice President, he notably presided over the Senate during the certification of the 2020 presidential election, ultimately affirming Joe Biden's victory despite pressure to overturn the results. His tenure reflects a blend of conservative principles and loyalty to the Trump administration, though marked by moments of tension, particularly surrounding the 2020 election aftermath.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1981: First representative from Indiana to hold a House leadership position since 1981.

In January 2009, Pence was elected as the Republican Conference chairman, becoming the first representative from Indiana to hold a House leadership position since 1981.

1983: Worked as Admissions Counselor at Hanover College

From 1981 to 1983, Mike Pence served as an admissions counselor at Hanover College after graduating.

1986: Began Private Law Practice

In 1986, Mike Pence started working as an attorney in private practice after graduating from law school.

1988: Ran for Congress Against Philip Sharp

In 1988, Mike Pence ran for Congress against Democratic incumbent Philip Sharp, but was unsuccessful.

1988: Lost First House Bid

In 1988, Pence unsuccessfully ran for the House of Representatives, marking an early challenge in his political career.

1988: Hosted Radio Show

Shortly after his first congressional campaign in 1988, Mike Pence was hired by radio station WRCR-FM to host a weekly radio show titled "Washington Update with Mike Pence".

1990: Ran Controversial Television Advertisement

During the 1990 campaign, Mike Pence's campaign aired a television advertisement featuring an actor dressed in a robe and headdress with a Middle Eastern accent, which drew criticism.

1990: Lost Second House Bid

In 1990, Mike Pence again lost a bid for the House of Representatives, facing another setback in his early political aspirations.

1990: Ran for Congress Again

In 1990, Mike Pence ran for Congress again against Philip Sharp, but lost for the second time. He quit his job to campaign full-time.

1991: Apologized for Running Negative Ads

In 1991, Mike Pence published an essay in the Indiana Policy Review, apologizing for running negative ads against Philip Sharp. Pence also became the president of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, holding the position until 1993.

1992: Began Hosting Daily Talk Show

In 1992, Mike Pence started hosting a daily talk show on WRCR, titled "The Mike Pence Show", and a Saturday show on WNDE in Indianapolis.

1993: End of Term as President of Indiana Policy Review Foundation

In 1993, Mike Pence's time as the president of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation concluded.

April 11, 1994: The Mike Pence Show syndicated statewide

Beginning on April 11, 1994, "The Mike Pence Show" was syndicated statewide by Network Indiana, reaching as many as 18 radio stations, including WIBC in Indianapolis.

1994: Began Hosting Radio and Television Talk Show

In 1994, Pence began his career as a conservative radio and television talk show host, which lasted until 1999.

1994: Newt Gingrich-headed Republican Revolution

In November 2006, Pence announced his candidacy for leader of the Republican Party, focusing on a return to the values of the Newt Gingrich-headed 1994 Republican Revolution.

1995: Hosted TV Show

From 1995, Mike Pence also hosted a weekend public affairs TV show, also titled "The Mike Pence Show", on Indianapolis TV station WNDY.

1999: Ended Radio and Television Shows

In 1999, Mike Pence concluded his radio and television shows to concentrate on his 2000 campaign for Congress.

2000: Elected to the House

In 2000, Mike Pence was elected to the House of Representatives, representing Indiana's 2nd district, marking a significant achievement in his political career.

2000: Won Election to Congress

In 2000, Mike Pence won the election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Indiana's 2nd congressional district.

2000: Won Seat in U.S. House of Representatives

In 2000, Mike Pence won the seat in Indiana's 2nd congressional district for the U.S. House of Representatives after David M. McIntosh ran for governor.

2001: Became a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives

In 2001, Mike Pence became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the start of his career in federal politics.

2001: Represented Indiana's 2nd District

In 2001, Mike Pence began representing Indiana's 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.

2001: Opposed No Child Left Behind Act

In 2001, Mike Pence opposed President George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind Act during his first year in office.

2002: 2nd District renumbered to the 6th

In 2002, Indiana's 2nd congressional district, which Mike Pence represented, was renumbered as the 6th district.

2003: Opposed Medicare Prescription Drug Expansion

In 2003, Mike Pence opposed President Bush's Medicare prescription drug expansion.

2003: Represented Indiana's 6th District

In 2003, Mike Pence started representing Indiana's 6th congressional district after previously representing the 2nd district.

2005: Chaired the Republican Study Committee

From 2005, Mike Pence chaired the Republican Study Committee, holding the position until 2007.

November 2006: Announced Candidacy for House Minority Leader

In November 2006, Mike Pence announced his candidacy for leader of the Republican Party (minority leader) in the United States House of Representatives, but lost the bid to John Boehner.

2006: Re-elected to the House

In 2006, Mike Pence defeated Democrat Barry Welsh to be re-elected to the House.

2007: End of term as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee

In 2007, Mike Pence's term as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee concluded.

2008: Re-elected to the House

In 2008, Mike Pence defeated Democrat Barry Welsh to be re-elected to the House.

January 2009: Elected Republican Conference Chairman

In January 2009, Mike Pence was elected as the Republican Conference chairman, the third-highest-ranking Republican leadership position at the time.

2009: Chaired House Republican Conference

In 2009, Mike Pence became the chair of the House Republican Conference, a position he held until 2011.

2010: Re-elected to the House

In 2010, Mike Pence defeated Democrat Barry Welsh to be re-elected to the House.

May 2011: Announced Candidacy for Governor of Indiana

In May 2011, Mike Pence announced that he would be seeking the Republican nomination for governor of Indiana in 2012.

2011: End of Term as Chair of the House Republican Conference

In 2011, Mike Pence's term as the chair of the House Republican Conference concluded.

2012: Elected Governor of Indiana

In 2012, Mike Pence was elected as the governor of Indiana, marking a significant achievement in his political career.

2012: Mentioned as a Possible Republican Candidate for President

In 2012, Mike Pence was mentioned as a possible Republican candidate for president.

January 14, 2013: Sworn in as Governor of Indiana

On January 14, 2013, Mike Pence was sworn in as the 50th governor of Indiana.

June 2013: Criticism for Deleting Facebook Comments

In June 2013, Mike Pence was criticized for deleting comments posted on his official government Facebook page and subsequently apologized for it.

2013: Became 50th Governor of Indiana

In 2013, Mike Pence became the 50th governor of Indiana, marking a significant milestone in his political career.

2013: Signed Law Blocking Local Wage and Benefit Requirements

In 2013, Mike Pence signed a law prohibiting local governments in Indiana from requiring businesses to offer higher wages or benefits beyond those mandated by federal law. He also announced the formation of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute.

2013: End of Term in U.S. House of Representatives

In 2013, Mike Pence's service as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives came to an end as he assumed the office of Governor of Indiana.

January 26, 2015: Plans for State-Run News Service

On January 26, 2015, reports surfaced that Mike Pence planned to launch "JustIN", a state-run, taxpayer-funded news service for Indiana, overseen by a former reporter for The Indianapolis Star.

March 26, 2015: Signing of Indiana Senate Bill 101 (RFRA)

On March 26, 2015, Mike Pence signed Indiana Senate Bill 101, also known as the Indiana "religious objections" bill or Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), into law. The move was praised by religious conservatives, but criticized by people and groups who felt the law would permit discrimination against LGBT persons.

March 31, 2015: Defense of RFRA in Wall Street Journal op-ed

On March 31, 2015, Mike Pence defended the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, asserting that the law does not permit discrimination and that he would veto any bill that legalized discrimination.

April 2, 2015: Revision of RFRA Legislation

In the wake of the backlash against the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), on April 2, 2015, Mike Pence signed legislation revising the law to protect against potential discrimination.

December 2015: Statement on Muslim Ban

In December 2015, Mike Pence stated that "calls to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. are offensive and unconstitutional".

2015: Signed Repeal of Prevailing Wage Law

In 2015, Mike Pence signed the repeal of an Indiana law that required construction companies working on publicly funded projects to pay a prevailing wage.

February 2016: Federal Judge Ruling on Refugee Resettlement

In February 2016, a federal judge ruled that Mike Pence's order to cut off federal funds for a local non-profit refugee resettlement agency was unconstitutional.

May 3, 2016: Unopposed in Republican Primary

On May 3, 2016, Mike Pence ran unopposed in the Republican primary for a second term as governor.

July 15, 2016: Ends Gubernatorial Campaign

On July 15, 2016, Mike Pence filed paperwork ending his campaign for governor as Trump announced his selection of Pence as his vice presidential running mate.

October 7, 2016: Response to Trump's Lewd Comments

On October 7, 2016, Mike Pence stated he did not condone Donald Trump's lewd comments that surfaced that day, but made clear that he was standing by Trump.

October 10, 2016: Denial of Leaving the Ticket

On October 10, 2016, Mike Pence appeared on CNN and denied rumors that he was leaving the ticket, stating that it was the "greatest honor of my life" to be nominated as Trump's running mate.

October 2016: Vice Presidential Debate Preparations

During Mike Pence's preparations for the vice presidential debate in October 2016, Wisconsin governor Scott Walker played the role of Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine.

November 8, 2016: Election as Vice President

On November 8, 2016, Mike Pence was elected vice president of the United States as Donald Trump's running mate.

2016: Became Donald Trump's Running Mate

In 2016, Mike Pence became Donald Trump's running mate for the presidential election.

2016: Endorsement of Ted Cruz and Donald Trump

In 2016, Mike Pence endorsed Ted Cruz shortly before the Indiana Republican presidential primary and then endorsed Donald Trump after he became the party's presumptive nominee.

2016: Compromised AOL Account

In 2016, hackers compromised Mike Pence's personal AOL email account and used it to send fraudulent emails in an attempt to obtain money from Pence's contacts.

January 20, 2017: Inauguration as Vice President

On January 20, 2017, Mike Pence became the 48th vice president of the United States, sworn into the office by Justice Clarence Thomas.

January 22, 2017: Oath of Office to White House Senior Staff

On January 22, 2017, Mike Pence administered the oath of office to the White House senior staff.

February 5, 2017: Warning to Iran

On February 5, 2017, Mike Pence warned Iran "not to test the resolve" of the new Trump administration following their ballistic missile tests.

February 7, 2017: First Tie-Breaking Vote

On February 7, 2017, Mike Pence, in his dual constitutional role as president of the United States Senate made the first ever tie-breaking vote to confirm a Cabinet member. He cast the deciding vote to break a fifty-fifty tie to confirm Betsy DeVos as the secretary of education.

March 2017: Release of Pence's Emails

In March 2017, the State of Indiana released 29 of Mike Pence's emails to media outlets that had made public records requests, but withheld an undisclosed number of other emails, saying they were deliberative or advisory and thus exempt from public disclosure.

May 2017: Pence forms Great America Committee PAC

In May 2017, Mike Pence filed paperwork to form Great America Committee, a political action committee (PAC) headed by his former campaign staffers. He is the only vice president to have started his own PAC while still in office.

May 21, 2017: Commencement Address at Notre Dame

On May 21, 2017, Mike Pence delivered the commencement address at the University of Notre Dame.

June 30, 2017: Appointment as Chair of the National Space Council

On June 30, 2017, Mike Pence was appointed chair of the National Space Council after Trump signed an executive order reestablishing the council.

2017: Served as Vice President

From 2017, Mike Pence served as the Vice President under President Donald Trump, chairing the National Space Council and the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

2017: Served as 48th Vice President of the United States

In 2017, Mike Pence began his term as the 48th Vice President of the United States, serving under President Donald Trump.

April 2018: Abortion bill ruled unconstitutional

In April 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled the abortion bill H.B. 1337 unconstitutional.

2018: Tie-Breaking Vote for Judicial Nominee

In 2018, Mike Pence broke a tie to confirm Jonathan A. Kobes for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. This was the first-ever tie-breaking vote to confirm a judicial nominee in U.S. history.

2018: Greg Pence Wins Congressional Seat

In 2018, Pence's older brother, Greg, won the election to represent Indiana's 6th congressional district, a seat previously held by Mike.

February 26, 2020: Pence named leader of White House Coronavirus Task Force

On February 26, 2020, President Trump named Mike Pence as the leader of the White House Coronavirus Task Force to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. As leader, Pence coordinated efforts with various government agencies.

2020: Chair of the National Space Council

From 2017 to 2020, Mike Pence held eight meetings as the chair of the National Space Council.

2020: Lost Re-election Bid

In 2020, Mike Pence and Donald Trump lost their bid for re-election to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

2020: Pence distances himself from Trump's election claims

Since leaving the vice presidency, Pence has distanced himself from Trump's attempts to cast doubt on the 2020 presidential election and made high-profile speeches in early nominating states.

January 6, 2021: Oversaw Certification of Election Results

On January 6, 2021, despite pressure from President Trump, Mike Pence oversaw the certification of the 2020 election results, confirming Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the winners.

January 2021: Trump pressures Pence to overturn election

In January 2021, Trump pressured Pence to overturn the election results during the January 6 joint session of Congress. Pence refused, stating the Constitution did not grant him such power. Trump insisted Pence had the power to act. Trump reportedly called Pence before he departed to certify the results urging him again one last time ultimately telling him, "You can either go down in history as a patriot, or you can go down in history as a pussy."

February 2021: Pence joins The Heritage Foundation and Young America's Foundation

In February 2021, Pence joined The Heritage Foundation as a distinguished visiting fellow. He also joined the Young America's Foundation, planning to launch a podcast. He spoke of Trump with "an almost reverence".

March 2021: Pence narrates 'Age of Rush' TV series

In March 2021, Pence narrated a four-part television series on Rush Limbaugh titled Age of Rush, which debuted on Fox Nation. Pence had previously cited Limbaugh as an inspiration.

April 2021: Pence signs book deal with Simon & Schuster

In April 2021, Pence signed a deal with Simon & Schuster for two books, including an autobiography.

2021: End of term as Vice President

In 2021, Mike Pence's term as the 48th Vice President of the United States concluded.

2021: Pence's potential presidential campaign prospects

May 2022: Pence considers presidential run regardless of Trump's decision

In May 2022, The New York Times reported that Pence was considering a presidential run regardless of whether Trump decided to run for a second term.

July 2022: Pence appears in 'Unprecedented' documentary

In July 2022, Mike Pence appeared in the documentary "Unprecedented".

2022: Pence endorses candidates against Trump's picks in primaries

In 2022, Pence separated himself from Trump by endorsing candidates in several Republican primary elections in opposition to the candidate endorsed by Trump, including gubernatorial races in Georgia, Arizona and Wisconsin. Pence endorsed incumbent governor Brian Kemp over the Trump-backed candidate, former senator David Perdue. In the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial election, Pence endorsed Karrin Taylor Robson while Trump endorsed Kari Lake. In the 2022 Wisconsin gubernatorial election Pence endorsed former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch; Trump supported businessman Tim Michels.

January 2023: Classified documents found at Pence's home

In January 2023, following the discovery of classified documents at President Biden's home, Pence asked his lawyer to search his home, leading to the discovery of classified documents. The documents were turned over to the FBI, and Pence cooperated with the review.

February 9, 2023: Pence subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith

On February 9, 2023, Pence was subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith regarding the attack on the Capitol, following months of negotiation between Pence's attorneys and the special counsel.

April 27, 2023: Pence testifies before grand jury

On April 27, 2023, Pence testified before the grand jury saying, "We'll obey the law, we'll tell the truth," after unsuccessful challenges to the subpoena by Pence's lawyers and by Trump himself.

June 5, 2023: Pence launches presidential bid

On June 5, 2023, Pence filed paperwork and officially launched his bid for the presidency.

June 2023: Launched 2024 Presidential Bid

In June 2023, Mike Pence launched his campaign for the 2024 presidential election but later withdrew by October.

October 28, 2023: Pence withdraws from presidential race

On October 28, 2023, Pence, citing weak fundraising and poll numbers, withdrew from the presidential race after much campaigning in Iowa.

March 15, 2024: Pence refuses to endorse Trump or Biden

On March 15, 2024, Pence announced he would not endorse Trump or Biden in the 2024 presidential election and did not attend the 2024 Republican National Convention.

August 9, 2024: Pence reiterates refusal to endorse Trump or Harris

On August 9, 2024, Pence reiterated that he would not endorse Trump, nor would he support Kamala Harris after Biden withdrew from the race.

September 2024: Pence begins teaching at Grove City College

In September 2024, Pence began teaching courses in political science at Grove City College in Pennsylvania as its first Distinguished Fellow for Faith and Public Life.

October 2024: Pence supports Nippon Steel acquisition of U.S. Steel

In October 2024, Pence voiced his support for the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, a Japanese company, arguing it would reduce reliance on Chinese steel exports.

2024: Declined to Endorse Trump

In 2024, Mike Pence declined to endorse Donald Trump for president.

2024: Pence visits Ukraine

In July 2023, Pence became the first 2024 Republican presidential candidate to visit Ukraine, where he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

2024: "Pence is dead in the early waters of 2024"

Polls of Republicans in 2021 regarding their preferred presidential candidate in 2024 implied that Pence could begin a campaign as a top-tier candidate if former President Trump were to forgo a run. At the same time, said polling also foretold a precipitous decline in Pence's polling numbers if Trump were to seek the presidency again. In light of this, there was a widespread view among both Republican leaders and grassroots Republicans that "Pence is dead in the early waters of 2024."

January 2025: Biden blocks Nippon Steel acquisition of U.S. Steel

In October 2024, Pence voiced his support for the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, a Japanese company, arguing it would reduce reliance on Chinese steel exports. President Biden blocked the purchase in January 2025.