Challenges Faced by Mike Pence: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Mike Pence. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

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.

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.

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.

2014: Slowest-growing Economy in the United States

In 2014, Indiana's economy was among the slowest-growing in the United States, with 0.4 percent GDP growth, compared to the national average of 2.2 percent; this was attributed in part to a sluggish manufacturing sector.

2016: Diagnosis of Left Bundle Branch Block

In 2016, Mike Pence was diagnosed with asymptomatic left bundle branch block.

November 7, 2020: Biden and Harris declared election winners

On November 7, 2020, major news networks declared Biden and Harris the winners of the election after several days of vote counting. Despite this, Trump refused to concede, alleging election fraud.

December 2020: Lawsuit filed against Pence to overturn election

In late December 2020, Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert and others filed a federal lawsuit against Pence, seeking to grant him the power to reject state-certified presidential electors. The lawsuit, aimed at overturning Biden's victory, was dismissed by the courts due to lack of standing.

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: Trump rally precedes Capitol storming

On January 6, 2021, during the joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 election results, Trump held a rally where he urged listeners to go to the Capitol and expressed hope that Pence would "do the right thing". Many listeners subsequently marched to and stormed the Capitol.

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."

April 2021: Pacemaker Implant Surgery

In April 2021, Pence underwent surgery to receive a pacemaker implant due to a slow heartbeat.

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.