Early Life and Education of Mike Pence: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Mike Pence. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

1953: Father received Bronze Star

In 1953, Mike Pence's father received the Bronze Star for his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Mike Pence displays the medal and commendation letter in his office.

June 7, 1959: Birth of Michael Richard Pence

On June 7, 1959, Michael Richard Pence was born. He later became the 48th Vice President of the United States.

1976: Volunteered for Bartholomew County Democratic Party

In 1976, Mike Pence volunteered for the Bartholomew County Democratic Party, reflecting his early political affiliations.

1977: Graduated from Columbus North High School

In 1977, Mike Pence graduated from Columbus North High School, marking the end of his secondary education.

1978: Commitment to Christ at Ichthus Music Festival

In the spring of 1978, Mike Pence attended the Ichthus Music Festival in Asbury, Kentucky, and made a "commitment to Christ".

1980: Voted for Jimmy Carter

In 1980, Mike Pence voted for Jimmy Carter in the presidential election, before his shift to the Republican Party.

1981: Earned Bachelor of Arts from Hanover College

In 1981, Mike Pence earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Hanover College.

1985: Marriage to Karen Batten

In 1985, Mike Pence married Karen (née Batten), whom he met while in law school at Indiana University.

1986: Earned Juris Doctor from IU McKinney School of Law

In 1986, Mike Pence obtained a Juris Doctor degree from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.

1988: Death of Pence's Father

In 1988, Pence's father passed away, leaving his mother a widow with several children.

1994: Identified as Catholic

In 1994, Pence called himself Catholic in a news piece.

1995: Joined Grace Evangelical Church

By 1995, Pence and his family had joined an evangelical megachurch, the Grace Evangelical Church.

2000: Pence Inspired by Al Gore's 2000 Election Conduct

In January 2021, Before the start of the Joint Session, Pence stated in a "Dear Colleague" letter that the Constitution prevented him from deciding which electoral votes counted and which did not. According to Politico, Pence was inspired by Al Gore presiding over his own defeat twenty years earlier during the 2000 presidential election, when Pence was a newly-elected member of Congress.

2002: Statement on Intelligent Design

In 2002, Pence stated on the House of Representatives floor that he believes scientists will see intelligent design as a rational explanation for the universe.

2002: Statement on Dinner Alone with Women

In 2002, during an interview, Pence stated he would not have dinner alone with a woman other than his wife.

2003: North Korea voluntarily disarms nuclear weapons

In 2003, North Korea voluntarily disarmed its nuclear weapons, an event that was later referenced during talks between the US and North Korea in 2018.

May 1, 2004: Pence's Mother Remarries

On May 1, 2004, Pence's mother remarried Basil Coolidge Fritsch.

2009: Belief in God's Creation

In 2009, when asked about evolution, Pence stated he believes God created the heavens and the earth.

2013: Family Searching for a Church

In 2013, Pence said his family was "kind of looking for a church".

2013: Pence ceases to own a home in Indiana

In May 2021, it was reported that Pence did not have a permanent place of residence in Indiana when he left the vice presidency. Official records indicated that Pence had not owned a residence in Indiana since 2013, having lived in the governor's mansion and then the vice president's residence in Washington.

2016: Diagnosis of Left Bundle Branch Block

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

2016: Regular Worship at College Park Church

In 2016, Pence and his wife regularly worshiped at College Park Church, a nondenominational church in Indianapolis.

February 1, 2018: Pence to lead presidential delegation to 2018 Winter Olympics

On February 1, 2018, it was announced that Mike Pence would lead the presidential delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics, alongside his wife. Much of Pence's time at Pyeongchang was affected by the ongoing North Korean crisis.

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.

June 2019: Suggestion to replace Pence as Trump's running mate

In June 2019, Andrew Stein suggested that Trump could improve his reelection chances by replacing Mike Pence as his running mate with Nikki Haley. However, Trump stated Pence would remain his running mate.

February 2020: Pence defends debt- and deficit-spending

In February 2020, Mike Pence defended debt- and deficit-spending as a measure to stimulate economic growth.

October 7, 2020: Pence participates in debate with Kamala Harris

On October 7, 2020, Mike Pence participated in a debate with Kamala Harris in Salt Lake City, Utah. The debate was held with adaptations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Plexiglas partitions. Media outlets noted a fly landed on Pence's head during the debate. A CNN poll found that 59% of registered voters felt that Harris had won the debate, while 38% felt that Pence had.

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.

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.

April 2021: Pacemaker Implant Surgery

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

May 2021: Pences purchase home in Carmel, Indiana

In May 2021, after months of residing in homes owned by Indiana Republican politicians after leaving the vice presidency, Mike and his wife Karen Pence bought a home in Carmel, Indiana.

2021: Pence releases statement on parental rights

On February 9, 2023, the same day it was reported that Pence had been subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith, Pence released a statement expressing support for "parental rights", especially regarding how teachers treat children who express different gender identities, which he described as left-wing efforts "to indoctrinate our children behind parents' backs". The statement was released through Advancing American Freedom, a communications group Pence founded in 2021 with political donations.

June 2022: Pence responds to Roe v. Wade being overturned

In June 2022, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Pence stated, "Roe v. Wade has been consigned to the ash heap of history...Having been given this second chance for life, we must not rest and must not relent until the sanctity of life is restored to the center of American law in every state in the land."

October 2022: Pence condemns populism and 'Putin apologists'

In October 2022, Pence condemned "unprincipled populism" and "Putin apologists" within the Republican Party.

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.

2023: Pence criticizes Trump over January 6 events

In 2023, Pence criticized former President Donald Trump regarding the events of January 6, 2021, stating that Trump was wrong to suggest Pence had the right to overturn the election results and that Trump's words endangered him, his family, and everyone at the Capitol.

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: Pence condemns GOP stance on abortion

In 2024, ahead of the RNC, Pence released a statement condemning the new GOP stance on abortion, describing this shift as a "profound disappointment", arguing that it strips away "historic pro-life principles that have long been the cornerstone of the platform".

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.