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 is an American politician and lawyer. He was the 48th Vice President of the United States under President Donald Trump, serving from 2017 to 2021. A Republican, he previously served as the 50th Governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017. Prior to his governorship, Pence represented Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013. His career has been marked by a consistent conservative stance on various political and social issues.

Sections (6)

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

1953: Father Received Bronze Star

In 1953, Edward Joseph Pence Jr., Mike Pence's father, received the Bronze Star for his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

June 7, 1959: Birth of Michael Richard Pence

On June 7, 1959, Michael Richard Pence was born in Columbus, Indiana.

1976: Volunteered for Bartholomew County Democratic Party

In 1976, Mike Pence volunteered for the Bartholomew County Democratic Party, marking his early involvement in politics.

1977: Graduated from High School

In 1977, Mike Pence graduated from Columbus North High School.

1978: Commitment to Christ at Ichthus Music Festival

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

1980: Voted for Jimmy Carter

In the 1980 presidential election, Mike Pence voted for Jimmy Carter, reflecting his Democratic leanings at the time.

1981: Graduated 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 Batten, whom he met while he was in law school at Indiana University.

1986: Graduated from Law School

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 four grown children and two teenagers.

1994: Identified as Catholic

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

1995: Joined Grace Evangelical Church

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

2000: Pence inspired by Al Gore

In 2000, Pence, then a newly elected member of Congress, was inspired by Al Gore presiding over his own defeat during the 2000 presidential election.

2002: Statement on Not Dining Alone With Women

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

2002: 2nd District renumbered 6th

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

May 1, 2004: Remarriage of Pence's Mother

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

2009: Belief in God's Creation

In 2009, when asked by Chris Matthews if he believed in evolution, Pence said he believes God created the heavens and the earth.

2013: Looking for a Church

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

2013: Pence no longer owns residence in Indiana

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: Paul Ryan Described Pence as a "Principled Conservative"

In 2016, House Speaker Paul Ryan described Mike Pence as a "principled conservative", highlighting Pence's consistent political ideology.

2016: Regular Worship at College Park Church

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

2016: Diagnosis of Left Bundle Branch Block

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

October 8, 2017: Pence Walks Out of NFL Game

On October 8, 2017, Mike Pence walked out of an Indianapolis Colts vs. San Francisco 49ers game after 49ers players knelt during the national anthem. Pence later tweeted that he and President Trump would not dignify events disrespecting soldiers, the flag, or the national anthem, sparking criticism and accusations of a publicity stunt. The estimated cost of Pence's travel on Air Force Two for the event was $242,500.

February 1, 2018: Pence to Lead Delegation to Winter Olympics

On February 1, 2018, it was announced that Mike Pence and his wife would lead the presidential delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

2018: Greg Pence Wins Congressional Seat

In 2018, Pence's older brother, Greg, won the election to represent Indiana's 6th congressional district in Congress. Greg also acted as a decoy to lure the press away from Mike Pence when he was being considered as a potential running mate to Donald Trump.

October 7, 2020: Pence Participates in Debate with Kamala Harris

On October 7, 2020, Mike Pence debated Kamala Harris, hosted by USA Today in Salt Lake City, Utah. The debate included adaptations due to COVID-19 concerns. Polls indicated that more registered voters believed Harris won the debate.

November 7, 2020: Biden and Harris declared winners of the election

On November 7, 2020, major news networks declared Biden and Harris the winners of the election after several days of vote counting. Trump refused to concede, insisting he had won.

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.

January 20, 2021: Pence leaves office

On January 20, 2021, Pence left office as Vice President and was succeeded by Kamala Harris.

April 2021: Pacemaker Implant Surgery

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

May 2021: Pences buy a home in Carmel, Indiana

In May 2021, the Pences purchased a home in Carmel, Indiana, after residing in various residences following their departure from the Vice President's residence.

2021: Pence supports "parental rights"

In 2021, Pence released a statement expressing support for "parental rights" regarding how teachers treat children with different gender identities, through Advancing American Freedom.

2021: Pence's potential presidential campaign

In 2021, polls implied that Pence could begin a 2024 campaign as a top-tier candidate if Trump didn't run, but his numbers would decline if Trump sought the presidency again.

June 2022: Pence responds to overturning of Roe v. Wade

In June 2022, following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Pence expressed his view that the sanctity of life should be restored to the center of American law.

October 2022: Pence condemns "unprincipled populism"

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

2022: Pence Endorses candidates against Trump's picks

In 2022, Pence separated himself from Trump by endorsing candidates in several Republican primary elections in opposition to the candidate endorsed by Trump.

2023: Pence criticizes Trump regarding January 6

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

March 15, 2024: Pence announces he will not endorse Trump or Biden

On March 15, 2024, Pence announced that he would not endorse Trump, nor would he support Biden in the 2024 presidential election.

August 9, 2024: Pence reiterates he will not 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 seminar and lecture courses in political science at Grove City College in Pennsylvania as its first Distinguished Fellow for Faith and Public Life.

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

In October 2024, Pence voiced his support for the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel.

2024: Views on Pence's 2024 Campaign

In 2021, there was a widespread view among Republican leaders and grassroots Republicans that "Pence is dead in the early waters of 2024." regarding his prospects in the 2024 campaign.

2024: Declined to Endorse Trump

In 2024, Mike Pence declined to endorse Donald Trump for president, further distancing himself from his former running mate.

2024: Pence condemns GOP stance on abortion

In 2024, ahead of the RNC, Pence released a statement condemning the new GOP stance on abortion as a "profound disappointment".

January 2025: Biden blocks Nippon Steel purchase

In January 2025, President Biden blocked the purchase of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel.

January 16, 2025: Pence urges support for Taiwan

On January 16, 2025, speaking in Taipei, Pence urged President-elect Trump to support an independent Taiwan to avert a nuclear arms race.

January 20, 2025: Pence attends Trump's second inauguration

On January 20, 2025, Pence attended Trump's second inauguration as a former vice president.

September 17, 2025: Pence to join George Mason University as professor

On September 17, 2025, it was announced that Pence would begin as a professor at the George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government for the Spring 2026 semester, serving as a "distinguished professor of practice".