History of Mike Pence in Timeline

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.

1981: First Representative From Indiana to Hold a House Leadership Position since 1981

In January 2009, Mike Pence was the first representative from Indiana to hold a House leadership position since 1981.

1983: Worked as Admissions Counselor

From 1981 to 1983, Mike Pence was employed as an admissions counselor at Hanover College, following his graduation.

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: Began Private Law Practice

After graduating from law school in 1986, Mike Pence started working as an attorney in private practice, launching his legal career.

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: Lost Congressional Bid

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

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.

1988: Hosted "Washington Update with Mike Pence" Radio Show

Shortly after his first congressional campaign in 1988, Mike Pence began hosting a weekly half-hour radio show called "Washington Update with Mike Pence" on WRCR-FM in Rushville, Indiana.

1990: Ran Controversial Television Advertisement

During the 1990 congressional campaign, Mike Pence ran a television advertisement featuring an actor in Middle Eastern garb, criticizing his opponent's energy policy.

1990: Second Unsuccessful House Bid

In 1990, Mike Pence made a second attempt to win a seat in the House of Representatives but was again unsuccessful.

1990: Second Unsuccessful Congressional Run

In 1990, Mike Pence ran against Philip Sharp again for Congress, quitting his job to focus on the campaign, but lost again.

1991: Apologized for Negative Ads

In 1991, Mike Pence wrote an essay in the Indiana Policy Review apologizing for running negative ads against Philip Sharp and vowed to refrain from using insulting speech in the future.

1992: Started Hosting "The Mike Pence Show"

In 1992, Mike Pence began hosting a daily talk show on WRCR called "The Mike Pence Show", along with a Saturday show on WNDE in Indianapolis.

1993: End of Presidency of Indiana Policy Review Foundation

In 1993, Mike Pence concluded his role as the president of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, a position he had held since 1991.

April 11, 1994: Network Indiana Syndicated "The Mike Pence Show"

On April 11, 1994, Network Indiana began syndicating "The Mike Pence Show" statewide, expanding its reach to as many as 18 radio stations, including WIBC in Indianapolis.

1994: Began Hosting Radio and Television Talk Shows

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

1994: Identified as Catholic

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

1994: Referenced 1994 Republican Revolution

In November 2006, when announcing his run for Minority Leader, Pence's release focused on a "return to the values" of the Newt Gingrich-headed 1994 Republican Revolution.

1995: Joined Grace Evangelical Church

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

1995: Hosted Weekend Public Affairs TV Show

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

1997: Health Concern Identified

In 1997, the EPA identified the site of several former lead smelting plants in East Chicago as a health concern.

1999: End of Talk Show Hosting

In 1999, Mike Pence ended his career as a radio and television talk show host.

1999: Ended Radio and Television Shows

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

1999: Gary's Lawsuit Against Gun Manufacturers

In 1999, the City of Gary filed a lawsuit against gun manufacturers and retailers alleging illegal sales of handguns, which was later terminated by Senate Bill 98 signed into law by Governor Pence in May 2015.

2000: Won Election to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2000, Mike Pence successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Indiana's 2nd congressional district.

2000: Elected to the House

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

2000: Won Congressional Election

In 2000, Mike Pence won the election for the U.S. House of Representatives, marking a turning point in his political career.

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.

2001: Represented Indiana's 2nd District

From 2001 to 2003, Mike Pence represented Indiana's 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.

2001: Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives

In 2001, Mike Pence was elected as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana, beginning his tenure in Congress.

2001: Opposed No Child Left Behind Act

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

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.

2002: Statement on Intelligent Design

In 2002, Pence stated in the House of Representatives that he believes "someday scientists will come to see that only the theory of intelligent design provides even a remotely rational explanation for the known universe."

2003: Represented Indiana's 6th District

From 2003 to 2013, Mike Pence represented Indiana's 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.

2003: Opposed Medicare Prescription Drug Expansion

In 2003, Mike Pence opposed President George W. Bush's Medicare prescription drug expansion, showcasing his conservative stance.

May 1, 2004: Remarriage of Pence's Mother

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

2005: Chairman of the Republican Study Committee

From 2005 to 2007, Mike Pence served as the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a group of conservative House Republicans.

November 2006: Announced Candidacy for 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.

2006: Re-elected to the House

Mike Pence was re-elected in 2006 to the US House of Representatives defeating Democrat Barry Welsh.

2007: End of Republican Study Committee Chairmanship

In 2007, Mike Pence's tenure as chairman of the Republican Study Committee concluded.

2008: Listed as One of the Ten Best Members of Congress

In 2008, Esquire magazine listed Mike Pence as one of the ten best members of Congress, noting his traditional conservatism.

2008: Re-elected to the House

Mike Pence was re-elected in 2008 to the US House of Representatives defeating Democrat Barry Welsh.

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 the House Republican Conference

From 2009 to 2011, Mike Pence chaired the House Republican Conference.

2009: East Chicago Superfund Site

In 2009, parts of East Chicago were discovered to have toxic lead and arsenic contamination, leading to its designation as a Superfund site.

2009: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

In 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was enacted, funding the Indiana Gateway project that Pence later supported.

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.

September 2010: Top Choice for President in Straw Poll

In September 2010, Mike Pence was the top choice for president in a straw poll conducted by the Values Voter Summit.

2010: Re-elected to the House

Mike Pence was re-elected in 2010 to the US House of Representatives defeating Democrat Barry Welsh.

2010: Indiana's Credit Ratings Maintained

Since 2010, prior to Mike Pence taking office, Indiana maintained AAA credit ratings with the three major credit-rating agencies. These ratings were sustained throughout Pence's tenure as governor.

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 House Republican Conference Chairmanship

In 2011, Mike Pence's tenure as the chairman of the House Republican Conference concluded.

2011: Planned Parenthood Clinic Operations

In 2011, Planned Parenthood (PP) operated five rural clinics in Indiana that tested for HIV and offered prevention, intervention, and counseling.

2012: Elected Governor of Indiana

In 2012, Mike Pence was elected as the Governor of Indiana, winning a close race with just under 50% of the vote.

2012: Mentioned as Possible Republican Candidate for President

In 2012, Mike Pence was mentioned as a potential Republican candidate for president, though he did not ultimately run.

January 14, 2013: Sworn in as Governor of Indiana

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

June 12, 2013: Legislature Overrides Pence's Veto

On June 12, 2013, the Indiana Legislature overrode Governor Pence's veto of a bill related to a local tax authorization. The veto override occurred with a 68-23 vote in the House and a 34-12 vote in the Senate, with most Republican legislators voting against Pence's veto.

2013: Increased School Voucher Eligibility

In 2013, Governor Pence signed legislation into law that greatly increased the number of students in Indiana who qualify for school vouchers, making it one of the largest voucher programs in the United States.

2013: Became Governor of Indiana

In 2013, Mike Pence assumed office as the 50th Governor of Indiana, marking a significant milestone in his political career.

2013: End of House of Representatives Service

In 2013, Mike Pence concluded his service in the U.S. House of Representatives.

2013: Tax Reform Prioritization

In 2013, Mike Pence prioritized tax reform in Indiana, specifically advocating for a ten percent income-tax rate cut. Although he didn't achieve the full ten percent cut, Pence successfully reduced state taxes by five percent and eliminated the inheritance tax. This legislative package was considered the largest tax cut in the state's history, totaling approximately $1.1 billion.

2013: Signed Law Blocking Local Wage and Benefit Requirements

In 2013, Mike Pence signed a law preventing local governments in Indiana from requiring businesses to offer wages or benefits exceeding federal law mandates.

2013: Looking for a Church

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

2013: Defunding Planned Parenthood

In 2013, the Republican-controlled legislature and Governor Pence defunded Planned Parenthood, resulting in Scott County being without an HIV testing center since 2013.

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.

December 2014: HIV Outbreak

Beginning in December 2014, Southern Indiana experienced an HIV outbreak.

2014: Firearms Allowed on School Property

In 2014, Governor Pence signed a bill allowing firearms to be kept in vehicles on school property, despite opposition from Indiana school organizations.

2014: Slow Economic Growth in Indiana

In 2014, Indiana's economy experienced one of the slowest growth rates in the United States, with a GDP growth of 0.4 percent compared to the national average of 2.2 percent, partially attributed to a sluggish manufacturing sector.

2014: Indiana Gateway Project Supported

In 2014, Mike Pence supported the Indiana Gateway project, a $71.4 million passenger and freight rail improvement initiative funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

2014: State Preschool Pilot Program Established

In 2014, a little over one year after taking office, Pence helped establish a $10-million state preschool pilot program in Indiana and testified personally before the state Senate Education Committee in favor of the program to convince fellow Republicans.

2014: Call for Repeal of Common Core Standards

In his 2014 State of the State address, Governor Pence called for the repeal of the Common Core State Standards Initiative. Subsequently, the Indiana General Assembly passed a bill to repeal the standards, making Indiana the first state to do so.

January 2015: State of the State Address

In January 2015, Governor Pence proposed a balanced budget amendment to the state's constitution during his State of the State address. The legislation subsequently passed the state Senate.

March 2015: Needle Exchanges Approved

In March 2015, well after the HIV outbreak began, Governor Pence allowed at least five counties to open needle exchanges, but he did not lift the state ban on funding for needle exchanges.

May 2015: Lawsuit Limitations Against Gun Manufacturers Signed

In May 2015, Governor Pence signed Senate Bill 98 into law, which limited lawsuits against gun and ammunition manufacturers and sellers and retroactively terminated the City of Gary's lawsuit against gun manufacturers and retailers from 1999.

May 2015: Bill Signed Stripping Ritz of Authority

In May 2015, Governor Pence signed a bill that stripped Glenda Ritz, the Indiana superintendent of public instruction, of much of her authority over standardized testing and other education issues. The bill also reconstituted the State Board of Education, dominated by Pence appointees.

October 2015: Federal Loan Payoff Announced

In October 2015, Governor Pence announced plans to pay off a $250 million federal loan that had been used to cover unemployment insurance payments, which had increased during the recession.

2015: Medicaid Expansion Agreement

In 2015, Governor Pence and the Obama administration agreed to expand Medicaid in Indiana through the Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0. The expansion included co-payments by participants, linked to healthy behaviors.

2015: Charter School Funding Secured

In 2015, Governor Pence secured significant increases in charter school funding through legislation, though he did not achieve all of his initial proposals.

2015: Repeal of Prevailing Wage Law

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

2015: Support for Coal Industry

In his 2015 State of the State address, Governor Pence declared that "Indiana is a pro-coal state" and expressed support for an "all-of-the-above energy strategy". He also stated opposition to the EPA's Clean Power Plan.

March 2016: Road-Funding Package Signed

In March 2016, Governor Pence signed legislation to fund a $230 million two-year road-funding package for the state of Indiana.

August 2016: Incentives Paid to Companies that Sent Jobs Abroad

By August 2016, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, led by Mike Pence, had paid out $8.7 million in incentives to ten companies who sent jobs abroad, despite having approved $24 million in such incentives.

2016: Captive Deer Hunting Legalized

In 2016, Governor Pence signed Senate Bill 109 into law, legalizing the captive hunting of farm-raised deer in Indiana.

2016: Continued Defiance of EPA Rule

In 2016, Governor Pence stated that Indiana would continue to defy the EPA's Clean Power Plan, even if legal challenges failed, and would not create its own plan to reduce emissions.

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: Nominated as Trump's Running Mate

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

2016: Diagnosis of Left Bundle Branch Block

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

2016: School Voucher Program Cost

In 2016, the annual cost of the school voucher program in Indiana, which had been expanded through legislation signed by Governor Pence in 2013, was estimated to be $53 million for the 2015-2016 school year.

May 2017: Pence Forms Great America Committee PAC

In May 2017, Mike Pence filed paperwork to form the Great America Committee, a political action committee (PAC), while still in office as vice president. He also denied allegations that he would run for president in 2020.

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.

2017: Served as Vice President

From 2017 to 2021, Mike Pence served as the Vice President of the United States under President Donald Trump.

2017: Became Vice President of the United States

In 2017, Michael Pence became the 48th Vice President of the United States under President Donald Trump.

2017: Board to Appoint Chairman

In 2017, the State Board of Education was enabled to appoint a chairman other than the Superintendent of Public Instruction due to a bill signed in May 2015. The bill also added the State Board of Education as a "state educational authority" for purposes of accessing sensitive student data.

2017: Healthy Indiana Renewal Application

In early 2017, Indiana submitted its application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to renew Healthy Indiana, the state's expanded Medicaid program. There were concerns that the application used "misleading and inaccurate information".

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.

October 2018: Pence's Speech on China at the Hudson Institute

In October 2018, Mike Pence delivered a speech at the Hudson Institute, accusing China of predatory economic practices, military aggression, and attempting to undermine President Trump. He also alleged Chinese interference in U.S. elections and human rights abuses. The New York Times described the speech as a declaration of a new Cold War.

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.

February 28, 2019: Biden Calls Pence a "Decent Guy"

On February 28, 2019, Joe Biden referred to Mike Pence as a "decent guy" during a speech in Omaha, Nebraska. Biden later faced criticism for the complimentary remark, due to Pence's alleged anti-LGBT positions.

June 2019: Suggestion to Replace Pence as Trump's Running Mate

In June 2019, it was suggested that Trump could improve his reelection chances by replacing Pence with Nikki Haley as his running mate. Despite this, Trump affirmed that Pence would remain his running mate.

September 1, 2019: Pence Meets with Zelensky in Poland

On September 1, 2019, Mike Pence met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Poland during a delay in U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Pence stated that he raised issues regarding Ukrainian corruption but did not mention Joe Biden.

September 2019: Pence's Stay at Trump's Resort in Ireland

In September 2019, while attending official meetings with the Irish prime minister in Dublin, Mike Pence stayed at President Trump's resort in Doonbeg, 180 miles away. The transportation costs, including limousine service and flights on Air Force Two, totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars.

January 2020: Pence Defends Soleimani Assassination

In January 2020, Mike Pence defended Trump's decision to assassinate Qasem Soleimani, promoting conspiracy theories linking al-Qaeda to Iran. Pence claimed Soleimani assisted the 9/11 terrorists, which drew criticism and was considered unsubstantiated by many experts.

February 2020: Pence Defends Debt- and Deficit-Spending

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

February 26, 2020: Pence Leads White House Coronavirus Task Force

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

April 2020: Pence Visits Mayo Clinic Without Mask

In April 2020, Mike Pence visited the Mayo Clinic without wearing a face mask, despite the hospital's policy. He defended his actions, stating he needed to look staff "in the eye." He later acknowledged he should have worn a mask.

June 2020: Pence's Misleading Claims About Coronavirus Pandemic

In late June 2020, Mike Pence gave a press briefing with optimistic but misleading claims about the state of the coronavirus pandemic. He argued that case surges were due to increased testing, despite evidence to the contrary, and falsely claimed declining fatalities and that all states were opening up.

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.

December 2020: Lawsuit filed against Pence to overturn election

In December 2020, a federal lawsuit was filed against Pence by Republican congressman Louie Gohmert and others, seeking to grant Pence the power to reject state-certified presidential electors in order to overturn Biden's victory. The lawsuit was later dismissed.

2020: Appointment to Coronavirus Response

In 2020, President Trump appointed Mike Pence to lead the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Trump cited Pence's ostensible experience with managing an HIV epidemic in Indiana, despite the criticism of Pence's delayed response.

2020: Lost Re-election Bid

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

2020: Trump's rally and the Capitol storming

On January 6, 2021, during the joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 election results, Trump held a rally in 2020 urging listeners to go to the Capitol, expressing hope Pence would "do the right thing". Many listeners then marched to and stormed the Capitol.

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 6, 2021: Oversaw Certification of Election Results

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

January 2021: Trump pressures Pence to overturn election

In January 2021, Trump pressured Pence to overturn the election results during the January 6 congressional joint session. Pence maintained that the Constitution did not grant him that power.

January 20, 2021: Pence leaves office

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

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 and the Young America's Foundation, planning to launch a new podcast.

March 2021: Pence narrates "Age of Rush" series

In March 2021, Pence narrated a four-part television series on Rush Limbaugh's career, titled "Age of Rush", which debuted on Fox Nation.

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April 2021: Pence signs book deal with Simon & Schuster

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

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 recognized for courage

In 2021, Mike Pence was recognized for "putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on Jan. 6, 2021".

2021: End of Vice Presidency

In 2021, Mike Pence's term as the 48th Vice President of the United States came to an end with the inauguration of the new administration.

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.

May 2022: Pence considers presidential run

In May 2022, The New York Times reported that Pence was considering a presidential run regardless of Trump's decision.

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.

July 2022: Pence appears in documentary "Unprecedented"

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

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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.

January 2023: Classified documents found at Pence's home

In January 2023, after classified documents were found at Biden's home, Pence asked his lawyer to search his home, leading to the discovery of classified documents which were then turned over to the FBI. The FBI searched his home on February 10.

February 9, 2023: Pence subpoenaed regarding Capitol attack

On February 9, 2023, it was reported that Pence had been subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith regarding the attack on the Capitol.

April 27, 2023: Pence testifies before grand jury

On April 27, 2023, Pence testified before the grand jury, stating, "We'll obey the law, we'll tell the truth."

June 5, 2023: Pence launches presidential bid

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

June 2023: Launched 2024 Presidential Bid

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

October 28, 2023: Pence withdraws from presidential race

On October 28, 2023, Pence, with weak fundraising and poll numbers, withdrew from the presidential race.

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".

2024: Pence visits Ukraine

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

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.

April 3, 2025: Pence receives JFK Profile in Courage Award

On April 3, 2025, The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation announced Pence as the recipient of the JFK Profile in Courage Award for his actions on January 6, 2021.

May 4, 2025: Awarded JFK Profile in Courage Award

On May 4, 2025, Mike Pence received the JFK Profile in Courage Award for his actions on January 6, 2021, when he certified the 2020 election results despite pressure to overturn them.

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".