History of Mike Pence in Timeline
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Death of Pence's Father
In 1988, Pence's father passed away, leaving his mother a widow with several children.
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: Identified as Catholic
In 1994, Pence called himself Catholic in a news piece.
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: Joined Grace Evangelical Church
By 1995, Pence and his family had joined an evangelical megachurch, the Grace Evangelical Church.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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: 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
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.
2009: Belief in God's Creation
In 2009, when asked about evolution, Pence stated 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
August 2016: Millions in Incentives Paid to Companies Sending Jobs Abroad
By August 2016, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation led by Mike Pence had paid out $8.7 million of $24 million approved in incentives to ten companies who sent jobs abroad.
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: Described as a Principled Conservative by Paul Ryan
In 2016, House Speaker Paul Ryan described Mike Pence as a "principled conservative".
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: 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.
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.
October 8, 2017: Pence walks out of NFL game after players kneel during national anthem
On October 8, 2017, Mike Pence walked out of a game between the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers after 49ers players knelt during the national anthem. Pence stated he would not dignify events disrespecting soldiers, the Flag, or the national anthem. The action was criticized as a publicity stunt, with estimates suggesting it cost taxpayers $242,500 for his travel on Air Force Two. 49ers safety Eric Reid questioned Pence's regularity in attending Colts games, overshadowing a day meant to honor Peyton Manning. The following year, Pence reacted positively to the NFL's new policy requiring players to stand during the anthem.
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.
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.
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.
October 2018: Pence delivers speech on China at Hudson Institute
In October 2018, Mike Pence delivered a speech at the Hudson Institute, accusing China of predatory economic practices, military aggression, meddling in U.S. elections, building a surveillance state, and engaging in debt-trap diplomacy. He also commented on Taiwan's embrace of democracy, and the New York Times described the speech as a declaration of a new Cold War.
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 28, 2019: Biden refers to Pence as a "decent guy"
On February 28, 2019, Joe Biden referred to Mike Pence as a "decent guy" in a speech in Omaha, Nebraska. Biden later faced criticism for his complimentary remarks.
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.
September 2019: Pence stays at Trump's resort during meetings in Ireland
In September 2019, Mike Pence attended official meetings with the Irish prime minister in Dublin, Ireland, but stayed at President Trump's resort in Doonbeg, 180 miles away. The costs for the limousine service alone totaled $599,000.
January 2020: Pence defends Trump's decision to assassinate Qasem Soleimani
In January 2020, Mike Pence defended Trump's decision to assassinate Qasem Soleimani, promoting conspiracy theories linking al-Qaeda attacks to Iran. He insisted Soleimani assisted in the clandestine travel of terrorists involved in the September 11 attacks, claims which were widely disputed.
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.
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.
April 2020: Pence exempts himself from mask policy at Mayo Clinic
In April 2020, Mike Pence exempted himself from the Mayo Clinic's policy of wearing a face mask during a visit. He defended his action by saying he needed to look staff "in the eye". The next day, opponents criticized him, and later, Pence acknowledged he should have worn a mask.
June 2020: Pence gives optimistic press briefing on coronavirus pandemic
In late June 2020, Mike Pence gave an optimistic press briefing on the coronavirus pandemic, making several misleading and false claims about the state of the pandemic. Pence misleadingly argued that surges in cases were the result of increased testing. He also falsely claimed that coronavirus fatalities were declining and that all 50 states were opening up.
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.
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: Pence makes misleading remarks about law enforcement during Republican convention
During the 2020 Republican convention, Mike Pence stated that a federal security officer was killed during riots in Oakland, implying he was killed by rioters, when in fact, he was killed by a man linked to the far-right Boogaloo movement.
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: 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.
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.
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: End of term as Vice President
In 2021, Mike Pence's term as the 48th Vice President of the United States concluded.
2021: Pence receives JFK Profile in Courage Award for actions on Jan 6, 2021
On April 3, 2025, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation announced Pence as the recipient of the JFK Profile in Courage Award "for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on Jan. 6, 2021".
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.
2021: Pence's potential presidential campaign prospects
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.
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.
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."
July 2022: Pence appears in 'Unprecedented' documentary
In July 2022, Mike Pence appeared in the documentary "Unprecedented".
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.
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.
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.
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 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".
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.
January 16, 2025: Pence urges support for Taiwan
On January 16, 2025, speaking in Taipei, Pence urged President-elect Trump to continue supporting 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 role in ensuring the constitutional transfer of presidential power on January 6, 2021.
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