Mike Pence
Michael Richard Pence (1959– Present), commonly known as Mike Pence, served as the 48th Vice President of the United States under President Donald J. Trump from 2017 to 2021. A staunch conservative and devout evangelical Christian, Pence’s career in politics spanned decades, including his time as a congressman and governor of Indiana. Known for his steady demeanor and loyalty to Trump, Pence played a critical role in one of the most turbulent administrations in modern American history.
Early Life and Education
Mike Pence was born on June 7, 1959, in Columbus, Indiana, to Edward and Nancy Pence. His father, a U.S. Army veteran and gas station owner, and his mother, a homemaker, raised Pence in a devout Roman Catholic household. Pence was the third of six children in a family that valued hard work, faith, and public service (Gillon, 2020).
Pence attended Columbus North High School, where he was active in student government and sports. After graduating in 1977, he enrolled at Hanover College, a liberal arts institution in Indiana. At Hanover, Pence studied history and gained an interest in public affairs, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981. During his college years, Pence underwent a spiritual transformation, embracing evangelical Christianity and adopting conservative political beliefs that would shape his career (LoBianco, 2018).
Following his undergraduate studies, Pence attended Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1986. While practicing law in private practice, Pence began to explore a career in politics, inspired by Ronald Reagan’s vision of limited government and traditional values (Gillon, 2020).
Early Political Career
Congressional Campaigns
Pence first entered the political arena in the late 1980s, running for Congress in Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District. Although he lost elections in 1988 and 1990, these campaigns established Pence as a rising figure in Indiana politics. Despite his initial defeats, Pence gained valuable experience and honed his conservative message, which emphasized fiscal responsibility, social conservatism, and a strong national defense (LoBianco, 2018).
Radio Career
After his congressional losses, Pence became a radio talk show host, creating The Mike Pence Show. Airing statewide in Indiana, Pence’s program featured discussions on current events and conservative commentary. Dubbed “Rush Limbaugh on decaf,” Pence’s style was measured and approachable, helping him build a loyal following and increasing his visibility in the state. This platform allowed him to cultivate a network of supporters and donors, paving the way for his eventual return to electoral politics (Gillon, 2020).
U.S. House of Representatives (2001–2013)
In 2000, Pence successfully ran for Congress in Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District, which later became the 6th District due to redistricting. He served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 2001 to 2013, during which he became a prominent voice for conservative principles.
Legislative Focus
Pence’s tenure in Congress was marked by his commitment to limited government, lower taxes, and social conservatism. He opposed federal spending increases, voting against President George W. Bush’s Medicare Part D expansion and the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) during the financial crisis of 2008. Pence also co-sponsored numerous bills aimed at restricting abortion access and supporting religious freedom (LoBianco, 2018).
Leadership Roles
Pence rose through the ranks of Republican leadership, serving as chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a caucus of conservative lawmakers, from 2005 to 2007. In 2009, he was elected chairman of the House Republican Conference, the third-highest leadership position in the Republican Party. These roles solidified Pence’s reputation as a principled conservative and positioned him as a potential candidate for higher office (Gillon, 2020).
Governor of Indiana (2013–2017)
In 2012, Pence ran for governor of Indiana, narrowly defeating Democratic candidate John Gregg. He served as the 50th governor of the state from 2013 to 2017, focusing on economic growth, education reform, and conservative social policies.
Economic Policies
As governor, Pence prioritized tax cuts and deregulation to stimulate economic growth. He signed legislation reducing the state’s income tax rate and corporate tax rate, positioning Indiana as a business-friendly state. Pence also championed job creation initiatives, often highlighting Indiana’s low unemployment rate and strong manufacturing sector (LoBianco, 2018).
Controversies
Pence’s governorship was not without controversy. In 2015, he signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which critics argued allowed businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals under the guise of religious liberty. The law sparked national backlash, leading to protests and boycotts by major corporations and organizations. Pence later signed an amendment clarifying the law’s intent, but the controversy tarnished his reputation and highlighted the challenges of balancing conservative values with broader public opinion (Gillon, 2020).
Vice Presidency (2017–2021)
In 2016, Donald Trump selected Pence as his running mate in the presidential election. Pence’s steady demeanor, deep ties to the evangelical community, and experience in government complemented Trump’s outsider persona. The Trump-Pence ticket won a surprising victory over Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine, and Pence was inaugurated as Vice President on January 20, 2017 (LoBianco, 2018).
Role and Influence
As Vice President, Pence served as a loyal deputy to Trump, often acting as a bridge between the White House and congressional Republicans. He played a central role in advancing key administration policies, including tax reform, deregulation, and the appointment of conservative judges. Pence also chaired the White House Coronavirus Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the federal government’s response to the crisis (Gillon, 2020).
January 6th Insurrection
Pence’s most defining moment as Vice President occurred on January 6, 2021, during the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. As presiding officer of the Senate, Pence faced immense pressure from Trump and his supporters to reject electoral votes from contested states. Despite this, Pence upheld his constitutional duty, certifying Joe Biden’s victory and affirming the integrity of the election. His actions earned bipartisan praise but also alienated many within Trump’s base (LoBianco, 2018).
Personal Life and Character
Mike Pence married Karen Batten in 1985, and the couple has three children: Michael, Charlotte, and Audrey. Karen Pence, an educator and artist, has been an active advocate for military families and art therapy. The Pences are known for their strong Christian faith and traditional family values, which have shaped their public image and political priorities (LoBianco, 2018).
Pence’s character is often described as disciplined, humble, and unwavering in his beliefs. While critics view him as overly deferential to Trump and inflexible in his ideology, supporters admire his integrity and commitment to his principles (Gillon, 2020).
Final Summary
Mike Pence’s political career reflects his deep commitment to conservative values, public service, and faith. From his early days as a congressman and governor to his tenure as Vice President during a pivotal era in American history, Pence consistently prioritized limited government, economic growth, and traditional social policies. While his legacy is shaped by both accomplishments and controversies, Pence’s steadfast dedication to his principles and his role in defending constitutional norms during the 2020 election underscore his significance in modern American politics.
References
Gillon, S. M. (2020). The Modern Vice Presidency: Power and Influence in the White House. New York: Basic Books.
LoBianco, T. (2018). Piety and Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House. New York: HarperCollins.
Mann, T. E., & Ornstein, N. J. (2016). The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America and How to Get It Back on Track. New York: Oxford University Press.
Pomper, G. M. (2017). Elections in America: Control and Influence in Democratic Politics. New York: Routledge.
Woodward, B., & Costa, R. (2021). Peril. New York: Simon & Schuster.