Mike Pence

Michael Richard Pence is an American lawyer, broadcaster, and Republican politician who served as the 48th vice president of the United States under President Donald Trump. Before becoming vice president, he represented Indiana in the House of Representatives and served as governor of Indiana. His vice presidency included the administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and his constitutional role as president of the Senate.

Pence was born in Columbus, Indiana, to Edward Pence Jr. and Nancy Cawley Pence. He grew up in a Catholic family in Columbus and graduated from Columbus North High School. He attended Hanover College, graduating in 1981, and earned his law degree from Indiana University in 1986. After law school he practiced law in Indianapolis and became active in conservative political organizations and Republican politics.

Pence first sought federal office in the 1980s but did not win election. He later became a radio talk-show host and commentator in Indiana, building a political following through his broadcasts. In 2000 he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana's second congressional district and subsequently served six terms. During his House career he became chairman of the Republican Study Committee and later chairman of the House Republican Conference.

Pence was elected governor of Indiana in 2012 and took office in January 2013. As governor, he worked on state tax, education, economic-development, and social-policy issues. In 2016 Donald Trump selected Pence as his running mate, and the Republican ticket won the election. Pence became vice president on January 20, 2017, and served as president of the Senate. He also chaired the White House Coronavirus Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pence's vice presidency became particularly significant during the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath. On January 6, 2021, he presided over the congressional counting of electoral votes as required by the Constitution and federal law. Pence rejected the argument that the vice president possessed unilateral authority to reject or return electoral votes, and he proceeded with the certification of the election results after Congress reconvened.

After leaving office on January 20, 2021, Pence remained active in national politics and public affairs. He launched a campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in 2023 but suspended his campaign in October of that year. His legacy includes his career in Indiana politics, his four years as vice president, his role during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his actions during the 2020 election certification.