Michael Richard "Mike" Pence (born June 7, 1959) is an American politician who served as the 48th vice president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 50th governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017, and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013.
Pence was born and raised in Columbus, Indiana. He graduated from Hanover College and then graduated from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. After law school, Pence worked as a radio talk show host and in the insurance industry. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000. As a congressman, Pence was a conservative firebrand who opposed abortion, same-sex marriage, and gun control. He was also a strong supporter of the Iraq War.
In 2012, Pence was elected governor of Indiana. As governor, Pence signed into law a number of conservative policies, including a law that restricted abortion access and a law that allowed businesses to refuse service to same-sex couples. He also signed into law a law that required drug testing for welfare recipients.
In 2016, Pence was selected as the running mate of Donald Trump. The Trump-Pence ticket won the election, and Pence became vice president. As vice president, Pence was a loyal supporter of Trump. He defended Trump's policies and decisions, even when they were controversial.
Pence left office on January 20, 2021, after Trump's defeat in the 2020 presidential election. Pence has since retired from politics and has returned to his home in Indiana.
Pence is a controversial figure. His conservative views have alienated many people, but he has also been praised by his supporters for his strong leadership and his commitment to his beliefs.