Mike Pence

Mike Pence, born on June 7, 1959, in Columbus, Indiana, is a prominent American politician and lawyer who served as the 48th vice president of the United States from 2017 to 2021 under President Donald Trump. A member of the Republican Party, Pence's political career includes serving as the 50th governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017 and as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013.

Pence graduated from Hanover College and the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. His early political endeavors included two unsuccessful bids for the House in 1988 and 1990. However, he found success in 2000 when he was elected to represent Indiana's 2nd district, later serving the 6th district until 2013. During his time in Congress, he chaired the Republican Study Committee and the House Republican Conference.

As governor, Pence implemented Indiana's largest tax cut and advocated for increased funding for private education. His tenure was marked by significant legislation, including controversial anti-abortion laws and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which faced backlash from various groups, prompting him to amend the law to include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

In 2016, Pence became Donald Trump's running mate, and together they won the election. As vice president, he chaired the National Space Council and the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Following their loss in the 2020 presidential election, Pence faced a tumultuous relationship with Trump, particularly regarding the certification of the election results amidst the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.

After distancing himself from Trump, Pence launched a presidential bid in June 2023 but withdrew by October. He received the JFK Profile in Courage Award on May 4, 2025, recognizing his actions on January 6, 2021, amidst a challenging political landscape.