Mike Pence Then and Now

Mike Pence Then

Mike Pence, born on June 7, 1959, in Columbus, Indiana, is the second of six children in the family of Edward and Nancy Pence. 

His upbringing in a close-knit household contributed to his strong sense of community and values, which would later influence his political career. 

Pence’s heritage reflects a mix of German and Irish ancestry, a background that he often cites as part of his American identity. 

Growing up in Indiana, he was shaped by the cultural and social values of the Midwest, which he carried with him into adulthood.

Pence attended Columbus North High School, where he graduated in 1977. 

His academic journey continued at Hanover College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1981. 

It was during his time at Hanover that Pence experienced a significant religious transformation; he abandoned his Catholic roots and became a born-again evangelical Christian. 

This pivotal moment deepened his faith and commitment to conservative values, setting the stage for his future political career. 

Following his undergraduate studies, Pence pursued a Juris Doctor degree at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, which he completed in 1986. 

His legal education equipped him with the skills necessary for a career in public service, and he quickly became involved in local politics, ultimately leading him to positions at both the state and national levels.

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Mike Pence’s Political Career

Mike Pence’s political career began after he graduated from law school and entered private practice as an attorney. 

In 1988, he first sought political office by running for Congress against the Democratic incumbent Philip Sharp. 

Though his initial attempt was unsuccessful, he remained undeterred and ran again in 1990, only to face another defeat. 

During this period, Pence expanded his influence through a burgeoning media career, hosting talk radio shows on local Indiana stations like WRCR-FM and WNDE. 

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His experience in broadcasting culminated in a weekly public affairs television show on Indianapolis station WNDY starting in 1995, which helped him build a platform and engage with the public on political issues.

Pence’s persistence paid off in 2000 when he successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Indiana’s 2nd congressional district.

He served from 2001 to 2013 and became a prominent member of the conservative Tea Party Caucus, advocating for limited government and fiscal conservatism. 

His tenure was marked by his role as the chairman of the House Republican Conference, a position he attained in early 2009. 

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Despite introducing 90 bills and resolutions during his time in office, none were passed into law, reflecting the challenges he faced in a divided Congress.

In 2012, Pence turned his sights on the Indiana governorship, winning the Republican nomination to succeed the term-limited Mitch Daniels. 

He triumphed over Democrat John R. Gregg in what was noted as the closest gubernatorial election in Indiana in 50 years. 

As governor, Pence implemented significant tax cuts and championed increased funding for private education, while also enacting legislation that restricted access to abortion services. 

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His support for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 2015 drew national controversy and backlash, resulting in amendments to the bill to ensure protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Pence’s political trajectory shifted dramatically in 2016 when he withdrew from his gubernatorial re-election campaign to become Donald Trump’s running mate in the presidential election. 

The Trump-Pence ticket won, and Pence was inaugurated as vice president in January 2017. 

In this role, he chaired the reestablished National Space Council and played a pivotal role in several high-profile events, including the Trump-Ukraine scandal, which ultimately led to Trump’s first impeachment. 

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Pence defended the president amid allegations of misconduct, particularly concerning a controversial phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in early 2020, Pence was appointed chair of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. 

His handling of the crisis drew substantial criticism for inadequate measures to control the virus’s spread and for disseminating misleading information regarding the pandemic’s status. 

Facing dwindling public approval ratings alongside Trump, Pence’s political fortunes suffered in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, which saw the Trump-Pence ticket defeated by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

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After leaving office, Pence sought to navigate his post-Trump identity by distancing himself from the former president, endorsing candidates in Republican primaries who opposed Trump’s influence. 

Despite these efforts, he has continued to advocate for many of the right-wing positions he held during his time in office, including strong opposition to abortion rights, LGBTQ rights, and immigration reforms. 

Pence’s political career illustrates a journey of resilience in the face of electoral setbacks, a commitment to conservative values, and the complexities of aligning with an increasingly polarized political landscape.

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Mike Pence’s Wife and Children

During his time in law school, Mike Pence met Karen Batten, a pivotal figure in his personal life. 

The two connected at Mass, where their shared faith and values laid the foundation for their relationship. 

They married in 1985, embarking on a journey together that would see them through Pence’s burgeoning political career and family life. As devoted parents, they raised three children: Michael, Charlotte, and Audrey. 

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Their son Michael has continued the family tradition of service by becoming a first lieutenant and pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps, embodying the Pence family’s commitment to public service. 

Meanwhile, their daughter Charlotte has made her mark as an author, showcasing the diverse paths their children have taken. 

The Pence family’s dynamic reflects a strong emphasis on faith, education, and service, which has influenced both their personal and professional lives.

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Mike Pence Now

At 65 years old, Mike Pence remains a prominent figure in American politics, known for his conservative stance and dedication to Republican values. 

Serving as the 48th vice president of the United States from 2017 to 2021 under President Donald Trump, Pence played a significant role in shaping the administration’s policies and priorities. 

His tenure in the White House was marked by major events, including tax reforms, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and various contentious issues such as immigration and healthcare. 

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Pence’s vice presidency was characterized by his unwavering loyalty to Trump, which helped him build a strong political brand within the party, even as he later sought to differentiate himself in a post-Trump political landscape.

Prior to his role as vice president, Pence served as the 50th governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017, where he implemented policies aimed at economic growth and education reform. 

His governorship was also noted for controversial legislation, particularly concerning abortion and religious freedom, which garnered both support and criticism from various sectors of society. 

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Pence’s experience in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served from 2001 to 2013, provided him with a solid foundation in legislative processes and helped establish his reputation as a conservative leader.

Since leaving office, Pence has continued to be active in political circles, engaging in public speaking, endorsing candidates, and exploring his potential future in politics. 

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He has sought to distance himself from some of Trump’s more polarizing actions while maintaining a commitment to the conservative principles that defined his career. 

Pence’s ongoing involvement in the Republican Party reflects his desire to remain a key player in shaping the party’s direction and addressing the challenges it faces in a rapidly changing political landscape.

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Mike Pence’s Net Worth

Mike Pence, an American politician, has a net worth estimated at $4 million, reflecting his earnings from his extensive career in public service, including his roles as the vice president of the United States, governor of Indiana, and member of the U.S. House of Representatives. 

His financial portfolio likely includes income from his government salaries, speaking engagements, and book deals, showcasing the financial opportunities available to prominent political figures.

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