Michael Richard Pence, commonly known as Mike Pence, is an American politician, lawyer, and former radio personality who served as the 48th Vice President of the United States from 2017 to 2021 under President Donald Trump. A prominent figure and leading social conservative in the Republican Party, Pence is known for his social conservatism, evangelical Christian faith, and alignment with Tea Party principles. Born in Columbus, Indiana, he rose through Indiana politics, serving as the 50th Governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017, where he focused on economic development, education reform, and pro-life policies, though his tenure included controversies such as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which sparked debates over LGBTQ+ rights. Prior to his governorship, Pence represented Indiana's 2nd and later 6th congressional districts in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013. As a congressman, he advocated for limited government, fiscal conservatism, and traditional family values, chairing the House Republican Study Committee and playing a key role in budget negotiations. Before entering politics, Pence hosted the conservative talk radio show "The Mike Pence Show" from 1992 to 1999, which helped build his public profile in Indiana. After leaving the vice presidency, Pence has remained active in conservative circles, teaching at Hillsdale College and considering future political runs while maintaining a low profile amid the post-January 6, 2021 political landscape. His career has been shaped by his devout Catholicism, later converting to evangelical Christianity, influencing his stances on abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious liberty. He has faced criticism for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as vice president and for certifying the 2020 election results, which strained his relationship with Trump supporters. Despite these challenges, Pence remains a respected figure among establishment Republicans for his steady demeanor and policy expertise.