What Happened to Michael Richard Pence?
Mike Pence, former Vice President of the United States, launched a bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but withdrew in October 2023 due to low polling and fundraising. Since then, he has focused on leading his conservative advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom, and has stated he has no plans to run for elected office again, instead aiming to be a voice for conservative values.
Quick Answer
After serving as Vice President under Donald Trump, Mike Pence sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 but suspended his campaign in October 2023. He has since dedicated his efforts to Advancing American Freedom, a conservative advocacy group he founded. As of May 2026, Pence has publicly stated he does not intend to re-enter the political arena as a candidate, preferring to champion conservative principles and engage in public discourse, including speaking at events and holding an academic position.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Leaves Vice Presidency
Mike Pence concludes his term as the 48th Vice President of the United States, succeeded by Kamala Harris.
Founds Advancing American Freedom
Pence establishes Advancing American Freedom (AAF), a conservative advocacy and policy organization aimed at promoting 'pro-freedom policies' and countering the 'radical Left' agenda.
Publishes Memoir 'So Help Me God'
Pence releases his autobiography, 'So Help Me God,' detailing his life, political career, and his experiences as Vice President, including his account of January 6, 2021.
Hints at 2024 Presidential Run
In an interview, Pence expresses confidence that voters will have 'better choices than my old running mate come 2024,' signaling his strong consideration of a presidential bid.
Launches 2024 Presidential Campaign
On his 64th birthday, Mike Pence formally announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.
Suspends Presidential Campaign
Citing low poll numbers and fundraising challenges, Pence withdraws from the 2024 Republican presidential race at the Republican Jewish Coalition's annual leadership meeting in Las Vegas.
Advancing American Freedom Launches 'American Solutions Project'
Pence's AAF unveils a $20 million initiative, the 'American Solutions Project,' to defend and promote traditional conservative principles, contrasting with 'unprincipled populism.'
Declines to Endorse Donald Trump for 2024
Pence publicly states that he cannot 'in good conscience' endorse Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election, further solidifying his break with his former running mate.
FEC Declares Eligibility for Matching Funds
The Federal Election Commission declares Mike Pence eligible to receive public matching funds for his 2024 presidential campaign, primarily to help pay off campaign debts.
Speaks at Dartmouth, Reiterates Non-Endorsement
Pence speaks at Dartmouth College, urging a return to civility in politics and reaffirming his decision not to endorse Trump, while also stating he could not vote for Kamala Harris.
Receives Profile in Courage Award
Pence is awarded the Profile in Courage Award for his actions on January 6, 2021, when he upheld the Constitution by certifying the 2020 election results.
Joins George Mason University as Distinguished Professor
Pence joins the George Mason University Schar School of Public Policy as a distinguished professor of practice, engaging in academic discourse on American politics and conservatism.
Advancing American Freedom Poaches Heritage Foundation Staff
Pence's Advancing American Freedom attracts over a dozen top staffers from the Heritage Foundation, signaling AAF's growing influence within the conservative movement.
Speaks at Mackinac Policy Conference
Pence addresses the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, discussing the political landscape, his relationship with Donald Trump, and emphasizing the need for common ground.
Reiterates No Plans for Future Candidacy
Pence confirms he has 'no plans to reenter the political arena' as a candidate, instead focusing on being an 'unwavering voice for conservative values' through Advancing American Freedom.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Following his tenure as Vice President from 2017 to 2021, Mike Pence embarked on a path that saw him both attempt a return to electoral politics and solidify his role as a leading voice in the conservative movement. A pivotal moment defining his post-vice presidency was his refusal to overturn the 2020 election results on January 6, 2021, a decision that garnered him praise for upholding the Constitution but also alienated a significant portion of former President Donald Trump's base.
In November 2022, Pence released his memoir, 'So Help Me God,' which chronicled his life, political journey, and his time in the Trump administration, offering his perspective on key events, including January 6th. Speculation about a 2024 presidential run intensified, and in June 2023, Pence formally launched his campaign for the Republican nomination, positioning himself as a traditional conservative alternative to Trump. However, his campaign struggled to gain traction, facing low poll numbers and fundraising challenges.
After just over three months, Pence withdrew from the presidential race on October 28, 2023, acknowledging that 'this was not my time.' His decision underscored the difficulty for candidates to break through against Trump's dominant influence within the Republican Party. Following his campaign's suspension, Pence maintained his critical stance towards Trump, announcing in March 2024 that he could not 'in good conscience' endorse Trump for the 2024 presidential election.
Since his withdrawal, Pence has focused on Advancing American Freedom (AAF), a conservative advocacy and policy group he founded in 2021. AAF aims to promote conservative principles, defend liberty, and influence policy, launching initiatives like the 'American Solutions Project' with a $20 million blueprint in February 2024. In December 2025, AAF expanded its influence by attracting top staff from the Heritage Foundation, signaling its growing role in shaping conservative thought. In May 2025, Pence was recognized for his actions on January 6th, receiving the Profile in Courage Award.
As of May 2026, Mike Pence continues to be an active figure in conservative discourse. In October 2025, he joined the George Mason University Schar School of Public Policy as a distinguished professor of practice. He was a featured speaker at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference in May 2026, where he discussed the political landscape and the importance of finding common ground. During an interview on April 30, 2026, Pence explicitly stated he has 'no plans to reenter the political arena' as a candidate, instead committing to being an 'unwavering voice for the conservative values' that he believes have long defined the Republican Party. He continues to advocate for traditional conservative principles, often contrasting them with the 'populist right.'
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Michael Richard Pence made different choices?