Politics

Who Is Mike Pence? 5 Things You Need To Know

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Multiple news outlets are reporting that Indiana governor Mike Pence will be Donald Trump’s running mate. Here are five things you need to know.

 

  1. He has experience both as a governor and as a congressman.
    Pence served in the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013. The American Conservative Union gave Pence a 99 percent rating during his time in Congress. Pence has served as the governor of Indiana since 2013.
  2. He’s been a staunch supporter of free trade.
    While in Congress, Pence supported the North American Free Trade Agreement. As governor, he urged Congress to pass the Trans Pacific Partnership. Trump, meanwhile, has voiced his opposition to both NAFTA and the TPP.


  3. He’s an evangelical Christian.
    Pence was raised Catholic but now considers himself a born-again Christian. He has long described himself as “a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order.” If selected as Trump’s running mate, Pence’s strong faith could help win over social conservatives doubtful of the sincerity of Trump’s religious beliefs.
  4. He originally supported Ted Cruz in the Republican primary.
    Pence announced in April that he would be supporting Cruz for president, although he still paid tribute to Trump while doing so. “I particularly want to commend Donald Trump, who I think has given voice to the frustration of millions of working Americans with the lack of progress in Washington, D.C.,” he said at the time.
  5. He was criticized for signing — and then revising — the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
    In March 2015, Pence signed into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Pence was sharply criticized for signing the bill by liberals who claimed the law could be used to discriminate against gays. Pence then revised the bill a week later, earning him criticism from religious leaders who said he caved to outside pressure.

Follow Peter Hasson on Twitter @PeterJHasson