Greg Pence

Greg Pence is an American businessman and politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Indiana's 6th congressional district from 2019 until 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he succeeded his brother, Mike Pence, who held the same seat from 2001 to 2013. During his time in Congress, Greg Pence represented a district that encompasses much of east-central Indiana, including his hometown of Columbus, as well as other cities such as Greenfield, Richmond, Shelbyville, and parts of Indianapolis. His tenure in the House was marked by his alignment with party leadership and involvement in various legislative committees.

Early life and career

Greg Pence was born on November 14, 1956, in Columbus, Indiana, where he was raised as the eldest of six children in a Catholic family. His parents, Ann Jane "Nancy" and Edward Joseph Pence Jr., operated a group of gas stations, which provided a backdrop for his early understanding of business. Pence's formative years included participating in political activities; he and his brothers were involved in a campaign parade for Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater in 1964.

Pence pursued higher education at Loyola University Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology and philosophy. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration in 1983. His commitment to service began when he received a commission in the United States Marine Corps in 1981. Over the next five and a half years, he served in various capacities, ultimately achieving the rank of first lieutenant. His military service included a deployment to Beirut, Lebanon, during a tumultuous period in the region.

Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Pence transitioned into the business sector. He became involved with Kiel Brothers Oil Company in 1988 after the passing of his father. Pence served as the company's president from 1998 until 2004, a period during which the company operated gas stations and convenience stores. However, after his departure, Kiel Brothers Oil Company faced significant financial challenges, culminating in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2004. The aftermath of the company's closure had lasting implications, with reports indicating that the cleanup of the business sites incurred substantial costs for the state of Indiana.

In addition to his role at Kiel Brothers, Pence worked for other companies in the energy sector, including Marathon Oil and Unocal. His business acumen was recognized when he was elected to the board of directors of Home Federal Bancorp and its subsidiary, Home Federal Savings Bank, in 1999.

House tenure

Pence's political career began in earnest when he was appointed finance chairman for U.S. Representative Luke Messer's campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2018. Following Messer's decision to vacate his House seat, Pence launched his own campaign for the 6th congressional district. He won the Republican nomination on May 8, 2018, in a competitive primary that was noted for its high financial stakes, with Pence raising significant funds to support his candidacy.

In the November 2018 general election, Pence faced Democrat Jeannine Lake and won decisively, securing over 30% more votes than his opponent. He was re-elected in 2020, defeating Lake again in a rematch with a substantial majority.

During his tenure in the House, Pence was involved in several key votes and legislative discussions. Notably, in January 2021, he voted to reject the electoral votes from Pennsylvania, aligning himself with then-President Donald Trump amid the controversy surrounding the Capitol insurrection. Pence's decision drew attention, particularly given the threats directed at his brother, Mike Pence, during the events of that day.

In May 2021, Pence opposed a House bill aimed at establishing a commission to investigate the January 6 insurrection, arguing that the proposal was a partisan effort by Democrats. His stance reflected a broader trend among some Republican lawmakers who sought to distance themselves from the implications of the insurrection.

Pence's legislative actions also included criticism of President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan in August 2022. This criticism was met with scrutiny due to Pence's own experience with a Paycheck Protection Program loan that had been forgiven, raising questions about consistency in his positions.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in Congress, Greg Pence served on several important committees that shaped his legislative focus. For the 118th Congress, he was a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, which plays a critical role in overseeing a wide range of issues, including energy policy, healthcare, and environmental regulations. Within this committee, he participated in various subcommittees, including those focused on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security, as well as Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials, and Health.

Pence's involvement in these committees allowed him to engage with significant national issues, particularly those related to energy policy and healthcare, which are vital to his constituents in Indiana. His work on these committees reflected his commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of his district while aligning with the broader priorities of the Republican Party.

In January 2024, Pence announced that he would not seek re-election for the 119th United States Congress, concluding his tenure in the House. His decision marked the end of a political chapter that began with his election in 2018 and was characterized by his alignment with party leadership and active participation in legislative matters affecting his constituents and the nation.

Pence's personal life includes his marriage to Denise, with whom he shares four children and ten grandchildren. The couple owns two antique malls in southern Indiana, reflecting their business interests outside of politics. As a practicing Catholic, Pence remains active in his community and attends St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Columbus. His family's involvement in political activities, including participation in national conventions, underscores their engagement in the political landscape of Indiana and the broader United States.