“In 2017, I ran for Congress because I was ready to serve again. As a former Marine officer, I approached the job with purpose,” Pence said. “After three terms, I’ve made the decision to not file for reelection.”
Pence, the brother of former Vice President Mike Pence, was first elected to Congress in November 2018, overwhelming his Democratic opponent by winning 64% of the vote. In August of last year, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch asked Pence to be her running mate in the 2024 gubernatorial election.
Before joining the U.S. House of Representatives, Pence joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1979 and eventually rose to the rank of first lieutenant. After being honorably discharged, Pence joined the private sector, working in the energy industry.
Pence shared in a statement that he plans to finish out his final year in Congress, saying, “For the remainder of my term this year, our team will continue to focus on delivering outstanding constituent services.”
Pence is the second Indiana Republican to announce his retirement from Congress. Just the day before, U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D., R-Indiana, announced he also would not seek reelection.
Pence is known for being an active member of his community of Columbus. He serves on the board of advisors for Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus and attends St. Bartholomew Catholic Church.
U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, shared admiration and well wishes for Pence and his wife, Denise. Young started his stint with Congress just two years earlier in 2017.
“I have great admiration for my colleague and fellow Marine Greg Pence, who has served with integrity and an outstanding sense of humor from day one,” Young shared in a post on X. “Greg and Denise are long-time friends and I wish the Pence family my best as they finish this chapter of public service.”
Indiana Republican Chairwoman Anne Hathaway responded to Pence’s announcement in a press release: “Whether it has been work in his community, the U.S. Marine Corps., or his time in Congress, Congressman Greg Pence has lived a life of service to the Hoosier state and to our Country. Throughout Congressman Pence’s time in D.C., he has always been a staunch fighter for Hoosier values and a respected conservative leader.
“There is no doubt that Congressman Pence’s leadership will be missed in our nation’s capitol. We would like to thank him for his service and we wish him and his family well.”
Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl called for Indiana to turn a new leaf.
“Today marks the end of the Pence era in Indiana politics. Hoosiers deserve leadership that focuses on supporting working families rather than issues that only seek to divide,” Schmuhl said. “This year, we can bring back balance to Indiana, create a politics that uplifts working families, and reignite our state’s long tradition of Hoosier hospitality.”
Pence’s District 6 covers a large portion of eastern and central Indiana, including the cities of Columbus, Greenfield and Richmond. Pence was reelected in 2022 by clenching 67% of the vote.
