Ever wonder what happens when you go from the heartbeat of the West Wing to the quiet cornfields of the Midwest? For Mike Pence, the transition hasn't been about disappearing. It’s been about a total pivot. Honestly, if you’re looking for him on a debate stage or in a high-stakes motorcade these days, you’re looking in the wrong place.
Where is Mike Pence now? As of 2026, he’s basically swapped the Oval Office for the lecture hall and the think tank. He isn't just "retired." He’s busy. Very busy. But the venue has changed from the halls of Congress to the campus of Grove City College and the offices of his advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom (AAF).
The Professor in Pennsylvania
It’s kinda surreal to think about a former Vice President grading papers, but that’s the reality. Pence has taken on a significant role as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Grove City College. This isn't just a title on a piece of letterhead, either. He’s actually in the classroom.
During the 2025-26 academic year, he’s been team-teaching courses like Christianity and Public Policy alongside the college president, Paul J. McNulty. He’s been seen grabbin' lunch at the campus Chick-fil-A and taking selfies with students between lectures. He often tells his students that his wife, Karen—a lifelong teacher—warned him that teaching is a lot harder than it looks. He’s taking it seriously.
For Pence, this isn't just a paycheck. It’s a mission. He’s trying to convince a new generation of conservative students that they don't have to choose between their faith and a career in public service.
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Advancing American Freedom: The Policy Engine
While he’s teaching in Pennsylvania, his political heart is still very much in the policy world. His organization, Advancing American Freedom (AAF), has become a bit of a sanctuary for traditional conservatives.
Recently, there’s been a massive shift in the think-tank world. In early 2026, news broke that a dozen or so high-level scholars and experts—including heavy hitters like Richard Stern and Dr. Kevin Dayaratna—left the Heritage Foundation to join Pence’s team at AAF. This was a huge deal in DC circles. It basically signals that AAF is becoming the new home for "Reagan-style" conservatism, especially as other groups lean harder into populism.
Pence uses this platform to:
- Fight against what he calls "unconstitutional" sweeping tariffs.
- Advocate for the permanent extension of the 2017 tax cuts.
- Push for a more hawkish, interventionist foreign policy—which often puts him at odds with the current "America First" movement.
- Champion traditional family values and anti-abortion legislation.
He’s not just writing op-eds. He’s meeting with lawmakers and texting old colleagues on the Hill to influence the direction of the GOP.
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The Trump Relationship: It's Complicated
You can't talk about where Mike Pence is now without addressing the elephant in the room. Or rather, the former President. The rift that started on January 6th hasn't exactly healed. Pence has been pretty vocal about his stance, famously stating he "cannot in good conscience" endorse Donald Trump in the 2024 cycle.
Even now, in 2026, he’s one of the few prominent Republicans willing to publicly critique the administration when he thinks they’re veering off course. He sees himself as an "anchor to windward." It’s a bit of a lonely position in a party that has largely moved toward Trumpism, but Pence seems comfortable being the "conscience" of the old guard.
He recently spoke at Chatham House in London, discussing U.S. foreign policy. He’s still a player on the world stage, even if he’s not the one holding the briefcase anymore.
Life Back in Indiana
When he’s not in a classroom or a board room, Pence is a Hoosier through and through. He and Karen moved back to Indiana after leaving DC, settling into a home in the Indianapolis area. He’s spent a lot of time with his three adult children—Michael, Charlotte, and Audrey—and his grandkids.
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He’s still a man of habit. His faith remains the center of his life. He still views himself as "a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order."
What’s Next for Pence?
Is there a 2028 run in the cards? Most political analysts think it’s a long shot. His 2024 primary bid didn't exactly set the world on fire. But Pence doesn't seem like a man who measures success purely by election results.
He’s playing the long game. By building up AAF and teaching the next generation, he’s trying to ensure that his brand of conservatism doesn't go extinct. He’s waiting to see if the pendulum of the Republican Party swings back his way.
What you can do next:
If you’re interested in the specific policies Pence is pushing, you can check out the latest memos from Advancing American Freedom. They frequently release detailed reports on everything from economic tariffs to judicial philosophies. Alternatively, if you're a student or an academic, following the curriculum and guest lectures at Grove City College’s Center for Faith & Public Life gives the best window into how he’s shaping the minds of future leaders.