Pierce was born in Fort Frances, Ontario, and educated in the area.
During the election campaign he criticized local Indians for expecting more "giveaways and handouts".
[4] Despite this, Pierce defeated New Democratic Party candidate Howard Hampton by 278 votes.
[5] The Progressive Conservatives won a tenuous minority government in this election, but were defeated in the legislature in June 1985 by a motion of non-confidence.
In November 1985, he supported Larry Grossman for party leader after Miller stepped down.