Sarah Palin

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Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin is an American politician, commentator, author, and reality television personality who served as the ninth Governor of Alaska from 2006 until her resignation in 2009. She was the Republican vice-presidential nominee in the 2008 election alongside presidential nominee John McCain.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Sarah Louise Palin (née Heath) was born on February 11, 1964, in Sandpoint, Idaho. She is the third of four children of Sarah "Sally" (née Sheeran), a school secretary, and Charles R. "Chuck" Heath, a science teacher and track-and-field coach. The family moved to Alaska when she was a few months old. Palin attended Wasilla High School, where she was the head of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and co-captain of the basketball team.

Early Career[edit | edit source]

After graduating from the University of Idaho in 1987 with a degree in communications and journalism, Palin worked as a sports reporter for local television stations. She entered politics in 1992, winning a seat on the Wasilla City Council, and later served as the city's mayor from 1996 to 2002.

Governor of Alaska[edit | edit source]

Palin was elected as the Governor of Alaska in 2006, becoming the youngest person and the first woman to hold the office. During her tenure, she focused on ethics reform, natural resource development, and budget management. She also advocated for the construction of the TransCanada pipeline to transport natural gas from the North Slope to the lower 48 states.

2008 Vice-Presidential Campaign[edit | edit source]

In 2008, Palin was selected by John McCain as his running mate in the presidential election. She was the first Alaskan and the second woman to run on a major party's presidential ticket. The McCain-Palin ticket ultimately lost to the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Post-Gubernatorial Career[edit | edit source]

After resigning as governor in 2009, Palin remained a prominent figure in the Republican Party and the Tea Party movement. She authored several books, including her memoir "Going Rogue," which became a bestseller. Palin also starred in the reality television series "Sarah Palin's Alaska" and worked as a political commentator for Fox News.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Palin married her high school sweetheart, Todd Palin, in 1988. They have five children: Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig. The couple announced their separation in 2019.