The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Politics & World›Politician›Sarah Palin
Politics & World • Politician

Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin is an American politician, commentator, and author who served as the ninth governor of Alaska from 2006 to 2009.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sarah Palin is an American politician, commentator, and author who served as the ninth governor of Alaska from 2006 to 2009. She was the Republican Party’s vice-presidential nominee in the 2008 U.S. presidential election, running with John McCain. Palin was the first woman elected governor of Alaska and the youngest person to hold that office at the time.

Early life and education

Sarah Palin was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1964 and later grew up in Alaska. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communications-journalism from the University of Idaho in 1987.

Political career in Alaska

Palin entered local politics in Wasilla before being elected governor of Alaska in 2006. Her administration focused on resource development, education, infrastructure, and state ethics reforms.

2008 vice-presidential nomination

In August 2008, John McCain chose Palin as his running mate for the Republican presidential ticket. The nomination made her the first woman selected for that role by the Republican Party.

Later career

After resigning as governor in 2009, Palin moved into media, publishing, and television commentary. Sources also describe her as an author and public commentator.

Key facts

  • Palin became Alaska’s first female governor and its youngest governor when elected in 2006.
  • She served as governor from 2006 until her resignation in 2009.
  • She was selected in 2008 as John McCain’s running mate, becoming the Republican Party’s first female vice-presidential nominee.
  • Before becoming governor, she served on the Wasilla City Council and as mayor of Wasilla.
  • After leaving office, she worked in media and commentary, including as a Fox News contributor.
🍁
Canadian context

Sarah Palin was a prominent figure in North American politics, especially during the 2008 U.S. presidential election, which received substantial coverage in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Sarah Palin?
Sarah Palin is an American politician, commentator, and author best known for serving as Alaska’s governor and as the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 2008.
When was Sarah Palin governor of Alaska?
She served as Alaska’s governor from December 2006 until her resignation in July 2009.
Was Sarah Palin the first woman governor of Alaska?
Yes. She was the first woman elected governor of Alaska and, at the time, the youngest person to hold the office.
Why is Sarah Palin nationally known?
She became nationally prominent when John McCain selected her as his 2008 Republican running mate.
What did Sarah Palin do before becoming governor?
She served on the Wasilla City Council and later as mayor of Wasilla before becoming governor.
What did Sarah Palin do after leaving office?
She worked in media and commentary, including as a Fox News contributor, and also wrote books.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, governorship dates, vice-presidential nomination, and historical firsts.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/political-figures/sarah-palin
    Supports: Birth details, political career, vice-presidential nomination, and later media work.
  3. National Governors Association — https://www.nga.org/governor/sarah-palin/
    Supports: Alaska governorship, prior local offices, policy priorities, and resignation context.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-11310773
    Supports: 2008 national prominence and role as John McCain’s running mate.
  5. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2013/07/10/us/sarah-palin-fast-facts
    Supports: Birth date, education, governorship, and media work.