Childhood and Education Journey of Kari Lake in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Kari Lake, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Kari Lake is an American political figure and former television news anchor. She served as the special advisor to the United States Agency for Global Media starting in 2025. Lake was the Republican Party nominee for the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial election and the 2024 United States Senate election in Arizona, but was unsuccessful in both bids.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

August 23, 1969: Kari Lake Born

On August 23, 1969, Kari Lake Halperin was born. She is an American political figure and former television news anchor.

1969: Born in Illinois

In 1969, Kari Lake was born in Rock Island, Illinois, to Larry and Sheila Lake.

May 1991: Intern at KWQC-TV

In May 1991, Kari Lake began working as an intern at KWQC-TV in Davenport, Iowa.

August 1998: Marriage to Jeff Halperin

In August 1998, Kari Lake married Jeff Halperin. They have two children together.

2004: Supported John Kerry

In 2004, Kari Lake supported John Kerry in the presidential election.

November 3, 2006: Changed Registration to Independent

On November 3, 2006, Kari Lake changed her registration from Republican to independent.

January 4, 2008: Registered as a Democrat

On January 4, 2008, Kari Lake registered as a Democrat after the Iowa Democratic presidential caucuses were won by Obama.

January 31, 2012: Returned to Republican Party

On January 31, 2012, Kari Lake returned to being a Republican.

2015: Identified as Buddhist

Before 2015, according to her friends, Kari Lake identified as a Buddhist.

2015: Supports Gender Transition Rights

In 2015, Kari Lake stated on social media that she supported an adult's and young person's right to gender transition, but later reversed that position.

2016: Interviewed Barack Obama

In 2016, Kari Lake interviewed President Barack Obama while at KSAZ-TV.

2020: Interviewed Donald Trump

In 2020, Kari Lake interviewed President Donald Trump while at KSAZ-TV.

2021: Cited Trump and Reagan as Precedent

After launching her campaign for governor in 2021, Kari Lake cited Trump, Ronald Reagan, and Kelli Ward as precedent for her party-switching.

June 2022: Praises Supreme Court Decision

In June 2022, Kari Lake praised the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.

December 2022: Lake's Advisers Start Non-Profit Fundraising Group

Lake's campaign raised $2.6 million from Election Day until the end of 2022, while taking in even more money from a non-profit fundraising group started by Lake's advisers in December 2022.

2022: Identifies as Evangelical Christian

As of 2022, Kari Lake identifies as an Evangelical Christian.

2022: Identifies as Trump Candidate

In 2022, Kari Lake identified as a conservative Republican, describing herself as a "Trump candidate" and accusing President Joe Biden and Democrats of harboring a "demonic agenda".

February 2023: Non-Profit Fundraising Group Becomes Lake's Main Outlet

By February 2023, the non-profit fundraising group started by Lake's advisers became Lake's main fundraising outlet.

October 10, 2023: Lake Announces Senate Candidacy

On October 10, 2023, Kari Lake announced her candidacy for the 2024 United States Senate election in Arizona.

November 2023: Reaffirms Support for Abortion Ban

In November 2023, Kari Lake reaffirmed her support for the 1864 abortion ban in Arizona.

March 2024: Lake Denounces Anti-Abortion Law

In early 2024, Kari Lake shifted her position and in a March 2024 interview, she denounced the 1864 anti-abortion law.

April 11, 2024: Lake Comments on Arizona Abortion Law

On April 11, 2024, after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled in favor of enforcing the 1864 territorial law, Kari Lake stated the law was "out of step with Arizonans" and urged legislators to find a common-sense solution, describing abortion as "a personal and private issue."

April 20, 2024: Lake Changes Position on Abortion Law Again

On April 20, 2024, Kari Lake returned to her earlier position of supporting the 1864 abortion law, after officials indicated they would not prosecute offenders. Lake commented that "We don't have that law, as much as many of us wish we did."