Sarah Palin is a prominent figure in American politics and media. She served as the ninth governor of Alaska and was the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008. Her career also includes roles as a commentator, author, and reality television personality.
February 11, 1964: Birth of Sarah Palin
Sarah Louise Palin was born on February 11, 1964. She would go on to become an American politician, commentator, author, and reality television personality.
1969: Family Moved to Alaska
Palin's family moved to Skagway, Alaska in 1969, where her father began teaching.
1972: Settled in Wasilla, Alaska
In 1972, Palin's family settled in Wasilla, Alaska.
1980: Prudhoe Bay Oil Field Begins Generating Substantial Revenue for Alaska
Beginning in 1980, the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field, with its significant state-owned land, started generating substantial royalty revenues for Alaska, significantly impacting the state's budget.
1982: Graduated High School and Enrolled in College
After graduating from high school in 1982, Sarah Palin enrolled at the University of Hawaii at Hilo before transferring to Hawaii Pacific University.
1982: Won Alaska State Basketball Championship
During her senior year in 1982, Sarah Palin was co-captain and point guard of the basketball team that won the Alaska state championship, earning her the nickname 'Sarah Barracuda'.
1982: Joined Republican Party
Sarah Palin has been a member of the Republican Party since 1982.
1982: Palin Registers as a Republican
Sarah Palin officially registered as a member of the Republican Party.
1983: Transferred to North Idaho College
In 1983, Sarah Palin transferred to North Idaho College for the spring and fall semesters.
August 1984: Enrolled at University of Idaho
In August 1984, Sarah Palin enrolled at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, continuing her higher education journey.
1984: Miss Wasilla Beauty Pageant Winner
In 1984, Sarah Palin won the Miss Wasilla beauty pageant and finished third in the Miss Alaska pageant, where she also won the title of 'Miss Congeniality'.
1984: First Republican Female Vice Presidential Nominee
Sarah Palin was the first Republican female vice presidential nominee in 2008, following the precedent set by Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.
1985: Attended Matanuska-Susitna College
Beginning in the fall of 1985, Sarah Palin attended Matanuska-Susitna College in Alaska.
January 1986: Returned to University of Idaho
Sarah Palin returned to the University of Idaho in January 1986 to complete her degree.
May 1987: Graduated from University of Idaho
In May 1987, Sarah Palin graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor's degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism.
August 1988: Palin's Elopement and Marriage
Sarah Palin eloped with her high school sweetheart, Todd Palin, in August 1988.
1988: Comparison to Dan Quayle's Vice Presidential Nomination
The public's lack of confidence in Palin's readiness to serve as president if needed was compared to the public's perception of Dan Quayle, who was chosen as George H.W. Bush's running mate in 1988.
1989: Birth of Track Charles James Palin
Sarah and Todd Palin welcomed their first child, a son named Track Charles James, in 1989.
1990: Release of Ronald Reagan's Autobiography
President Ronald Reagan's autobiography, "An American Life," was published in 1990. Sarah Palin's memoir, "Going Rogue: An American Life," mirrors the subtitle of Reagan's book.
1990: Birth of Bristol Sheeran Marie Palin
Sarah and Todd Palin's daughter, Bristol Sheeran Marie, was born in 1990.
October 1992: Reduction in Property Taxes
In October 1992, Sarah Palin cut property taxes by 75% using revenue generated by a 2% sales tax approved by Wasilla voters.
1992: Elected to Wasilla City Council
Sarah Palin was elected to the Wasilla City Council in 1992, marking the start of her political career.
1994: Birth of Willow Bianca Faye Palin
In 1994, Sarah and Todd Palin's daughter, Willow Bianca Faye, was born.
October 1996: Palin's Inquiry About Book Removal at Wasilla Library
In October 1996, while serving as mayor of Wasilla, Sarah Palin inquired about the library director's stance on removing books from the library if faced with public pressure. Palin's inquiry sparked controversy, with some interpreting it as an attempt to censor materials. However, no books were removed from the library during her time as mayor.
October 1996: Eliminated Position of Museum Director
Soon after taking office in October 1996, Sarah Palin eliminated the position of museum director in Wasilla.
1996: Elected Mayor of Wasilla
In 1996, Sarah Palin was elected as the mayor of Wasilla, Alaska.
1998: Salary Reduction Reversed
By mid-1998, the Wasilla city council reversed the 10% salary reduction Palin had implemented for herself.
1999: Reelected Mayor of Wasilla
Sarah Palin ran for reelection as mayor of Wasilla in 1999 and won against John Stein.
2001: Birth of Piper Indy Grace Palin
Piper Indy Grace, Sarah and Todd Palin's youngest daughter, was born in 2001.
December 2002: Palin Considered for U.S. Senate Seat
Following Governor Murkowski's resignation from the U.S. Senate in December 2002, Palin was reportedly considered as a potential appointee for the vacant seat. However, Murkowski ultimately chose his daughter, Lisa Murkowski, as his successor.
2002: Palin's Religious Journey
In 2002, Sarah Palin and her family switched their church membership to the Wasilla Bible Church. Prior to this, Palin had been baptized Catholic as a newborn but later attended non-denominational churches and the Wasilla Assembly of God, a Pentecostal church. Despite various reports labeling her as Pentecostal or charismatic, Palin identifies as a "Bible-believing Christian."
2002: Completed Term as Mayor
In 2002, Sarah Palin completed her second consecutive term as mayor of Wasilla.
2002: Proposal for Gravina Island Prison and Bridge
In 2002, a proposal was made for a for-profit prison on Gravina Island, requiring a bridge to connect to Ketchikan. The proposal faced opposition and eventually led to a political corruption probe.
February 2003: Palin Appointed to Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
In February 2003, Palin was appointed to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, a role that allowed her to gain expertise in the oil industry, a significant sector in Alaska.
November 2003: Palin Files Ethics Complaints Against Randy Ruedrich
In November 2003, Palin, as chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, filed ethics complaints against fellow commission member Randy Ruedrich, ultimately leading to his resignation. This event highlighted Palin's commitment to ethical conduct in government.
2003: Appointed Chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
After an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor, Sarah Palin was appointed chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in 2003.
2003: Palin Begins Service with "Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc."
In 2003, Palin took on a role in "Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc.", demonstrating her commitment to supporting women in politics.
2003: Alaska Implements Aerial Wolf Hunting Policy
In 2003, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, later supported by Governor Palin, implemented a policy allowing the hunting of wolves from aircraft as part of a predator control program.
January 2004: Palin Resigns from Commission, Publicly Criticizes Ruedrich
In January 2004, Palin resigned from the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and publicly criticized Randy Ruedrich, the former chair, for ethical violations, resulting in a fine against Ruedrich. Palin's actions solidified her image as a proponent of ethical government.
2004: Palin Declines to Run for U.S. Senate
Palin decided against running for the U.S. Senate in 2004, citing her son's opposition to the idea.
June 2005: Palin Concludes Involvement with "Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc."
Palin concluded her service as one of three directors of "Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc." in June 2005. The organization focused on providing political training for Republican women in Alaska.
2005: Sexual Harassment Complaint Against Kopp Surfaces
In 2005, Chuck Kopp, Palin's appointed replacement for Public Safety Commissioner, faced a sexual harassment complaint and received a letter of reprimand. This information surfaced later during Palin's term as governor.
2005: Murkowski Administration Purchases Westwind II Jet
In 2005, the Murkowski administration purchased the Westwind II jet, a decision that would later become a point of contention and lead to Palin's efforts to sell the aircraft.
2005: Funding Secured for Gravina Island Bridge
The 2005 Highway Bill allocated $223 million for the Gravina Island Bridge, supported by Alaska's congressional delegation. The bridge, intended to replace the ferry service to Ketchikan's airport, was dubbed "The Bridge to Nowhere" by critics.
December 4, 2006: Palin Assumes Office as Governor of Alaska
Palin was sworn in as the governor of Alaska on December 4, 2006, marking a significant milestone in her political career.
2006: Palin Wins Republican Gubernatorial Primary
Running on a platform of clean government, Palin secured victory in the 2006 Republican gubernatorial primary, defeating incumbent Governor Frank Murkowski.
2006: Elected Governor of Alaska
In 2006, Sarah Palin was elected as the youngest person and the first woman to be governor of Alaska.
2006: Palin Obtains Passport
In 2006, Palin obtained a passport, a document that would later facilitate her international travels as governor.
2006: Palin Campaigns on "Build-the-Bridge" Plank
During her 2006 gubernatorial campaign, Sarah Palin advocated for the Gravina Island Bridge, defending the project against criticism and urging its swift construction.
February 2007: Palin Discusses Former Brother-in-Law with Monegan
In February 2007, Governor Palin spoke with Public Safety Commissioner Monegan about her former brother-in-law, a state trooper. Monegan stated that he wanted to maintain a professional distance from the matter.
March 2007: Alaska Offers Bounty for Wolves in Predator Control Program
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, under Governor Palin's administration, offered a $150 bounty per wolf in March 2007 to encourage hunting and increase moose and caribou populations.
April 2007: Predator Control Program Aims for Significant Wolf Reduction
By April 2007, Alaska's predator control program, supported by Governor Palin, aimed to kill between 382 to 664 wolves, drawing criticism from wildlife activists.
May 2007: Peak Approval Rating as Governor
In May 2007, Sarah Palin achieved her highest approval rating as Governor of Alaska, reaching 93%.
June 2007: Palin Signs Budget, Makes Significant Capital Budget Cuts
In June 2007, Palin signed a substantial operating budget but also implemented significant cuts to the capital budget, demonstrating her fiscal conservatism.
July 2007: Palin Signs Bipartisan Ethics Reform Bill
In July 2007, Palin signed into law a bipartisan ethics reform bill, fulfilling a campaign promise and highlighting her commitment to transparency and accountability in government.
August 2007: Palin Attempts to Sell State Jet on eBay
In August 2007, Palin made headlines by attempting to sell the state-owned jet on eBay, a move that garnered attention for its unconventionality but ultimately proved unsuccessful. The jet was later sold through a private firm.
September 2007: Palin Cancels Gravina Island Bridge Project
In September 2007, Governor Sarah Palin canceled the controversial Gravina Island Bridge project, citing lack of Congressional support due to negative portrayals. Despite initially supporting the project, Palin stated that Congress had "little interest in spending any more money."
2007: Palin Enjoys High Approval Ratings as Governor
Throughout 2007, Palin consistently received high approval ratings as governor, reaching as high as 93%, reflecting her popularity among Alaska voters.
2007: Conservative Support for Palin as VP
During 2007, several conservative figures began promoting Sarah Palin as a potential vice-presidential candidate, believing she could energize the Republican base.
January 17, 2008: Palin Advocates for Economic Independence from Federal Government
During her State of the State address on January 17, 2008, Palin emphasized the importance of Alaska's economic independence from federal funding, signaling a shift in approach.
February 2008: McCain Meets Palin
John McCain first met Sarah Palin at the National Governors Association meeting in February 2008 and was reportedly impressed by her.
June 2008: Palin Receives Distinguished Alumni Award
The Alumni Association of North Idaho College honored Sarah Palin with the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award in June 2008.
July 11, 2008: Palin Dismisses Public Safety Commissioner Monegan
Governor Palin dismissed Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan on July 11, 2008, citing performance issues and disagreements over budget and initiatives. Monegan suggested the firing was related to his refusal to dismiss a state trooper who was Palin's former brother-in-law.
August 1, 2008: Alaska Legislature Initiates Investigation into Monegan's Dismissal
On August 1, 2008, the Alaska Legislature launched an investigation into Governor Palin's dismissal of Public Safety Commissioner Monegan, seeking to determine if the firing was motivated by personal reasons related to Palin's former brother-in-law.
August 2008: Palin Targeted with Opposition Research
Starting in August 2008, following her vice-presidential nomination, Palin and the state of Alaska faced increasing scrutiny, including opposition research, FOIA requests, and ethics complaints.
August 2008: Palin Grants License for Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline
In August 2008, Governor Palin authorized TransCanada Pipelines to build and operate a pipeline transporting natural gas from the Alaska North Slope to the continental US. Palin also committed $500 million in state funds to the project.
August 24, 2008: McCain Campaign Focuses on Palin
On August 24, 2008, key advisors to John McCain's presidential campaign converged on Sarah Palin as their preferred choice for vice president.
August 26, 2008: Alaskans Vote to Maintain Predator Control Program
On August 26, 2008, Alaskans voted against ending the state's predator control program, which included controversial aerial wolf hunting practices.
September 1, 2008: Palin Announces Daughter's Pregnancy
On September 1, 2008, Sarah Palin revealed that her daughter, Bristol, was pregnant and engaged to Levi Johnston.
September 3, 2008: Palin's RNC Acceptance Speech
Sarah Palin delivered her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention on September 3, 2008, garnering a positive reception and a large viewership.
September 2008: RNC Spending on Palin's Wardrobe
In September 2008, controversy erupted over the Republican National Committee's spending of $150,000 on clothing and styling for Palin and her family. The incident sparked debate about gender bias in media coverage.
September 2008: Palin's Popularity Remains High in Alaska After Vice Presidential Nomination
Even after being named as the Republican vice presidential nominee, Palin maintained a 68% approval rating in Alaska in September 2008.
October 10, 2008: Branchflower Report Released
On October 10, 2008, the Alaska Legislative Council released the Branchflower Report, which found that while Governor Palin's firing of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan was lawful, she abused her power by pressuring him to fire her former brother-in-law, Trooper Michael Wooten.
November 3, 2008: State Personnel Board Clears Palin
On November 3, 2008, the State of Alaska Personnel Board, after an independent investigation, found no probable cause to believe that Palin or any other state official violated ethical standards in the firing of Trooper Michael Wooten. The board contradicted the Branchflower Report's findings.
November 2008: "Draft Palin" Movement Emerges
Following her prominent role in the 2008 presidential campaign, a grassroots "Draft Palin" movement emerged, encouraging Palin to run for president in the future.
December 4, 2008: Palin Named One of America's Most Fascinating People
On December 4, 2008, Barbara Walters named Sarah Palin one of America's "10 Most Fascinating People of 2008" during an ABC special.
December 2008: Palin Declines Proposed Pay Raise
Despite a recommendation from a state commission to increase the governor's salary, Palin declined the proposed pay raise in December 2008.
2008: Republican Vice Presidential Nominee
In 2008, Sarah Palin was the Republican vice presidential nominee alongside U.S. Senator John McCain in the presidential election.
2008: Palin's Public Image and Debate Performance
A month after being named John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin found herself with both increased favorable and unfavorable views among voters compared to her opponent, Joe Biden. However, in the 2008 vice-presidential debate, a majority of television viewers rated Biden's performance higher than Palin's.
2008: Palin's Impact on the 2008 Election
The impact of Sarah Palin's vice-presidential candidacy on the 2008 election has been a subject of debate among political scientists, with some studies suggesting a negative effect and others finding no significant impact.
2008: Email Hacked
In 2008, Sarah Palin's email was hacked, marking the first known security breach of her personal information.
2008: Palin's Claim on "Bridge to Nowhere" Funding Challenged
As a vice-presidential candidate in 2008, Palin claimed to have told Congress "thanks, but no thanks" regarding the Gravina Island Bridge funding. This statement was disputed by Ketchikan residents and critics, who pointed to her previous support for the project and retention of the funds.
2008: Palin Vetoes Funding for Numerous Projects
Palin continued to exercise fiscal restraint in 2008 by vetoing funding for a significant number of projects, further showcasing her commitment to responsible spending.
2008: Birth of Trig Paxson Van Palin
Sarah and Todd Palin welcomed their son, Trig Paxson Van, in 2008. Trig was diagnosed with Down syndrome before he was born.
2008: Palin and Aides Resist Subpoenas in "Troopergate" Investigation
In 2008, amidst the "Troopergate" investigation, Sarah Palin, her husband, and several aides resisted subpoenas from the legislative inquiry. The situation led to legal challenges and heightened scrutiny of Palin's actions as governor.
2008: Recognition for Palin's Economic Policies in Wasilla
In 2008, Palin's economic policies during her tenure as Wasilla's mayor, including property tax cuts and infrastructure development, were credited with attracting businesses and shoppers to the city.
2008: Publication of 'Going Rogue'
Following the 2008 election, Sarah Palin's memoir 'Going Rogue' was published and sold over one million copies.
2008: Palin's stance on climate change during the 2008 campaign
During the 2008 campaign, Sarah Palin expressed her stance on climate change, stating that while she believes in reducing pollution, she opposes cap-and-trade proposals.
2008: Alaska's State Revenues Double
Driven by high oil prices, Alaska's state revenues doubled to $10 billion in 2008, highlighting the state's reliance on oil revenue.
2008: Public Perception of Palin during Vice Presidential Campaign
Before the 2008 Republican National Convention, Sarah Palin was relatively unknown to the American public. However, during her campaign as John McCain's running mate, her image and political stances came under intense media and public scrutiny. While her lack of experience in foreign and domestic politics drew criticism from both conservatives and liberals, her popularity among Republicans surged, even surpassing that of McCain.
January 19, 2009: Palin Appears on Glenn Beck's Show
On January 19, 2009, Sarah Palin made her first appearance as a guest on Glenn Beck's Fox News show, expressing her support for President Barack Obama while affirming her commitment to conservative values.
January 27, 2009: Formed SarahPAC
Sarah Palin established her political action committee, SarahPAC, on January 27, 2009, with Michael Glassner, a former aide, as chief of staff. The organization aimed to support candidates aligned with her values of energy independence.
February 2009: Alaska Changes Policy on Per Diem Taxation
In February 2009, the state of Alaska, under Palin's direction, reversed a policy on per diem payments to state employees. The change resulted in these payments being treated as taxable income, reflecting a shift in tax policy.
May 2009: Decline in Palin's Popularity
By May 2009, Palin's popularity among Alaskans had declined, with a poll indicating a 54% approval rating and a 41.6% disapproval rating.
May 2009: Lowest Approval Rating as Governor
By May 2009, Sarah Palin's approval rating as Governor of Alaska had declined to 54%, marking her lowest point in public approval.
July 3, 2009: Palin Announces Resignation
On July 3, 2009, Sarah Palin announced her resignation as Governor of Alaska, citing the high costs of ethics investigations and a desire to avoid being a lame duck governor.
July 2009: Legal Defense Fund Established
By mid-July 2009, a legal defense fund established to support Sarah Palin in challenging ethics complaints had amassed approximately $250,000.
July 26, 2009: Parnell Becomes Governor
Following Palin's resignation, Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell assumed the governorship of Alaska on July 26, 2009.
August 2009: Coined "Death Panel" Phrase
In August 2009, Sarah Palin used the phrase "death panel" to describe her opposition to the proposed healthcare reform, arguing it would lead to rationing of care and put individuals like her parents and child with Down syndrome at risk. The phrase sparked controversy, with Democrats criticizing it and Politifact deeming it the "Lie of the Year."
November 2009: Released Memoir "Going Rogue: An American Life"
Sarah Palin's memoir, "Going Rogue: An American Life," detailing her personal and political journey, including her resignation as Governor of Alaska, was released in November 2009. The book, whose title was inspired by McCain staffers' description of her outspoken nature, became an instant bestseller, surpassing sales of one million copies within two weeks and drawing comparisons to memoirs by prominent political figures like Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama.
November 16, 2009: Interview with Oprah Winfrey
On November 16, 2009, Sarah Palin participated in a widely publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey as part of her book tour for her memoir, "Going Rogue: An American Life."
2009: Palin Submits Reduced Federal Earmark Requests
Despite increased state revenues, Palin submitted a reduced list of federal earmark requests for the 2009 state budget, signaling a departure from previous years and potentially causing friction with the state's congressional delegation.
2009: Todd Palin's Retirement from BP
Todd Palin retired from his position as an oil-field production operator for the oil company BP in 2009. In addition to his work in the oil industry, he also owns a commercial fishing business.
2009: Resignation as Governor
Sarah Palin resigned as governor of Alaska in 2009 due to immense legal fees incurred from ethics investigations.
2009: Palin's Testimony on Climate Change and Energy Production
In 2009, at a Department of Interior hearing, Sarah Palin acknowledged the belief in the need for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gases while emphasizing the importance of domestic energy production during the transition to green alternatives.
February 6, 2010: Keynote Speaker at Tea Party Convention
On February 6, 2010, Sarah Palin delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Tea Party convention in Nashville, Tennessee. In her speech, she praised the Tea Party movement as the "future of politics in America" and criticized President Obama for various issues, including rising deficits, perceived apologies for America on the global stage, and handling of the War on Terror.
March 2010: Launched "Sarah Palin's Alaska" on TLC
In March 2010, Sarah Palin premiered her show, "Sarah Palin's Alaska," on TLC, produced by Mark Burnett. The show's premiere attracted a record-breaking five million viewers for the network.
April 2010: Palin Recognized as One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
Time magazine included Sarah Palin in their list of the world's 100 most influential people in April 2010.
May 2010: Championed Conservative Republican Women
During mid-2010, Sarah Palin emerged as a prominent advocate for conservative Republican women, using the term "mama grizzly" to encourage their political participation. She endorsed numerous female candidates, including Karen Handel in the Georgia gubernatorial race. Her involvement in various campaigns garnered attention from both Democrats and Republicans.
June 2010: Defense Fund Ruled Illegal
In June 2010, Sarah Palin's legal defense fund, which had raised $386,856, was deemed illegal and obligated to return the donations due to its use of her position as governor for personal gain. Subsequently, Palin established a new defense fund.
November 2010: Released Second Book "America by Heart"
Sarah Palin's second book, "America by Heart," was released by HarperCollins in November 2010. The book features a compilation of Palin's favored speeches, sermons, literary works, and profiles of individuals she holds in high regard, including those she encountered during her inaugural book tour.
November 2010: Endorsed 64 Republican Candidates
Leading up to the November 2010 elections, Sarah Palin endorsed 64 Republican candidates, becoming a significant force in fundraising and campaigning, particularly during the primaries. Her endorsements were primarily guided by the candidates' alignment with the Tea Party movement and the Susan B. Anthony List's pro-life stance. Her support proved influential in several races, including Joe Miller's upset victory against incumbent Lisa Murkowski in the Alaska Senate primary.
November 2010: Palin Considers Presidential Run
In November 2010, Palin confirmed she was contemplating a presidential bid but acknowledged that her experience level might hinder her chances of winning the nomination.
December 8, 2010: SarahPAC and Personal Credit Card Information Compromised
On December 8, 2010, it was reported that Sarah Palin's political action committee, SarahPAC, and her personal credit card information were compromised in a cyber attack. While Palin's team attributed the attack to the group Anonymous, the report was met with skepticism.
December 2010: New Ethics Rules in Alaska
In December 2010, Alaska implemented new ethics rules for the executive branch, influenced by events during Palin's tenure. These included provisions for state payment of legal fees for officials cleared of ethics violations.
2010: Political Commentator for Fox News
Sarah Palin began her role as a political commentator for Fox News in 2010, continuing until 2015.
2010: Palin Declines Re-election Bid
Sarah Palin chose not to seek re-election as Governor of Alaska in the 2010 gubernatorial race.
2010: Palin Endorses Christine O'Donnell
In 2010, Sarah Palin's endorsement of Christine O'Donnell in the Delaware Senate race sparked controversy and heightened tensions between Palin and the Republican establishment.
2010: Palin Endorses Sharron Angle
In 2010, Sarah Palin endorsed Sharron Angle in the Nevada Senate race. Angle ultimately lost to the incumbent, Harry Reid.
2010: Palin's Criticism of Climate Change Science
Following the 2008 elections and the Climatic Research Unit email controversy, Palin publicly criticized climate change studies, calling them "snake oil science" at a California logging conference in 2010.
2010: Study on Palin's Electoral Impact
A 2010 study published in the journal Electoral Studies suggested that Sarah Palin's performance during the 2008 campaign may have cost John McCain approximately 2% of the vote.
2010: Palin Voices Opposition to Healthcare Reform
Palin publicly opposed the 2010 healthcare reform package, arguing that it would lead to rationed healthcare and invoking the term "death panels".
January 8, 2011: Faced Criticism for SarahPAC Website Graphic
Following the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords on January 8, 2011, Sarah Palin faced backlash for a political graphic on her SarahPAC website that depicted a crosshair over Giffords's district. Palin defended herself against accusations of involvement in the shooting, drawing parallels to "blood libel."
March 2011: Palin Calls for a Female President
Palin expressed her belief that it was "time" for a woman to be president of the United States, further fueling speculation about her own political aspirations.
October 5, 2011: Palin Declines to Seek Presidential Nomination
On October 5, 2011, Sarah Palin publicly announced her decision not to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012.
2011: Keynote Speaker at Tea Party Events
Throughout 2011, Sarah Palin actively participated in Tea Party events, delivering keynote addresses at rallies in Madison, Wisconsin, and Manchester, New Hampshire. In her speeches, she advocated for conservative values and urged unity among Tea Party members and establishment Republicans.
2011: The New York Times Publishes Controversial Editorial
The New York Times published an editorial that suggested a connection between Palin's political rhetoric and the 2011 shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, although the newspaper later issued a correction.
2012: Speculation about Palin's Potential Presidential Run
Palin's influence in the 2012 primaries fueled speculation that she might run for president. Political commentators considered her a potential front-runner.
2012: Palin Remains a Subject of Presidential Speculation
Throughout 2012, Sarah Palin remained a topic of discussion regarding a potential presidential bid, despite not entering the race.
January 2013: Ended Relationship with Fox News
Sarah Palin's relationship with Fox News ended in January 2013 after a controversial segment in which guests claimed their footage was used without their knowledge.
June 13, 2013: Rejoined Fox News Channel as Analyst
On June 13, 2013, Sarah Palin rejoined Fox News Channel as an analyst after ending her previous relationship with the network in January 2013.
2013: Palin's Controversial Remark on Syrian Civil War
In 2013, Sarah Palin sparked controversy with her suggestion to "let Allah sort it out" regarding the Syrian Civil War, opposing the Obama administration's proposed military intervention.
2013: Contrasting Study on Palin's Impact
In contrast to the 2010 study, a 2013 study in the journal Political Research Quarterly did not find evidence to support the claim that Palin had a negative impact on McCain's vote share in the 2008 election.
August 2014: Referendum to Repeal Oil and Gas Tax Cuts Fails
In August 2014, a referendum to repeal the oil and gas tax cuts, which Palin opposed, was narrowly defeated.
October 2014: Palin Endorses Bill Walker and Byron Mallott
In the 2014 Alaska gubernatorial election, Palin endorsed the "unity ticket" of Independent Bill Walker and Democrat Byron Mallott, who were challenging her successor, Sean Parnell.
November 2014: Walker and Mallott Win Alaska Governorship
The Walker and Mallott ticket secured victory in the November 2014 Alaska gubernatorial election with 48.1% of the vote, defeating the Republican incumbent.
September 9, 2015: Palin's Criticism of Iran Nuclear Deal
On September 9, 2015, Sarah Palin delivered a speech where she strongly criticized the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, arguing that it was not stringent enough in its limitations on Iran's nuclear program.
January 2016: Palin Endorses Donald Trump
In January 2016, Sarah Palin formally endorsed Donald Trump's bid for president of the United States.
May 2016: Palin Vows to Defeat Paul Ryan
During an interview, Palin stated her intention to work towards the defeat of Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, citing his initial reluctance to support Donald Trump's candidacy.
2016: Endorsed Donald Trump for President
In 2016, Sarah Palin publicly endorsed Donald Trump in his run for president.
December 31, 2016: SarahPAC Terminated
Sarah Palin's political action committee, SarahPAC, ceased operations on December 31, 2016.
June 2017: Palin Sues The New York Times for Defamation
Palin filed a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times over an editorial that she claimed falsely linked her to the 2011 shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
August 2017: Palin's Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed
A U.S. District Court dismissed Palin's defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, concluding that she failed to demonstrate actual malice.
2017: Palin's Support for Julian Assange
Starting in 2017, Sarah Palin began voicing her support for Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks.
August 2019: Palin's Defamation Suit Reinstated
The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reinstated Palin's defamation suit, determining that the district court had erred in its handling of the case.
August 29, 2019: Todd Palin Files for Divorce
Citing "incompatibility of temperament," Todd Palin filed for divorce from Sarah Palin on August 29, 2019. He requested joint custody of their son, Trig, and an equal division of assets and debts.
March 23, 2020: Palin's Divorce Finalized
On March 23, 2020, Sarah and Todd Palin's divorce was finalized.
August 2020: Motions for Summary Judgment Denied, Jury Trial Ordered
Judge Jed S. Rakoff denied motions for summary judgment from both Palin and The New York Times, setting the stage for a closely watched jury trial.
2020: Palin's Appearance on 'The Masked Singer'
In 2020, Sarah Palin made a surprising appearance on season three of the popular television show 'The Masked Singer,' where she participated as the "Bear." She was the first contestant in Group C to be eliminated, and she humorously stated to host Nick Cannon that she did the show as a "walking middle finger to the haters."
2020: Palin Calls for Assange Pardon
In 2020, Sarah Palin publicly called for a pardon for Julian Assange, admitting she had made a mistake in not supporting him earlier and expressing regret for previously believing he was "a bad guy."
August 2021: Palin Hints at Senate Bid
Palin suggested she might run for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Lisa Murkowski.
February 15, 2022: Jury Rules in Favor of The New York Times
A jury unanimously ruled in favor of The New York Times in the defamation case brought by Sarah Palin, finding that she had not proven actual malice.
April 3, 2022: Trump Endorses Palin's Congressional Run
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Palin in the special election for Alaska's at-large congressional seat.
2022: Palin's Shift on Ukraine War
During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Palin's stance shifted as she advocated for a reduction in U.S. military aid to Ukraine and criticized the level of U.S. involvement in the conflict.
2022: Ran for Alaska's At-Large Congressional Seat
In 2022, Sarah Palin ran in the special election for Alaska's at-large congressional seat but lost to Democrat Mary Peltola.
2022: Palin Competes in Alaska's at-Large Congressional District Special Election
Palin became one of the final three candidates vying for Alaska's sole seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2022 special election.