History of Sean Parnell in Timeline

Sean Parnell is an American attorney and politician who served as the tenth governor of Alaska from 2009 to 2014. A Republican, he ascended to the governorship after Sarah Palin's resignation in July 2009. He subsequently won the 2010 gubernatorial election with a significant margin. Parnell sought re-election in 2014 but was narrowly defeated, after which he transitioned back to the private sector.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1957: Father Stationed at Fort Richardson

In 1957, Sean Parnell's father, Pat, was stationed at Fort Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska, while serving in the U.S. Army during Alaska's statehood years.

1959: Father Stationed at Fort Richardson

From 1957 to 1959, Sean Parnell's father, Pat, was stationed at Fort Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska, while serving in the U.S. Army during Alaska's statehood years.

November 19, 1962: Sean Parnell Born

On November 19, 1962, Sean Randall Parnell was born. He later became the tenth governor of Alaska, serving from 2009 to 2014.

Others born on this day/year

1973: Family Returned to Alaska

In 1973, Sean Parnell's family returned to Alaska, establishing their residence in Anchorage. Sean was 10 years old at the time.

1980: Graduated from East Anchorage High School

In 1980, Sean Parnell graduated from East Anchorage High School.

1980: Father Ran for U.S. House of Representatives

In 1980, Sean Parnell's father, Pat Parnell, a Democrat, ran against incumbent Don Young for Alaska's sole seat in the United States House of Representatives, receiving 25.82% of the vote.

1984: Earned BBA from Pacific Lutheran University

In 1984, Sean Parnell earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from Pacific Lutheran University.

1987: Earned Juris Doctor

In 1987, Sean Parnell earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Puget Sound School of Law, now known as Seattle University School of Law.

1987: Married Sandy

In 1987, Sean Parnell married his college girlfriend Sandy and they returned to Anchorage.

1987: Admitted to the Bar

In 1987, Sean Parnell was admitted to the bar in both Alaska and Washington, D.C.

1992: Elected to Alaska House of Representatives

In 1992, Sean Parnell was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives.

1993: Service Begins in Alaska House

In 1993, Sean Parnell began serving his term in the Alaska House of Representatives.

1994: Re-elected to Alaska House

In 1994, Sean Parnell was re-elected to represent South Anchorage in the Alaska House.

1996: Domestic Violence Prevention Act of 1996

In 1996, Sean Parnell sponsored and passed the Domestic Violence Prevention Act of 1996, Alaska's first consistent, comprehensive statewide policy on domestic violence and sexual assault.

1996: Elected to Alaska Senate

In 1996, Sean Parnell was elected to a seat in the Alaska Senate and became a member of the Energy Council and served on the powerful Senate Finance Committee.

1997: Elected to Alaska Senate

In 1997, Sean Parnell was elected to the Alaska Senate after serving in the Alaska House of Representatives.

1999: Co-chair of Senate Finance Committee

In 1999, Sean Parnell became a member of the Senate Republican Majority's Leadership when his Senate colleagues chose him to serve as the co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

2000: Finished Term in State Senate

In 2000, Sean Parnell finished his first and only term in the state senate, choosing not to seek re-election to focus on his family and returning to the private sector.

2000: Co-chair of Senate Finance Committee

In 2000, Sean Parnell was the co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

2001: End of Term in Alaska Senate

In 2001, Sean Parnell concluded his term in the Alaska Senate.

2003: Worked as Attorney

From 1987 to 2003, Sean Parnell worked as an attorney in the private sector.

2005: Worked as Attorney

From 2005 to 2006, Sean Parnell worked as an attorney in the private sector.

2005: Joined Patton Boggs Law Firm

In 2005, Sean Parnell joined the law firm Patton Boggs and practiced law.

2005: Won Republican Primary for Lieutenant Governor

In 2005, Sean Parnell won the Republican primary to become lieutenant governor and was paired with Sarah Palin as her running mate for the general election.

December 3, 2006: Left Patton Boggs

On December 3, 2006, Sean Parnell left the law firm Patton Boggs.

December 2006: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor

In December 2006, Sean Parnell was sworn in as the lieutenant governor of Alaska, serving alongside Governor Sarah Palin.

2006: Worked as Attorney

From 2005 to 2006, Sean Parnell worked as an attorney in the private sector.

2006: Elected Lieutenant Governor

In 2006, Sean Parnell was elected lieutenant governor of Alaska, alongside Governor Sarah Palin.

March 14, 2008: Campaign Against Don Young

On March 14, 2008, Sean Parnell began his campaign to take on 18-term member of Congress Don Young in the August 26 Republican primary.

July 31, 2008: Parnell to Continue Race Against Young

On July 31, 2008, Sean Parnell told Roll Call that he would not drop out of his race against Don Young to run against U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, who had been indicted.