Born in Sandpoint, Idaho to a school secretary and a science teacher, Sarah moved to Alaska at a young age but returned to Idaho for university. She attended North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene in 1983 and enrolled at the University of Idaho from 1984-1985, then Matanuska-Susitna College in Alaska for the fall of 1985, then returned to the University of Idaho in 1986 and recieved her bachelor's degree in communications in May 1987.

Palin began her political career in 1992 in the Wasilla City Council, and became the Mayor of Wasilla in 1996. In 2006, she became the youngest person and the first woman to be elected Governor of Alaska. She held the position from December 2006 until her resignation in July 2009. She was also the Republican Party nominee for Vice President in the 2008 Presidential election, alongside Arizona Senator John McCain, making her the first Alaskan on the national ticket of a major political party, and the first woman nominated for the Vice Presidency.

Palin has endorsed and campaigned for the Tea Party Movement, as well as several candidates in multiple election cycles, and remains a prominent figure in Republican politics.