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POLITICS

What became of Sarah Palin, Trump’s ‘Tea Party’ predecessor who sought to return to politics in 2022

She is remembered by many as the gun-loving, strong women of the Republican party.

She is remembered by many as the gun-loving, strong women of the Republican party.
Justin SullivanGetty Images

You may remember that Sarah Palin, once a leading figure in the Republican Party and a political trailblazer for Donald Trump’s populist approach, took a shot at a comeback in 2022. After years out of the public office spotlight, she launched a bid for Alaska’s lone US House seat, hoping to re-establish her brand of grassroots conservatism in Washington.

Many SNL fans will likely have her at front of mind thanks to the regular Tina Fey sketches.

Trump backing not enough for Palin

In the 2022 special election, Palin found herself up against Democrat Mary Peltola and another Republican, Nick Begich III. Despite having Trump’s endorsement and the name recognition most candidates would envy, Palin couldn’t edge out Peltola, who made history as the first Alaska Native elected to Congress. Palin’s defeat highlighted the challenges of stepping back into the ring after time away, particularly in a political scene that had changed dramatically since her 2008 vice-presidential run.

Former Governor of Alaska and Republican candidate for Congress, Sarah Palin, joins other Alaskan Republicans at a Get Out The Vote event hosted by the Alaska Republican Party on November 06, 2022 in Anchorage, Alaska.
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Former Governor of Alaska and Republican candidate for Congress, Sarah Palin, joins other Alaskan Republicans at a Get Out The Vote event hosted by the Alaska Republican Party on November 06, 2022 in Anchorage, Alaska.Spencer PlattGetty Images

Since the 2022 loss, Palin’s future in politics has been uncertain. She still speaks out on conservative issues and hasn’t held back from weighing in on national debates, but she hasn’t landed a new official role. Her voice, once dominant, is quieter now as newer figures have stepped into the spotlight and the Republican Party continues to evolve.

Sarah Palin speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference CPAC held at the Hilton Anatole on August 4, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
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Sarah Palin speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference CPAC held at the Hilton Anatole on August 4, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.Brandon BellGetty Images

Public speaking amid business ventures for Palin

On a more personal note, back in 2022, so reports say, she began a relationship with Ron Duguay. Now 67, the Canadian is an ice-hockey legend having played 12 seasons in the NHL, from 1977 through 1989, before coaching. This began a couple of years after a painful divorce from her husband, with whom she had five children.

Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska, holds up a large soda as she speaks about New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed large soda ban, at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.
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Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska, holds up a large soda as she speaks about New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed large soda ban, at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.Pete MarovichGetty Images

By 2023 and into 2024, Palin’s involvement has mostly been limited to occasional commentary and public appearances, without any concrete plans to pursue another office. Duguay is often seen supporting her at rallies.

Palin has made millions from her public speaking along with that earned from her video selling company, Cameo, and Pie Spy, her bus tour marketing company.

Her brief return attempt serves as a reminder of how tough it can be for past political icons to stay relevant, and for Palin, it seems her chapter as a political candidate may have finally closed. Then again, if Donald Trump gets back in the White House, he may look around for some ardent supporters to help him out.

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