The 47th governor of Arkansas, Sarah Sanders, achieved a historic milestone in 2023 by becoming the first female to hold the position in her state. A member of the Republican Party, she transitioned into executive leadership after serving as the 31st White House press secretary under President Donald Trump between 2017 and 2019.
Early Background and Education
Born Sarah Elizabeth Huckabee on August 13, 1982, in Little Rock, Arkansas, she is the daughter of Mike Huckabee, the 44th governor of Arkansas, and Janet Huckabee. She graduated from Little Rock Central High School before attending Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. During her collegiate years, she served as student body president and was actively involved in Republican campus organizations. In 2004, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science and a minor in mass communications.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Political Career and Consulting
Sanders gained early experience in political operations by assisting in her father's campaigns, including his 1992 U.S. Senate bid and his 2002 gubernatorial reelection. She served as a regional liaison for congressional affairs at the U.S. Department of Education during the George W. Bush administration and coordinated field efforts for his 2004 reelection campaign in Ohio. In her consulting career, she co-founded the firm Second Street Strategies in Little Rock and held roles as vice president of Tsamoutales Strategies. She contributed to various federal campaigns, managing John Boozman’s 2010 Senate run and acting as a senior advisor to Tom Cotton in 2014.
White House Tenure
Joining the Trump administration in 2017, Sanders served as deputy White House press secretary before assuming the role of press secretary. As the third woman to hold this position, she acted as the primary spokesperson for the administration's policy decisions. Her tenure was marked by a confrontational approach toward the White House press corps and a limited frequency of formal press briefings. During the Mueller investigation, she acknowledged providing false statements while carrying out her duties.
Gubernatorial Election
In 2021, Sanders announced her candidacy for governor of Arkansas, receiving an endorsement from Donald Trump. She secured the Republican nomination in May 2022. During the general election, she competed against Democratic nominee Chris Jones and Libertarian candidate Ricky Dale Harrington. Upon winning the 2022 election, she became the first woman to govern a state where her father had also served as governor, and she currently stands as the youngest governor in the United States.
Fast facts
- Born: 1982, Hope, Arkansas
- Party: Republican
- Governor of Arkansas: 2023-present
- White House Press Secretary: 2017-2019
- Education: Ouachita Baptist University
- Religion: Baptists
Questions readers ask
What official positions did Sarah Sanders hold prior to becoming governor?
She served as White House press secretary, spokesperson, political consultant, and political campaign staff.
Is Sarah Sanders still in office?
Yes, she is serving as the Governor of Arkansas, a position she has held since 2023.
Achievements
- Worked as actor
