You remember the glasses. You definitely remember the "hockey mom" energy. In 2008, Sarah Palin didn't just walk onto the national stage; she basically kicked the door down. Fast forward to 2026, and the "Maverick" from Wasilla is living a life that looks nothing like those high-octane days on the campaign trail with John McCain.
Honestly, it’s been a wild ride.
If you’re wondering what is Sarah Palin doing today, the answer is a strange cocktail of high-stakes legal drama, digital-age side hustles, and a quiet retreat back to her Alaskan roots. She isn't in the Governor's mansion anymore. She isn't in Congress. Instead, she’s navigating a world where "celebrity" and "politician" have basically merged into one weird, blurry thing.
The Courtroom Battles and the New York Times
Politics might be in her blood, but lately, Palin has spent more time in Manhattan courtrooms than at political rallies.
Her years-long crusade against The New York Times finally hit a massive wall recently. In April 2025, a federal jury found the newspaper not liable for defamation in a retrial of her 2017 lawsuit. She’d claimed an editorial falsely linked her PAC’s rhetoric to a mass shooting. She fought hard. She testified in a shimmering silver blazer. But the jury didn't buy that the paper acted with "actual malice."
Just a few weeks ago, in late December 2025, Judge Jed Rakoff slammed the door shut on her latest attempt to revive the case. He denied her request for yet another trial. It feels like the end of a legal era for her. It’s a bit of a "David vs. Goliath" story that didn't end with a stone to the forehead.
Making a Living: From Cameo to the "Content Mill"
How does an ex-governor pay the bills in 2026?
Surprisingly, through your smartphone. Palin has become one of the most successful "influencers" of the political world. She’s not hiding it either. During her testimony, she admitted that a huge chunk of her income now comes from Cameo.
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Yes, for a few hundred bucks, you can get Sarah Palin to wish your uncle a happy birthday or give a pep talk to a graduating class. Reports show she cleared over $200,000 in a single year just from these clips. It’s lucrative work. She even filmed some the weekend before her big court appearance.
- Speaking Gigs: She still hits the stage at conservative events, like the "Take Our Border Back" rally in Texas.
- Reality TV: Never forget the Masked Singer moment. She’s still open to the "entertainment" side of things.
- Digital Content: She runs what some call an "online content mill," staying relevant through social media and conservative media hits.
What is Sarah Palin Doing Today in Her Personal Life?
Life in Wasilla looks different these days. Her 30-year marriage to Todd Palin ended in what she described as an "earth-shattering" divorce back in 2020. She found out via an email from his lawyer. Ouch.
She’s been dating former NHL player Ron Duguay for a while now. They’ve been spotted at rallies and around New York during her trials. Duguay, a legend for the Rangers, seems to be a steady fixture in her new life.
Then there’s the family. Her daughter Bristol is down in Texas working as a realtor and DIY home renovator. Her grandson, Tripp, actually just moved back to Alaska to live with his dad, Levi Johnston, and be closer to the rest of the Palin clan. Sarah is still very much the matriarch, frequently posting about her kids and grandkids. She still hunts. She still runs miles every day. She still eats moose.
The Political Comeback That Wasn’t
A lot of people forget she tried to get back into the game officially in 2022. She ran for Alaska’s lone House seat twice—once in a special election and once in the general.
She lost both times.
The culprit? Alaska’s new ranked-choice voting system, which she absolutely loathes. She lost to Democrat Mary Peltola, and since then, she’s been largely on the sidelines of formal elections. While she hinted at being a potential VP pick for Donald Trump in the 2024 cycle, that didn't materialize. Today, she's more of a "kingmaker" (or at least a loud voice in the room) than a candidate.
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Why She Still Matters
Love her or hate her, Palin was the prototype. Before the MAGA movement was a thing, she was the one talking about "elites" and "lamestream media." She paved the road that a lot of modern politicians are driving on right now.
If you want to keep up with her, the best place isn't CSPAN anymore. It’s Instagram or the occasional Newsmax interview. She’s transitioned from a policy-maker to a brand.
What You Can Do Now
If you’re interested in following the trajectory of 2000s-era political figures, here are a few ways to stay informed:
- Monitor Court Records: Since her legal battle with the NYT has significant First Amendment implications, legal blogs like SCOTUSblog or The Free Speech Center are great for deep dives.
- Check the "Influencer" Economy: If you want to see how political fame translates to cash, browsing the "Political" category on Cameo gives a stark look at the modern retirement plan for DC veterans.
- Follow Local Alaska News: Sources like the Anchorage Daily News provide the best "boots on the ground" reporting on her actual standing in her home state, which is often very different from how the national media portrays her.
She’s 61 now. She’s a grandmother many times over. She’s a litigator, a personality, and still, somehow, the most famous person from Wasilla.