Sarah Huckabee Sanders, born on August 13, 1982, in Hope, Arkansas, is an American politician currently serving as the 47th Governor of Arkansas. She is the first woman to hold this position in the state’s history and, as the daughter of former Governor Mike Huckabee, the first woman to govern a state where her father was also governor.
Political Path to Becoming Governor
Sanders’ political journey began early, influenced by her father’s political career. She graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and mass communications. During her time at the university, she was elected student body president and was active in campus Republican organizations.
Her early political experience includes working on various political campaigns, including serving as a field coordinator for President George W. Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign. She also managed her father’s 2002 gubernatorial re-election campaign and later his 2008 presidential campaign. In 2016, Sanders joined Donald Trump’s presidential campaign as a senior advisor, and following his election, she was appointed as Deputy White House Press Secretary. She was later promoted to White House Press Secretary, serving from 2017 to 2019.
Most Recent Election Victory
On January 25, 2021, Sanders announced her candidacy for Governor of Arkansas. She received an early endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who praised her as “a warrior.” Her campaign focused on conservative principles, including opposition to COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates and strong anti-abortion stances, stating she would not support exceptions for rape and incest in anti-abortion legislation.
Sanders won the Republican primary decisively and went on to defeat Democratic nominee Chris Jones in the general election. She was inaugurated on January 10, 2023, making history as Arkansas’s first female governor.
Key Proposals and Policies
- Education Reform: On her first day in office, Sanders signed an executive order banning the term “Latinx” from official state documents, following feedback from Hispanic leaders and lawmakers.
- Abortion Legislation: In 2023, she signed a bill allowing a privately funded anti-abortion “monument to the unborn” to be displayed on Capitol grounds, commemorating the number of abortions performed in Arkansas before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
- Disaster Response: Following a tornado in March 2023, Sanders declared a state of emergency, activating the National Guard to assist with recovery efforts. She also coordinated with President Joe Biden to secure federal aid for the state.
Key Vetoes
In April 2023, Governor Sanders issued her first vetoes, rejecting four bills she deemed unnecessary. One notable veto was the removal of a $5 million appropriation for “pandemic-related expenses” for the Department of Corrections, citing her termination of COVID-19 mandates and emphasizing personal freedom and responsibility.
Stances on Economic Issues
Governor Sanders has advocated for conservative economic policies, emphasizing limited government intervention and personal responsibility. She has expressed support for work requirements for Medicaid recipients, aiming to encourage employment among able-bodied adults. This aligns with broader Republican efforts to implement such mandates, though similar policies have faced legal challenges in the past.
Stances on Social Issues
On social issues, Sanders has taken firm conservative positions:
- Education: She has been vocal against what she terms “indoctrination” in schools, signing an executive order to prohibit the teaching of critical race theory in Arkansas schools. She emphasizes that education should focus on teaching students how to think, not what to think.
- Abortion: Sanders supports strict abortion restrictions and has endorsed legislation to commemorate unborn children, reflecting her pro-life stance.
Controversial Statements and Actions
Throughout her career, Sanders has been involved in several controversies:
- Red Hen Restaurant Incident: In June 2018, while serving as White House Press Secretary, Sanders was asked to leave The Red Hen restaurant in Virginia due to her association with the Trump administration’s policies. The incident sparked national debate over civility and political discourse.
- Lectern Purchase Scrutiny: In June 2023, Sanders faced scrutiny over the purchase of a custom-made lectern for $19,029.25. The Arkansas Republican Party later reimbursed the governor’s office for the expense, but the incident led to an audit and discussions about transparency in government spending.
- Comments on Higher Education: In January 2025, Sanders suggested that college professors who “indoctrinate” students should be terminated, echoing rhetoric used by other Republicans against higher education institutions. This proposal drew criticism from civil liberties groups and faculty associations, who argued it could infringe on academic freedom and due process.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders continues to be a prominent figure in American politics, known for her steadfast commitment to conservative principles and her willingness to engage in contentious policy debates.
