Sharron Albertson can teach conservative Texans a lot about making a difference in their communities. In fact, both teaching and political activism seem to be in her DNA.

Albertson is well known for her years of leadership within organizations like Golden Corridor Republican Women and National Life Chain, and for working on campaigns of conservative candidates.

So how did she get started?

“After being elected to student council in fifth grade, I seem to have been involved most years running for office or helping other people to do so,” Sharron says.

Albertson grew up in California and says her favorite memories are of times spent outdoors enjoying the ocean, beaches, and mountains. Her grandfather served as a tax assessor-collector, and she says all six of his sons became tax protestors. Her dad and his brothers were also “very involved in trying to straighten out our government,” and after retiring her dad spent lots of time registering voters.

Sharron brought that spirit of civic engagement with her to Texas, along with a dedication to family, teaching, and service.

She and her husband Howard moved to the Dallas area in 1972, settling in Plano in 1995. She taught elementary students before starting a family, then volunteered teaching English as a Second Language to adults. The couple also directed children’s ministries at their church for over eight years.

In addition to teaching, volunteering, and raising a family, Sharron found time to get involved in conservative causes and campaigns. In 1984, she jumped into a petition drive for a Dallas City Council candidate to be on the ballot. In 1990, Debbie Terry invited Albertson to join a new club she was putting together, Golden Corridor Republican Women.

“I was finishing my two years as chairman of Christian Women’s Club and was looking for another way to make a difference,” she said. “My husband was working in New York and three of our four children were in college, so I was free to get involved.”

Over the years, Albertson has held almost every GCRW office, including president in 2001-2002, and puts together the club’s directory of members plus all elected officials in Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties. She’s also coordinated campaign volunteers for a number of candidates, including recently retired Collin County Judge Keith Self and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

“It’s important to me to get people involved and help them to know those who are running for office,” she says. “When we find candidates who have integrity and experience like Keith and State Rep. Matt Shaheen and County Judge Chris Hill, I don’t mind losing sleep while recruiting people to volunteer.”

Sharron is also a passionate advocate for life. “We must let people in crisis situations know that they have options other than abortion,” she says. “We must lead the world in stopping abortion by electing pro-life leaders.” Since 2000, she and Howard have managed a website for National Life Chain, an organization that coordinates annual events in which pro-life individuals stand up for life along major streets, holding signs and praying. In 2018, Life Chains were held in more than 1,800 locations.

Albertson received a Conservative Leader Award in 2014 in recognition of her years of commitment and service — and she’s still going strong.

Sharron and Howard recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and Sharron’s teaching tradition is being carried forward in their family. Two of their daughters are educators, and 12 of their 15 grandchildren are homeschooled.

Albertson’s advice for fellow conservatives who want to get involved and make a difference? Join a pro-life, pro-family, pro-limited government group:

“If there isn’t one in the area, start one. Find candidates that represent your views who have integrity and experience. Then go without sleep to help them get elected and pray for them regularly during the election process and after they are elected.”

That’s what Sharron has done for decades, and she’s continuing to teach other Texans through her example.

Erin Anderson

Erin Anderson is a Senior Journalist for Texas Scorecard, reporting on state and local issues, events, and government actions that impact people in communities throughout Texas and the DFW Metroplex. A native Texan, Erin grew up in the Houston area and now lives in Collin County.

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