About Sharon McMahon.

Sharon McMahon is an American civics educator, democracy expert, and two-time #1 New York Times bestselling author known as “America’s Government Teacher.” A political commentator and analyst, she helps millions of people understand current events, US government, and the Constitution.

A longtime government and law teacher, Sharon built a following of millions, known as “Governerds,” by explaining complex political topics with facts and historical context. She founded and writes The Preamble, a newsletter with more than 300,000 subscribers that has become one of the most popular political publications on Substack.

Sharon McMahon’s first book, The Small and the Mighty, was a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller and won a 2025 American Book Award. Amazon named it a Top 5 Best Book of the Year and the #1 Best History Book, it was a Goodreads Best History book finalist, and Barnes & Noble named it Best Nonfiction of the Year. The Small and the Mighty has also been chosen as a common read at universities across the country.

Sharon McMahon’s children’s picture book, We Are Mighty, illustrated by award-winning artist Susanna Chapman, also became a #1 New York Times bestseller. It introduces young readers to ordinary Americans whose small acts of courage changed history.

She is a sought-after keynote speaker on American history, leadership, democracy, and civic engagement. She has spoken at the Aspen Ideas Festival, the National Governors Association Annual Meeting, and the National Leadership Conference for Chief Judges of the U.S. District Courts, as well as at universities, corporate events, and conferences nationwide.

Sharon has raised nearly $14 million for disaster recovery, medical debt relief, international humanitarian crises, and classroom grants for teachers. Her honors include the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service by a Private Citizen, a First Amendment award from Freedom Forum, a Webby Award for Best Podcast, an American Book Award, and PR Week’s Communicator of the Year.

Her message is simple: powerful change is built by ordinary people doing the next needed thing.