Remember that Palin only turned 51 in February, if she feels that her influence needs another elective office for a term or two, she will do it.
Hillary Clinton is a front runner for President, in almost 17 years, Palin will be her age, and it will be in 2032, when 67 will seem even younger, (especially for a woman who has/does? run marathons).
Palin as Secretary of Energy in the first Cruz administration would be a win for everyone.