Tamara Grove

Tamara Grove was born in Yankton, South Dakota. She earned a graduate degree from Huron University in 1993 and a Ph.D. from Colorado Technical University in 2015. Her career experience includes working as a consultant.[1]

Grove has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Trump Diversity Coalition

Community Revitalization Collective (Sioux Falls)

Drug Court of Lower Brule

Warriors Circle

State auditor

Tamara Grove did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

State Senate

Tamara Grove did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Dr. Tamara Grove. I live on the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Reservation with my husband, Pastor Ian Grove, our chickens, and an adopted cat named Church. My adult children are Elizabeth, Harvey, and Elijah.

I was adopted by Leo and Delores Istas of Miller, SD, and grew up helping my parents run the Driftwood Cafe and Istas Miller Bakery. After graduating from Huron University in 1993, I moved to the big city of Sioux Falls for 30 years! I moved to Lower Brule in April 2023.

Due to my adoption as a baby, the details of my Native heritage were withheld, and I have no Tribal Affiliation. Based on DNA data my Indigenous lineage points towards Anishinaabe - Ojibwe and Lakota Sioux. My biological name is Rogers.

My Educational Experience:

I earned my undergraduate in Public Relations & Communications and Business Administration at Huron University and then earned my Masters in Business Administration. In 2015, I earned a Doctorate in Management through Colorado Technical University with an Emphasis in Emerging Media. My research has been published internationally and even impacted federal law!

My Life Experience:

I am a small business owner, consultant, international research author, and speaker. I am also a Co-Pastor at The Hope Center of Lower Brule.

In 2001, I started my first small business as an American Family Insurance agent. In 2009, I left agency to pursue teaching at a local university, and in 2011, I began Transformation Consulting.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Liberty:

• 2nd Amendment Rights

• Limited Government

• Individual Rights

• Parental RightsTruth:

• LIFE of the unborn

• Religious Freedom

• Traditional Family Values

• Under GOD the People Rule!Strong Communities:

• SD Farmers

• Small Business

• School Choice

• Local City and Municipality Control

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Everything that impacts: Liberty. Truth. Community.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Over the years I have watched many politicians run from difficult conversations, I've read their whitewashed political statements regarding their voting records, and I've watched them dodge their constituents.

There is no representation for the people when their legislators will not honestly address issues. Some votes are hard, some issues are overwhelming, and it's a part of the job. If you can't stand the heat....get out of the kitchen!

A core responsibility of a legislator is 1) vote according to the will of the people they represent. 2) Vote according to their conscience, and 3) vote according to their belief system. And then state their reasoning clearly, directly, consistently, without wavering.

The people of South Dakota deserve honest leaders.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I grew up working for my parents. My dad owned the Istas Miller Bakery. He went to work around 4 am every day but Sunday. My sister and I were expected to show up on Tuesdays and Thursdays around 6 am to work. We packed rolls that would be delivered to various businesses in the state.

My friends milked cows before school and we packaged donuts!