Quick Facts
Biography
Tammy Miller(born 1959 or 1960) is an American accountant and politician from North Dakota. Assuming office in 2023, she is the 39th lieutenant governor of North Dakota. Miller was appointed by Governor Doug Burgum, following Lieutenant Governor Brent Sanford's resignation.
Miller is a candidate for 2024 North Dakota gubernatorial election, hoping to succeed Burgum.
Early life and career
Miller is from Brocket, North Dakota, and attended high school in Lakota, North Dakota. She earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She is a certified public accountant. Miller started her career in public accounting with Charles Bailly and Company (now Eide Bailly).
In 1991 Miller joined employee-owned Border States as the accounting manager. She served in a variety of roles including corporate controller, vice president of finance, executive vice president, general manager for the southwest region and president. She was named Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair in 2006. Under Miller’s leadership, Border States grew from under $500 million in annual sales to nearly $2.5 billion and became the sixth-largest electrical distributor in North America.
Political career
Miller considered running in the 2018 U.S. Senate election against Heidi Heitkamp, but opted not to run. She joined the office of the Governor of North Dakota in April 2020 as chief operating officer.
Lieutenant Governor
On December 20, 2022, former Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford announced his resignation as lieutenant governor of North Dakota, effective January 2, 2023. Governor Doug Burgum appointed Miller to succeed Sanford. Miller is North Dakota’s third female lieutenant governor.
Miller took over far more operations than previous Lt. Governors, as Governor Burgum for most of 2023 was running for President. Miller ceremonially pardoned the turkey for the 2023 Thanksgiving day, along with visiting the Grand Forks Air Force Base in October.
On January 22, 2024, Miller endorsed former president Donald Trump for his re-election bid in 2024.
2024 gubernatorial campaign
On January 22, 2024, Burgum announced he would not seek reelection to a third term. Miller announced she would seek the governors office on February 15. Miller she has emphasized her business career front and center over political experience, similar to that of Burgum during his presidential campaign.
Miller aims to be the first female governor of North Dakota.
Miller stated upon her announcement that she will not attend the North Dakota Republican Party’s endorsement convention in April, rather she will go straight to the primaries. Giving her more time to speak with voters.
Political Positions
Abortion
Miller supports anti-abortion legislation, describing herself as pro-life. She does believe there should be exceptions young girls who are victims of rape and incest.
Gun rights
Miller is an avid supporter of the 2nd amendment.
Immigration
Miller is a staunch critic of President Biden’s immigration policy. She said if elected governor, she would make sure North Dakota does not provide any benefits to illegal immigrants.
Taxes
Miller is opposed to removing property taxes in the state of North Dakota, stating that people need to come together and discuss this issue throughly. However, Miller does support a full elimination of the state level income tax.
Personal life
Miller's husband, Craig Palmer, was the president of Multiband.
