District 26 State Senator Tamara Grove of Lower Brule is running for a second term in 2026.
District 26 includes parts of Brule, Buffalo, Hughes, Hyde, Jones, Lyman, Mellette and Todd Counties.
Grove cited her South Dakota roots as the foundation for her platform saying she was “raised in a small town by small-town business owners.” She said she still carries the vision of family owned farms and ranches passed down to the next generation and firmly believes small business ownership keeps South Dakota strong. “When things get hard, big business leaves, but small business digs in and stays.”
In her second term, Grove pledges to continue fighting for liberty, truth, and community without compromising integrity for the sake of big-money interests. Her priorities remain protecting individual freedoms, defending families, safeguarding taxpayers, defending 2 Amendment rights, and supporting safe communities.
Grove and her husband, Ian, live in Lower Brule. They have five adult children and serve as Pastors in their church as well as various leadership within the community.
“Guided by faith and conservative principles, I remain committed to serving with integrity and defending the values that make South Dakota strong. I humbly ask for your vote. Together we can make a difference.”
Reflecting on her decision to run again, Grove emphasized her connection to her constituents rather than political insiders. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the hard work of serving fellow District 26 South Dakotans, but there is more work to be done. I’m not a career politician, and I don’t have the support of big corporate entities, Outfitters, or out-of-state influencers. I’m not on speed dial for national lobbyist groups, nor do I have their financial support.”
Grove highlighted her legislative impact, stating, “In my first term, I sponsored SB83. I believe the bill brings real solutions to our overpopulated prison system with a rehabilitation focus.” Under Grove’s leadership, the conversation on rehabilitation began. She added, “I couldn’t be prouder. This has now blossomed into a statewide movement that will ultimately save South Dakotans millions of dollars, not to mention thousands of lives changed for the better!”
Grove earned a position on several prestigious committees in her first session:
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Legislative Committee Assignments– Judiciary, Health and Human Services, Taxation, and State-Tribal Relations
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Board Assignments– Indian Child Welfare Board
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Summer Interim Committees– Emergency Management & Initial Incarceration, Reentry Analysis, and Comparison of Relevant States
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Special Committee– Governors’ Task Force for Prison Recidivism and Rehabilitation
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Mental and Behavioral Health – Drug and Alcohol Treatment (Subcommittee)
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