Senator Taffy Howard

Taffy Howard is a Republican member of the South Dakota State Senate, representing District 34. She assumed office on January 14, 2025, and her current term is set to end on January 12, 2027.

Taffy Howard has had a distinguished career in public service and beyond. Before her tenure in the State Senate, she served in the South Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 33 from 2017 to 2023. Her dedication to her constituents and her commitment to conservative principles have been hallmarks of her political career.

Born in Decatur, Georgia, Taffy Howard grew up in a military family, which instilled in her a strong sense of duty and service. She moved to South Dakota as a teenager and graduated from Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from South Dakota State University in 1989.

Howard’s career also includes service in the United States Air Force, where she served as an officer from 1990 to 1994. This experience further shaped her leadership skills and her understanding of the importance of discipline and teamwork.

In addition to her legislative work, Taffy Howard has been a business owner, bringing a practical perspective to her policymaking. Her legislative priorities have often focused on fiscal responsibility, individual freedoms, and supporting veterans and military families.

Throughout her career, Howard has been actively involved in various committees, including serving as vice chair of the House Committee on Appropriations during her time in the State House. Her work on these committees has demonstrated her commitment to ensuring efficient use of taxpayer dollars and advocating for policies that benefit her community.

Taffy Howard’s dedication to public service and her community continues to drive her work in the South Dakota State Senate, where she remains a steadfast advocate for her constituents in District 34.