Representative Tamara St. John Contact information

Tamara St. John is an American politician and a Republican member of the South Dakota House of Representatives. She has been serving District 1 since January 8, 2019. Notably, with her election, St. John became the first and only Native American Republican woman to ever serve in the South Dakota House of Representatives.

Early Life and Education: Tamara Jill St. John was born on July 28, 1966, in Sisseton, South Dakota. She is an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe of the Lake Traverse Reservation. St. John attended Sisseton Public School and holds a certificate in cultural heritage tourism from George Washington University.

Career: St. John has a rich background in history and genealogy. For nine years, she has served as the Tribal Archivist for the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, working closely with the Tribal Historic Preservation Office on cultural preservation issues. Her expertise extends to community outreach and education, where she plays a vital role.

Additionally, St. John has collaborated with local, state, and federal governments on matters related to historic preservation, cultural projects, and government consultations. Her commitment to preserving cultural heritage has made her a respected figure in her community.

Political Career: In 2018, when incumbent Jason Frerichs was term-limited in the State Senate, Susan Wismer ran unopposed for the Senate seat, vacating her House seat. Tamara St. John emerged as the sole Republican candidate in District 1, competing against former legislators Steven D. McCleerey and H. Paul Dennert. In the three-way race for the two House seats, St. John secured victory, receiving 4,735 votes (36%).

Her success marked a significant milestone: she was the first Republican candidate on the ballot for District 1 in a decade and the first Republican candidate to win a legislative seat in District 1 in over 20 years.

During the 2020 general election, St. John continued her political journey, winning her second House term with 6,150 votes (41%).

Committee Assignments: St. John currently serves on the House Judiciary Committee, the House Health and Human Services Committee, and co-chairs the State-Tribal Relations Committee.

Private Life: Tamara St. John has four adult children and two grandchildren. She resides in Sisseton, South Dakota.