From Ranch Girl to Rising Political Force
The 54-year-old grew up immersed in ranch life and is now a cowboy’s wife, raising three children with a strong emphasis on family values. From a young age, she embraced the demands of life on a farm — herding cattle, driving tractors, and spending more time outdoors than indoors.
This lifestyle kept her grounded, and she says she never felt she was missing out on anything because her family was always together.
“My dad was a cowboy. Everything he did was an adventure. I was the third of four children and a tomboy. My favorite thing to do every day was to spend time with him. He was always outside working or hunting,” she shared.
Her childhood revolved around chasing cattle, helping with farm chores, and learning from her father. She credits her parents for instilling in her the importance of family time and shared experiences.
Even as other events and social activities occurred outside their home, she says the farm and her family kept her busy and fulfilled.
She and her siblings remained on the ranch for many years. Her election to Congress marked the first time in two decades that any of them had left to pursue a different path.
Although she was bought out of the family business, she kept ownership of some land and retained a portion of the family’s equity. She and her siblings continue to live close to home, maintaining a strong connection to the family ranch.
Like her, her sister was bought out but chose to stay nearby, while her brothers still live on the original property. “My dad said, all the time, ‘God isn’t making any more land, so don’t ever sell it.’ We have always stayed very tied to the land,” she noted.
A Small-Town Pageant That Changed Her Path
Before entering politics, a path very different from the ranch life she knew, the politician was crowned the 1990 South Dakota Snow Queen, representing Bryant. She recalled that during the judging process, the focus wasn’t on who gave the best speech or interview.
Instead, it was on identifying a well-rounded individual capable of handling a variety of situations. She admired how the judges observed the contestants throughout the festival. They assessed not only their solo performances but also how they conducted themselves in group settings and social events.
