Former Border States CEO Tammy Miller is reportedly seriously considering a run for North Dakota’s governor seat, according to an adviser to Governor Doug Burgum and Miller — who is the state’s lieutenant governor.

Burgum’s office announced Jan. 22 that he would not seek a third term as governor. His current term will conclude on Dec. 14, 2024.

Miller was appointed to lieutenant governor on Jan. 3, 2023 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Brent Sanford. She spent 32 years at electrical supplies distributor Border States, including as CEO from 2006-2020 and board chair from 2006 until the start of 2023. She has since served in North Dakota’s government as the Governor’s Office COO from April 2020 to January 2023 before taking her current position.

Border States was No. 6 on MDM’s 2023 Top Electrical Distributors List. Following Miller, Border States has been led by CEO David White, who will be succeeded by Jason Seger on April 1, 2024 as part of a planned transition.

“Lt. Gov. Miller is seriously considering a run for governor and will have a decision soon,” Miller and Burgum adviser Dawson Schefter told The Jamestown Sun.

The news outlet added that other potential GOP candidates for North Dakota governor include Attorney General Drew Wrigley and former state Sen. Tom Campbell.

Miller progressed through Border States, joining the company in 1991 as an accounting manager before moving to roles of corporate controller, vice president of finance, executive vice president, general manager for the southwest region and president. 

The North Dakota governor’s office notes that, under her leadership, Border States grew from under $500 million in annual sales to nearly $2.5 billion.

In 2013, Miller received the National Association of Electrical Distributors’ annual Trailblazer Award, which recognizes outstanding and dedicated service to NAED, its Women in Industry Group and the electrical distribution industry.

Back in 2009, MDM published a pair of interview Q&As with Miller:

• MDM Interview: Breaking Through the ‘Grass Ceiling’
• MDM Interview: Border States’ Approach to the Market

In 2007 and 2008, Miller became the first woman to lead NAED as board chair in its 100-year history.

As lieutenant governor, Miller serves as president of the state Senate and chairs the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission, North Dakota Trade Office, Task Force for Military Issues in North Dakota, Northern Plains Unmanned Systems Authority, State Investment Board, State Board of Equalization and Early Childhood Council.