Who is

Mary Graner?

Rooted in District 31

Mary Graner’s life has been shaped by the same values that built North Dakota: faith, hard work, and responsibility to community.

Raised on a ranch alongside five siblings, Mary learned early that success doesn’t come from promises—it comes from discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to serve others.

Those lessons have guided her throughout her life as a professional, a mother, a rancher, and a community leader.

Today, Mary is running for the North Dakota Senate to ensure those same values continue to guide our state’s future.

Family and Agriculture

Mary and her husband Kenny married in 1998 and raised four children together.

Their family farms south of Mandan along Highway 1806, where they raise small grains and Black Angus cattle and operate a successful sweetcorn business.

Mary has long believed that agriculture is the backbone of North Dakota’s economy and culture. Her family’s operation is not just a business—it is a way of life grounded in stewardship, independence, and service to community.

Each year, Mary donates portions of their sweetcorn harvest to local charities and food banks. In recognition of her generosity and service, the Elders of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have honored her with two star quilts.

Leadership Across North Dakota

Mary continues to serve North Dakota through leadership roles in agriculture, culture, and media.

She is one of just 100 members nationwide on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and serves as a Trustee representing District 7 for the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame and member of the North Dakota Federation of Republican Women and the Mandan Moose Lodge.

Mary is also a Lead Host and Producer at BEK News, where she co-leads Ladies of Another View and produces My Hometown, a documentary series highlighting the stories and character of rural communities across North Dakota and Montana.

Real-World Experience

Mary earned two Bachelor of Science degrees from Minot State University in Business Administration—one in Marketing and one in Management—with a concentration in Banking and Finance.

She spent 18 years with State Farm Insurance as a claims adjuster, handling complex property and liability cases across the country. Her work often required careful investigation and sound judgment, including assisting in ATF-led arson investigations and handling large liability lawsuits with top attorneys.

This experience gave Mary a deep appreciation for limited government, due process, and public safety—principles she believes must guide public policy.

More About Mary

Service to Community

Mary has served the people of Morton County in several roles within the County Auditor’s Office, supporting multiple departments including the County Agent’s Office, Roads Department, State’s Attorney’s Office, and Social Services, as well as spending three months working in Sioux County with Tribal Social Services.

She has also held leadership positions within District 31, including:

District 31 Chairwoman
Vice Chairwoman
Secretary
Fundraising Committee Member

Her service reflects a lifelong commitment to strengthening the communities she calls home.

Faith and Service

Mary is the daughter of a Korean War veteran and has long been committed to supporting those who served our country.

She is an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary at Miller-Lynn Post 40 and St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Huff, North Dakota.

The Viet Nam Vets Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club honored Mary to lead the 500-bike caravan, and carry and raise the American flag at the ND Veterans Cemetery on Memorial day.

Her faith and family remain the foundation of her life and public service.

Support Mary