A member of the Republican Party of Minnesota, she previously represented District 30, which included parts of Hennepin, Sherburne, and Wright counties.

Kiffmeyer was elected secretary of state in November 1998, and was sworn into office on January 4, 1999.

During Kiffmeyer's tenure, Minnesota was the highest voter turnout state for all 8 years as determined by Curtis Ganz of the Center for Democracy.

During Kiffmeyer's tenure, she convinced the legislature to establish the Safe At Home Program for victims of domestic violence who wanted to register to vote and keep their address private.

[1] Kiffmeyer served as the President Pro Tem of the Minnesota Senate for two years.