Meet the people who want to represent you in Pierre

Simplified: Dozens of people are vying to represent the Sioux Falls area in the state legislature. Sioux Falls Simplified reached out to all of the Sioux Falls-area candidates to create the most comprehensive voter guide in town. It's all in an effort to help you feel smart and empowered heading into the Nov. 5 election.

Why it matters

These individuals who'll represent folks in the House and Senate are the closest the average citizen can get to having an impact on statewide policies.
State lawmakers determine what's talked about and what issues are prioritized during the three-month annual legislative session. They're also the ones voting on all changes to state law that impacts all South Dakotans.
For the purposes of this guide, Sioux Falls Simplified asked candidates how they'll be voting on all of the ballot measures on the November ballot. It's a simple way to get a sense of where candidates stand on a variety of issues from legal marijuana to abortion access to the state's tax on groceries.

How to use this guide

Step 1: Figure out your district on the Secretary of State's voter information portal.

That portal will also show you a sample ballot for your specific situation, and it'll tell you where to go to vote.

Step 2: Come back to this article, search for your district. (I recommend a simple CTRL+F to search for the number and avoid having to scroll a whole bunch).

Step 3: Go vote on Nov. 5.

Extra bonus step: Share this guide with a friend and tell them to go vote, too.

Ok, let's meet some candidates

Candidates are listed in ballot order, and regional districts are listed in numerical order. Phew, ok, let's do this.

An important note: For the purposes of this guide, I did not reach out to lawmakers who are already automatically elected to their seat because they're running unopposed. It's not that it's not important to hear from them, it is. But with limited time and capacity, I wanted to prioritize the competitive races in the state.

Also, if you need a refresher on the ballot measures, you can find that guide here. Here's a quick shorthand reminder for all of them:
- Amendment E: Updates gender references in the state constitution.
- Amendment F: Creates a possibility for work requirements for Medicaid recipients in certain situations.
- Amendment G: Reinstates abortion access.
- Amendment H: Switches up how primary elections are conducted.
- Initiated Measure 28: Repeals the tax on all things for 'human consumption'
- Initiated Measure 29: Legalizes recreational marijuana
- Referred Law 21: Establishes a "landowner bill of rights" in relation to carbon pipelines

District 2

Your district was decided in the primary election back in June. You'll be represented by:

Sen. Steve Kolbeck (R)
Rep. David Kull (R)
Rep. John Sjaarda (R)

District 6

Sen. Ernie Otten (R) is already in to represent the district, but the two seats in the South Dakota House of Representatives are still up for grabs. Here are those candidates:

Garret Campbell (D)

Age: 23

Occupation: Production associate at Graco

Why did you decide to run to represent District 6?

"Basically, there's things in my life and things I've experienced that I don't like and other people don't like. And it's like, well, I can make my life and other people's lives better. I've been keeping (my campaign) simple with three big things: housing, healthcare and benefits."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes
Amendment F: "I'd be alright with it if it was easier to get a job nowadays. I'd have to look at the bill more closely, but it's a definite 'maybe'"
Amendment G: "I am in support of that, specifically because I. know two people who would be dead if they weren't able to have an abortion."
Amendment H: "I'm good with that one."
Initiated Measure 28: "Considering the cost of living crisis we're going through, I think it's a good bill – though we have to find money from elsewhere."
Initiated Measure 29: Yes, noting this could be an option to fund shortfalls created if IM 28 passes
Referred Law 21: No. "It needs to be more thorough in the protection of the people."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? The reason why I'm running for office is I want to see change that will actually affect people to benefit their lives.

Herman Otten (R)

Age: 58

Occupation: Construction

Why did you decide to run to represent District 6? "I’ve served in the house and the senate previously and would like to continue my service and represent the people. I'm a firm believer of good government, and I believe I represent the people very well and represent them for good government."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes. "There's no harm in doing it, and it only makes sense to straighten it out."
Amendment F: Yes
Amendment G: No
Amendment H: "Still undecided on that one."
Initiated Measure 28: Nope. "I'll be voting against that, and not because I'm opposed to removing the sales tax on food. I did support that effort in the senate more than once, but the way this is written is not good."
Initiated Measure 29: No
Referred Law 21: "I did not vote for Senate Bill 201 (the law that's being referred here), so I will be voting "No" on 21 to repeal that."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I’ve always worked for South Dakota sportsmen. I’ve always been in favor of helping out career and technical education, so I do what I can to support them and public education. I've worked on some mental health stuff and hopefully attempt to do some of that again in January."

Aaron Aylward (R)

Aylward did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.

District 9

Sen. Joy Hohn (R) is already a shoo-in, but here's a look at the folks vying for the South Dakota House of Representatives.

Beverly Froslie Johnson (D)

Johnson did not respond to requests for an interview.

Bethany Soye (R)

Age: 33

Occupation: Attorney, currently a full-time parent

Why did you decide to run to represent District 9? I love South Dakota and want to make sure it stays the best place in the nation to raise a family.

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: "I think this is an unnecessary change and that the constitution already includes both men and women – it's just using a singular pronoun."
Amendment F: "This just removes a prohibition on work requirements, it doesn't put one in place right now but opens the possibility that we could one day – so I support it."
Amendment G: "I oppose Amendment G. It's far too extreme for South Dakota and would allow abortion up to birth."
Amendment H: "I also oppose Amendment H. Our current primary system is not broken. The proposed amendment is in place in California and has not led to increased voter turnout or more moderate candidates."
Initiated Measure 28: "This is the one I’m most torn about. I support repealing the tax on food. There are potential issues with this amendment, but I believe the legislature could fix them."
Initiated Measure 29: "I do not support legalizing recreational marijuana. We only have to look to Colorado to see the harm that it has done to that state."
Referred Law 21: No. "I voted against SB201 in the house. The bill removes local control and does not protect landowners rights."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "The number one issue that I hear when I go door-to-door is property taxes, and we've got to get serious about finding a solution because people are going to start losing their homes."

Tesa Schwans (R)

Age: 54

Occupation: Hair stylist, small business owner and longtime educator

Why did you decide to run to represent District 9? "There are so many things on my heart as to why I would put myself into a position to run for office because I’m not a politician. I think that the voices of South Dakotans have been somewhat silenced ... I don't want South Dakota to lose that connection with its citizens, and if I can help bridge that gap and be a part of it, then so be it."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: No. "I just dont think we need to create woke language into our South Dakota constitution. I think most South Dakotans understand it can mean either gender.
Amendment F: Yes. "This is kind of one of those bills where you have some empathy and you understand that families are really struggling. I also understand that there’s a lot of small businesses that have been affected by some of these inflation travesties. I think it would be great for us to get more people into the workforce, especially daycares because it's just become very hard for a lot of small families."
Amendment G: No. "I think it's very extreme for South Dakota."
Amendment H: No. Schwans cited concerns about out-of-state interest groups influencing elections as well as the California-based style of voting. "I think the South Dakota system isn't broken."
Initiated Measure 28: No. "It could hurt more people in the long run than helping them."
Initiated Measure 29: No. Schwans cited concerns this would increase homelessness, job loss and have negative impacts overall.
Referred Law 21: No. "I would support property rights. ... I have said in the past that I’m not against pipelines. I am against pipelines that need a 'green new deal' stamp of approval and pipelines that have no utility usage whatsoever." (Editor's note: Referred Law 21 does not impact eminent domain.)

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I think that we’re facing one of the most important elections in the history of America. I think that getting out and voting is one of our constitutional privileges that we are able to have and that we the people need to stand up and preserve our faith our family, our freedom and stand against progressive ideals that are potentially threatening our country and our state."

District 10

Sen. Liz Larson clinched her seat, but there are three folks vying for the two seats in the state House of Representatives.

Kameron Nelson

Age: 34

Occupation: Works in philanthropy

Why did you decide to run to represent District 10? "It’s been a beautiful thing to have served this last two years and running for re-election, I'm hoping to bring a voice for young people to South Dakota. From the very get-go, I saw that there was a lack of diversity as far as youth goes in our representation in Statehouse, and that really is what inspired me to run."

Nelson also noted his plan to focus on issues including affordable housing, building codes, free school lunches, support for education and funding to support increasing teacher pay.

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes.
Amendment F: No. "I do not believe that Medicaid work requirements work. In 2022 South Dakota decided to expand Medicaid, and I think that it's a disservice to the State of South Dakota and its people to impose work requirements."
Amendment G: Yes. "I trust women to make their own healthcare decisions, and I would like to see access to healthcare expanded even further than Amendment G. My position has been to allow people to make their own decisions in matters of health."
Amendment H: No.
Initiated Measure 28: Yes. "I believe that the legislature will have a large discussion in January and February to define terms to make sure the true intent of the initiative suits the people of South Dakota and ensures that we are able to support the services we provide based on (sales tax) revenues."
Initiated Measure 29: Yes. "The people of South Dakota have already approved that, and it was overturned previously. I think that no one should be imprisoned for possession or ingestion of cannabis, and I'd like to see that approved."
Referred Law 21: Yes, to "maintain what the legislature supported this past session."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I think we have an opportunity to provide a choice for the people of South Dakota and with a strong bipartisan perspective in Pierre, and to have discussions in an agreeable manner.

I think most people are exhausted with the political rhetoric that we see across the country, and I know that we’ve got wonderful human beings in South Dakota who want to propel us into the future. I hope to be a part of that."

Erin Healy

Age: 37

Occupation: Philanthropy officer at Sanford

Why did you decide to run to represent District 10? "I’m running because I truly think that my constituents voices matter, and I think that we can have real change when we start with talking more to our constituents. I’m always here to listen to them, and I think together we’ll be able to come up with solutions that work for all South Dakotans.

The best bills I've worked on have been those I've worked on with constituents or those who’ve had ideas in our state to fix something. That's kind of what fuels my motivation to run again."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: "That's an easy yes."
Amendment F: No. "We just decided to expand Medicaid in South Dakota, and part of that expansion was not requiring work requirements. ... If we're expecting people to work, how do they do that if their health isn't good?"
Amendment G: Yes. Healy cited concerns from physicians about the challenges of practicing reproductive health in the state. "This basically will give our physicians back the right to not feel threatened for providing necessary care to their patients."
Amendment H: No. "I just don't think it's going to solve the super-majority problem that we have in our state. I would love to see a state that is more balanced when it comes to political parities in our state legislature. I don't believe this is the solution to creating that balance."
Initiated Measure 28: No. "I absolutely love the idea of eliminating the sales tax on groceries. ... I am incredibly worried about what that will mean for our state’s revenue, and if this passes I’m worried that it will be detrimental to programs that benefit those who need state assistance and services."
Initiated Measure 29: Yes. Healy cited historic voter support for legal marijuana and said she thinks the state's current penalties for possession and ingestion are too harsh.
Referred Law 21: Yes. "That's the hardest one, and I'll say that right up front. For me, it's about the precedent that it sets. If we’re going to have a pipeline or any kind of structure running through our state, I worry about different counties setting (different rules and regulations because I think the public utilities commission should be making these decision."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? Healy talked about the challenges of the ongoing childcare crisis and her work already in this area. "There's no small, simple solution. It's a really big complex issue, and so I think it's just important to raise that concern because it affects everybody."

Bobbi L. Andera

Andera did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.

District 11: Senate

Steve Natz (D)

Age: 67

Occupation: Commercial real estate

Why did you decide to run to represent District 11? "There are all kinds of reasons – women’s healthcare is the one that probably tipped me over the edge. In Pierre, they try to out-conserve each other – who can be the most conservative – and not thinking about the people of South Dakota."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes.
Amendment F: No. "This is a burdensome bill. There are already enough restrictions on Medicaid. What will it cost to administer?"
Amendment G: Yes. "Protect a woman’s right to choose who and how her healthcare is administered. This is not the realm of the government."
Amendment H: No. "Sounds good on the surface, but this will be the death knell of the Democrat party in the state."
Initiated Measure 28: No. Natz said he has concerns about the wording and doesn't trust the legislature to fix it if the measure passes. "We can bring it back again, only worded better."
Initiated Measure 29: Yes
Referred Law 21: Uncertain, leaning toward yes. Natz said he foresees carbon pipelines happening in the state, and he's concerned if this doesn't pass it'll be "open season" in terms of landowner rights.

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "South Dakota is a good place. I'd like to see it be a lot better place. I'd like to see less conservative thought and more progressive thought and more advocacy for the people of South Dakota rather than running our OBGYNs and others out of the state."

Chris Karr

Karr did respond to an request for an interview, but we were unable to schedule it in time for publication. Check back for updates closer to Election Day.

District 11: House of Representatives

Aaron Matson (D)

Age: 44

Occupation: Pastor

Why did you decide to run to represent District 11? "There are issues I care about like affordable childcare and restoring freedom to a lot of people in our state or ensuring freedom for people in our state. I care about our educational system ... I just think that our political system can be a force for good and that public service is a privilege. I want to help bring that attitude to the legislature."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes. "Inclusive language is good."
Amendment F: No. "It's adding another layer of unnecessary bureaucracy."
Amendment G: Yes. "I know it's not perfect, but restoring protections and freedoms that were available during Roe v. Wade the last 50 years is important."
Amendment H: No. "It's a close one for me. I think the easier thing would be to ask Republicans to open their primary to independent or non-party affiliated voters."
Initiated Measure 28: "That’s a difficult one for me because I do take the warnings about the shortfalls in tax revenues seriously, but I also am opposed to a tax on food." Matson noted that if this passes, he's hopeful the legislature can come up with a solution for revenue shortfalls.
Initiated Measure 29: Yes. Matson said it could increase tax revenue and that the "benefits outweigh the negatives."
Referred Law 21: "This is the one I've struggled with the most. I hear compelling arguments on both sides of it. I do think landowners rights need to be the priority in this so I guess I lean, 'no.'"

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I have a real heart for public service, and in my time as a pastor I've really learned the value of listening to people and hearing what they need and bringing different people together to find a common sense solutions to things. It's not always easy, but I think it can be done."

Sonja Mentzer (D)

Age: 45

Occupation: Director at Wheelchair Express

Why did you decide to run to represent District 11? "There were a lot of different reasons for running, but I do feel like there's a lot of issues that need to be addressed – nursing homes closing across the state, accessibility to health care, education and just a number of issues that weren't getting the attention they needed in Pierre."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes.
Amendment F: No. "I just don't think it's fair or reasonable that somebody may qualify for Medicaid and then it would all be dependent on an employer or former employer signing off on it or having verification."
Amendment G: Yes. "People want exceptions. People want to have a choice."
Amendment H: No. "I think it's going to make campaigns far more expensive than they already are in South Dakota."
Initiated Measure 28: Yes. "It's needed and has been wanted for a number of years."
Initiated Measure 29: "I go back and forth on that one – that's really going to be the will of the people."
Referred Law 21: "That's a strong no. It's all risk and no reward for South Dakota."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "For the most part whatever the will of the people is, I want to respect the will of the people. ... We just need to respect that we’re adults, and we know what we want for ourselves and respect that for the voters of South Dakota."

Keri K Weems (R)

Weems did respond to a request for an interview, but we were unable to schedule it ahead of publication. Check back for an update closer to Election Day.

Brian K Mulder (R)

Age: 48

Occupation: Executive team member at Volunteers of America, Dakotas

Why did you decide to run to represent District 11? "I had been involved with advocating for people with disabilities in the South Dakota legislature for a couple years before I decided to run two years ago." Mulder said that experience made him realize his experience in the long-term care industry and with people with intellectual disabilities could be "a valuable voice" in the legislature.

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: "On this one I’m somewhat neutral and haven't really decided how to vote on that one. I think it's good to protect our constitution as written so I'd probably be a no."
Amendment F: Yes. "If expansion of Medicaid would've gone through the legislative process (rather than being voted in as a constitutional amendment) this work requirement would've probably been in there."
Amendment G: No.
Amendment H: No
Initiated Measure 28: No. "I think this is extremely dangerous. Quite honestly, by eliminating this tax with plan to replace it ... it's going to hurt those most vulnerable in the state, ultimately."
Initiated Measure 29: No.
Referred Law 21: Yes. "I would remind people that this bill does not have anything to do with eminent domain, but that's the argument against it for some reason."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "If reelected I'll be bringing some public safety bills that have to do with what I would consider controlled substances being distributed in gas stations around the state," Mulder said, referring to synthetic marijuana. He added he'll also continue advocating for people with intellectual disabilities.

District 12: Senate

Clay Hoffman (D)

Age: 31

Occupation: Development director at the Boys and Girls Club of the Sioux Empire

Why did you decide to run to represent District 12? "My opponent is nearly 30 years older than me. I think it's time for generational change ... I have no animosity toward my opponent, but hes been in the legislature for a decade." Hoffman noted he's also looking to support education in the state as well as find solutions to the statewide childcare crisis.

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: "Totally support it, and it's too bad it's taken this long to do that."
Amendment F: No. "The people clearly showed that they supported the amendment (Constitutional Amendment D passed in 2022) that was in place when we voted on it at the last election."
Amendment G: Yes. "I think the tagline that, 'it's too extreme' is very creative, but that doesn't take into account how extreme our laws regarding reproductive rights are right here in the state of South Dakota. We’re one of only 10 states in the nation to not allow exceptions for rape or incest."
Amendment H: Undecided, leaning toward yes. "Our current system now doesn't support moderate candidates. It supports the most extreme."
Initiated Measure 28: No. "That doesn't mean I'm not supportive of repealing the grocery tax," Hoffman said, adding that he's concerned if this passes the state could use it as "an excuse to cut essential government services."
Initiated Measure 29: Yes. "The voters of District 12 have clearly shown they support marijuana legislation, and I will too."
Referred Law 21: Yes, noting concerns about misinformation being shared about the referendum.

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? Hoffman noted his opponent's lack of a record as prime sponsor of legislation in Pierre. He also stressed the importance of government oversight and accountability. "We’re seeing what happens when we have one party in control for 40 years (and the) issues that were dismissed."

Arch Beal (R)

Age: 69

Occupation: Owner and CEO of Beal Distributing

Why did you decide to run to represent District 11? "I've been in legislature for the last 10 year. I’m probably, in my opinion, one of the few people in there with business experience with employees and whatnot. This particular year, I feel pretty bad – I see that so many people (in the legislature) have been replaced and so many people did not come back.

There's a definite lack of institutional knowledge. There's a lot of young folks out there that think they have the answers to it all – which i have no problem with – but the institutional knowledge within the two houses is gone, in my opinion."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: "Let's skip that one."
Amendment F: "I don't want to bankrupt the state, and I'd like to make sure that the people that are getting medicaid, if they do have the ability, to get a job. I think that's how I'm going to go on it."
Amendment G: "I don't know, there's a lot of controversy about that as to what is actually going on with that bill. I don't have a problem of rights with women when it comes to incest and rape. I do have a problem with as extreme as Amendment G might go. I hate seeing abortion being a method of contraception – I really do."
Amendment H: "I am leaning towards a no on that."
Initiated Measure 28: No. "There is some bad wording within that. I’m a businessman – I read this as to we’re gonna take the sales tax off of tobacco, CBD, marijuana ... The wording is using, 'consume.'"
Initiated Measure 29: "I have not stood in the way of legalizing recreational marijuana in the past. In my district, I have supported it for the most part." Beal also said he sees issues with synthetic marijuana and that it's all a "can of worms" people look to the legislature to solve.
Referred Law 21: Undecided. "Every county can’t have a different setback. Every county can't have different rules. Typically what I did is I stood on that ground that we need to make sure everybody’s treated the same when they come through the state with a pipeline."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "Quite frankly, I think theres a real need for institutional knowledge in Pierre right now, I really do." Beal added that he's in favor of "common sense government" and doesn't like to see constitutional amendments.

District 12: House of Representatives

Erin Royer (D)

Age: 34

Occupation: Genetic counselor at a children's hospital

Why did you decide to run to represent District 12? "I started running because I saw that our representatives weren't showing up to things like legislative coffees, weren't out door-knocking, weren't out engaging with the community. I wanted District 12 to have representatives that were responsive to their needs and accessible to voters."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes. "Seems like well past time to update our constitution to include the possibility that someone other than a man might hold an elected office."
Amendment F: No. "The South Dakota voters were very clear when they voted for Medicaid expansion, and work requirements actually cost a lot more money than they save."
Amendment G: Yes. "I think it's time for the South Dakota government to get out of the exam room and let patients and doctors make the best health care decisions for their families and their lives."
Amendment H: No. "The structure of open primaries they are proposing is unlikely to actually improve representation in S.D. politics. It's more likely to entrench one-party rule and end up with an even stronger Republican supermajority."
Initiated Measure 28: Yes. "South Dakota is one of a small handful of states left in the country that still taxes food at the full sales tax rate, and I think it's time we stop the regressive tax on people's food."
Initiated Measure 29: Yes. "South Dakotans were very clear four years ago when we voted to legalize recreational cannabis use in the state."
Referred Law 21: No. "I know it as presented as a landowner bill of rights, but it reads and behaves more like a carbon pipeline bill of rights."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I would really like to see South Dakota make some progress on improving our school lunch coverage. I think we have the money and the resources to do free school lunch for school aged children, and I’m really looking forward to working on that with Rep. Kadyn Wittman."

JR Anderson (D)

Anderson did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.

Amber Arlint (R)

Arlint did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.

Greg Jamison (R)

Age: 60

Occupation: Commercial real estate broker

Why did you decide to run to represent District 12? "It’s good, important, serious work to do for the state. It's a great way to be a part of contributing and giving back to the state – so overall good intention to do good government. (I plan to) try to solve some problems that are in our district and in the state in reference to property tax relief, as well as some of the challenges that may be created based on the initiated measures on the ballot. It's just good work to do, and it's the right thing to do.

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes.
Amendment F: "I'm fine with that. I think there's a lot to be done if the federal government passes some rules (allowing work requirements for Medicaid recipients)."
Amendment G: No.
Amendment H: "I'm not likely to support this one. I think when a lot of people vote, they use the parties as a guide because they don't know the candidates well enough.
Initiated Measure 28: No. "Having the tax on groceries allows a steady, constant resource for state government."
Initiated Measure 29: Yes. "It's my opinion that we can kind of move on from a prohibition-type mentality on cannabis and direct more of our resources towards other laws."
Referred Law 21: Undecided. "I'm OK either way that one goes. I'm a little indifferent at this time."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "Like every year, I'd ask people to do their homework and investigate the issues that’ll be on the ballot. It's import people take the time to review it before they show up and randomly answer things."

District 13

The District 13 House of Representatives race was decided in the June primary, and folks will be represented by Tony Venhuizen (R) and John Hughes (R). Here's a look at the candidates for State Senate

Ali Rae Horsted (D)

Age: 36

Occupation: Recruiter

Why did you decide to run to represent District 13? "I decided to run because I feel like our district deserves a new voice and someone of my generation. I had also been really inspired by some of the other young woman who have run and won and are doing good things in the legislature. If there’s one thing I can't stand it's an uncontested race, and that's what this would've been."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes. "It modernizes the language of our laws."
Amendment F: No. "Voters passed it with pretty good margin without work requirements, and I think that to retroactively require work requirements that are not yet well-defined will only hurt the people of South Dakota."
Amendment G: Yes. "There is no exception currently in state law for rape or incest, and I think that needs to change. Some might argue that G is too extreme. I would disagree with that, saying our current abortion ban is too extreme. OBGYNs don't want to practice here because they may be open to criminal charges for simply providing care to people who need it when they need it."
Amendment H: Undecided. "I think that generally speaking, it's important to allow as many people as possible to let their voices be heard. I do think that the Republican primary as it currently operates in S.D. is given too much power and influence on the general election.
- On the other hand I'm a bit concerned about unintended consequences that may arise if it is passed. As a democratic candidate, it's already hard enough to run in S.D. My concern would be that we’d have an even harder time just competing as candidates.
Initiated Measure 28: Yes. "Like the attorney general statement says, there may be some ambiguity or room for interpretation of the language. But I think there’s also some fear mongering ... I think food shouldn’t be taxed. It isn't in most states."
Initiated Measure 29: "I'm a big yes on that one. I think South Dakota needs to get with the times. ... Not only should we legalize it, we should monetize it. We're missing out on significant tax revenue we could have on it."
Referred Law 21: No. "I think it's important for landowners to maintain control of their land ... I’m a little apprehensive about the precedent it might set for future pipeline projects."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "My opponent has already served in the legislature for eight year, and I feel like it’s time for a change and a new voice for our district – someone who will be responsive and helpful rather than be driven by their own agenda."

Sue Peterson (R)

Age: 61

Occupation: Current District 13 State Representative. Retired commercial banker and high school track coach

Why did you decide to run to represent District 13? "I’m running because voters deserve a strong leader with a proven track record of getting results for District 13. I have done that during my time in the State House and will continue to fight for the issues important to District 13 in the State Senate.

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes.
Amendment F: Yes.
Amendment G: "I'm pro-life and voting no."
Amendment H: No. "Primaries are for political parties to choose their nominees for the general election. Amendment H would change our election process by eliminating guaranteed ballot access and would ultimately limit voter choice in general elections."
Initiated Measure 28: No. Peterson said while she's supportive of removing the tax on groceries, she's worried about the broad language in the measure.
- "(First), IM 28 is much broader than the proposal that was brought to the legislature. Second, state law currently states that local governments cannot levy a tax that the state does not levy itself. Because of this, Gov. Kristi Noem’s bill (which failed to pass the legislature) made the tax rate on groceries 0% instead of eliminating it like IM 28. This is a small but important distinction as her proposal would have still allowed cities to keep their sales tax and IM 28 will not. "
Initiated Measure 29: No.
Referred Law 21: No. "I voted against SB201 in the Legislature and am voting no on Referred Law 21. A carbon capture pipeline is not a common carrier and eminent domain should not be used for it." Editor's note: The referendum does not impact eminent domain.

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "As I talk with District 13 voters going door to door the two biggest concerns I hear are about property taxes and crime. In 2023, I worked with Mayor Paul TenHaken, our sheriffs, states attorneys, and police chiefs to pass legislation limiting parole for violent felons. I have also voted to cut property taxes three times during my time in the state house. As the next state senator from District 13 I will continue to work to bring down both crime and property taxes."

District 14: Senate

Sandra Henry (D)

Age: 69

Occupation: Retired teacher and curriculum coordinator.

Why did you decide to run to represent District 13? "I am running for the South Dakota Senate to be a voice for the people of District 14. As a retired teacher and curriculum coordinator with the Sioux Falls School District, and a resident of District 14 for over 40 years, I understand the priorities and needs of our community. I’ve been blessed with raising my family in this district, and I want to give back by serving in Pierre."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot? Henry declined to answer specifically how she'll vote but instead provided the following statement:

"I fully support the initiative and referendum process that South Dakota pioneered 125 years ago as the first state to establish it. Like most voters, my husband Tom and I are researching the issues to make informed decisions keeping in mind the interests of District 14. I’ve been focused on this race and listening to what I’m hearing at the doors.

As I consider the upcoming ballot issues, I will focus on how to best represent the voices of District 14, while also weighing the potential impact on the state budget, property rights, the needs of retired workers, working families, and young families starting out, including access to childcare, reducing taxes, and access to health care."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "With over 40 years of experience as a public school teacher and educator, and my husband Tom’s years as a small business owner in Sioux Falls, I will bring these perspectives with me to Pierre. District 14 deserves a strong voice in Pierre—a voice that reflects all voters, not just special interests. A voice that advocates for the real needs of District 14, including support for public education by keeping public dollars in public schools, access to healthcare, childcare, and meeting the needs of retirees and working families."

Larry Zikmund (R)

Zikmund did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.

District 14: House of Representatives

Keith Block (D)

Age: 37

Occupation: Social worker and mental health therapist

Why did you decide to run to represent District 14? "I think it was a number of things. One, as a social worker, I wanted to make sure I was helping folks out a lot more than I'm doing now. And two, I'm wanting to lower the temperature in politics. People get whipped up quite a bit in social media and on their phones."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes.
Amendment F: No.
Amendment G: Yes.
Amendment H: No.
Initiated Measure 28: Yes, "with a qualifier that I think we need to look at more conversations about funding sources."
Initiated Measure 29: Yes.
Referred Law 21: No.

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I'm a qualified healthcare professional looking to bring more votes of importance regarding healthcare. I'd like to make sure we’re addressing the maternity care desert in South Dakota. (I'd also like to make sure we're) improving support for public education –looking for ways to improve how we support teachers and their pay.

The other aspect is our union workers–I'd like to work alongside my teammate B.J. Motley to improve the workers comp deadline from three days to 10 days.
As a social worker I'd like to help improve engagement in the process. I pledge to have monthly town halls where folks can come talk with us about bills coming up."

B.J. Motley (D)

Age: 60

Occupation: President of the United Food & Commercial Workers Union local chapter 304A.

Why did you decide to run to represent District 14? "I'm running because out in Pierre, a lot of the legislators, they don't push the issues of labor. I’ve been in labor for over 35 years now, and I feel we need somebody out there to represent labor."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes.
Amendment F: No.
Amendment G: Yes.
Amendment H: No.
Initiated Measure 28: Yes.
Initiated Measure 29: Yes.
Referred Law 21: No.

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "One of the things I would like to fight for is mental health. First responders, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, a lot of them have stressful jobs. A lot of them deal with issues of mental health, and I think that should be covered by workman's comp, and at this time it's not."

Taylor Rae Rehfeldt (R)

Age: 35

Occupation: Certified registered nurse anesthetist

Why did you decide to run to represent District 14? "I have been working on policy that I think has had a positive impact on my district and state, and I want to continue working on those things – specifically issues pertaining to children and their wellbeing, education and healthcare."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes.
Amendment F: Yes. "I have supported it when it came through the legislature. I think it's important to have people feel confident in some of our programs that support our communities."
Amendment G: No. "I acknowledge the trigger law needs modifications, but Amendment G, I think, takes it too far the other way."
Amendment H: "I have not made a full decision on H. I understand the two slides of it. I do think it's important for people to have their voices heard. It's a hard decision for me to be brutally honest."
Initiated Measure 28: No. "It could have a drastic implication on the way that we help our most vulnerable people in South Dakota including children, those that cant take care of themselves and the elderly populations."
Initiated Measure 29: "I have respected whatever comes of that. I'm not personally a fan of recreational marijuana. However, in the past when I have been a legislator following the approval of recreational marijuana, I have respected the voters and voted accordingly within the legislative process to support their decision. I did not attempt to stifle their vote."
Referred Law 21: Yes. "It provides landowner protections, and unfortunately the public has been misled to believe that it is an eminent domain issue with the carbon pipeline. That is false and inaccruate.
- This bill provides good things for landowners, and if it does not go into effect the landowners will effectively get nothing in the event the carbon pipeline goes through."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I do pride myself on being reasonable, common sense – really trying to work on issues that my district, city and state really care about. (South Dakota) is a great place to raise a family, and I’m addressing issues that will help people prosper and thrive. That's really my goal at the end of the day – not about trying to be in the news and working on buzzworthy topics."

Tony Kayser (R)

Kayser did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.

District 15: Senate

Jamie Smith (D)

Age: 53

Occupation: Realtor, former teacher and coach

Why did you decide to run to represent District 15? "I thoroughly enjoyed serving the people of District 15 in the House of Representatives and being minority leader but stepped up to run for governor when no one else would. I learned so much when I ran for governor, and it's been very difficult to not use what I’ve been learning. When the opportunity came for the open senate seat I was encouraged by former colleagues in the senate and house and my family to run again."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes. "I would think that would make perfect sense."
Amendment F: No.
Amendment G: Yes. "I am not pro-abortion. However, I am pro-women's rights and the right to seek medical care as they and their physicians deem necessary."
Amendment H: No. "While I understand they'e identified the problem, I don't think this is quite the right solution. The primaries are designed to help the parties pick their candidates and it is a function of the party system."
Initiated Measure 28: "I am generally in favor of removing the tax on food, I am concerned about how this bill is written."
Initiated Measure 29: Yes.
Referred Law 21: Undecided.

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I want people to understand that I believe in civility, in working together to try to solve real problems for the citizens of South Dakota. I’m not into the gamesmanship and hyper-partisan out-of-state issues that are brought into South Dakota to try to divide people."

Brenda Lawrence (R)

Age: 53

Occupation: Works for the City of Sioux Falls

Why did you decide to run to represent District 15? "One of the big reasons I’m running is crime has gone on the rise, so I'd like to see solutions to figuring out how we can get crime back down. Editor's note: Crime has remained relatively flat in Sioux Falls for the past several years – more context here.

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes.
Amendment F: Yes.
Amendment G: No.
Amendment H: No.
Initiated Measure 28: Yes.
Initiated Measure 29: No. "If the goal is to continue to get people in a drug-induced state, then we should go with marijuana. But I don't think we need more options out there."
Referred Law 21: No.

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? No.

District 15: House of Representatives

Erik Muckey (D)

Age: 32

Occupation: CEO at Lost&Found, founder and managing partner at PASQ

Why did you decide to run to represent District 15? "As the child of rural, public educators, I've long known the state legislature's impact on our daily lives. When friend and mentor Representative Linda Duba decided to retire from the Legislature, I was encouraged to run by friends and family because they know my passion for giving South Dakotans a chance to build a life and legacy for generations.

I'm running because I know District 15 and will be a strong advocate for the most critical issues to our neighbors: quality education, healthcare access, and economic opportunity for all."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes. "It modernizes our constitution and reflects a world in which any person can hold office in our state. It's common sense."
Amendment F: No. "This is a solution in search of a problem. Evidence nationally suggests that Medicaid work requirements only keep people who need insurance from getting it. Overwhelmingly, South Dakota data suggests that those on Medicaid either are already working or functionally can't. It's not helpful."
Amendment G: Yes. "Contrary to G's most vocal opponents, Amendment G eliminates one of the most extreme, restrictive abortion laws in the country. Passing G aligns closely with what South Dakotans want: the opportunity to make medical decisions with professionals aligned with their values."
Amendment H: No. "I fully support giving independents more voice in South Dakota primaries, especially knowing the Democratic Party already includes independents in our primaries. I am concerned that we haven't addressed the real problem H seeks to address: partisan gerrymandering of legislative districts. Until that is fixed, I'm concerned that H may only entrench party dominance further."
Initiated Measure 28: Undecided. "As a student and instructor of economics, I fully support eliminating grocery sales tax because it disproportionately burdens the poorest South Dakotans. Unfortunately, IM 28 is very poorly written, and its passage may lead to detrimental cuts to essential services, education, and much-needed assistance. I'm uncertain at this moment how I'll vote."
Initiated Measure 29: Yes. "The voters of South Dakota already passed this once, with it being eliminated from the law on a technicality. Lawful regulation and taxation is safer for South Dakotans than the current state of prohibition, and our penalties for possession and ingestion are sending far too many non-violent offenders to our state prisons."
Referred Law 21: Yes. "This may be the most complex issue on the ballot this year. Coming from a rural family, I wholeheartedly support landowner protections from private interests. It is my understanding that RL21 supports existing law providing bipartisan, helpful landowner protections should an interstate pipeline or transmission structure be built. However, I know that more discussion on this issue is necessary."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I will always respect the will of the voters regarding legislation they pass through ballot measures. Please know this, and also know that I will be a vocal advocate to use our taxpayer dollars responsibly for issues that matter to South Dakotans, like investing in our teacher shortage, tackling our childcare and housing crises, and supporting working families and small businesses that fuel our state. You rely on us as lawmakers to solve real problems, not import issues or policies from other states."

Kadyn Wittman (D)

Age: 33

Occupation: Development Director for the Sioux Falls YMCA

Why did you decide to run to represent District 15? "I am running for reelection because I was able to push two bills across the finish line into becoming law, and I think those bills will genuinely improve the quality of life for South Dakotans. I want to continue creating resources and programs and support systems that make people who call South Dakota home feel supported and welcome and like the state works for them as well."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: Yes. "I think it just brings us into modern times, and it accurately reflects that a man or a woman can hold the office of governor."
Amendment F: No. "I am a huge opponent of work requirements for folks who are on Medicaid. We have absolutely no data that shows that it works, and actually we have data that illustrates the opposite. I think it just further marginalizes the individuals we hope will take advantage of Medicaid."
Amendment G: Yes. "I think access to abortion and reproductive care is a basic health need, and, again, I think this is very common sense
Amendment H: Yes. "What I think about are the 155,000+ independent voters. It's my belief voting yes on H will provide voting equity for those who are registered independent."
Initiated Measure 28: Yes. "I strongly disagree with the language. I think it was very poorly written, but I am supportive of the intent of it. I expect this will pass, and then I expect the legislature will have to go in there and clean it up so the language is more reflective of the language the governor brought in 2023."
Initiated Measure 29: Yes. "I do not think it is any of my business or the government's business if people choose to use marijuana in the privacy of their own homes, and I actually think it could be a fairly significant revenue source for the state."
Referred Law 21: Yes. "It is the same legislation that I worked on and voted yes on in my time in the legislature earlier this year. My understanding of this bill is that voting yes maintains the protections we put in place for South Dakota land owners."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I think it's important for voters to know that I'm going to continue in the same vein that I have and bring bills forward that champion people in marginalized positions. I'm also going to continue to champion for free school lunch access."

Joni Tschetter (R)

Tschetter did respond to a request for an interview, but we were unable to coordinate getting responses in time for publication. Check back closer to Election Day.

Brad Lindwurm (R)

Age: 52

Occupation: Sales associate

Why did you decide to run to represent District 15? "The reason I'm running is I believe God has called me to do so. I’m a person of faith, and that’s whats motivating me to run for office. I've never held office before."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot? "I'm voting no on all of them. I don't believe that any of them are necessary, and that’s the short answer. There was one I was considering voting yes on, Amendment F, but (I have) problems with the wording."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I think property taxes are a huge issue in our state, so that's kinda what I'm focusing my campaign on. I feel like I'm more of an independent person but obviously registered Republican because I'm conservative – a lot of things we can solve on our own. I believe in community involvement, and I'd like to bring just more of a listening ear."

District 16

Kevin D. Jensen (R) has already clinched the senate seat, but here's a look at the three folks running for two open seats in the House of Representatives.

Matthew Carl Ness (D)

Ness responded to an interview request with the following statement:

"In this election, I have not responded to any inquiries whatsoever. I have also spent zero dollars. ... I have nothing to say."

Karla Lems (R)

Age: 55

Occupation: Property management

Why did you decide to run to represent District 16? "The first two years are a learning experience, and then I think you kind of get your sea legs. We're gonna be moving forward here. I’ll be running for a leadership position (in the House). We’re going to try to get some things done for South Dakota."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: No. "Obviously the way that our constitution is written right now doesn't preclude any female from serving."
Amendment F: Yes. "Really this isn't going to make the work requirement. Voting for this – it's saying we can do this if at some point the federal government allows it."
Amendment G: "I'm a big no on G."
Amendment H: No. "I think we have a system that works right now, and I don't think we need to have other people coming in to our party and deciding who we have as our candidates."
Initiated Measure 28: No. "If IM 28 passes, we can fix it, which we will in the legislature. But it's very vague, and we’re voting for something that we don't know where it’ll be if it passes."
Initiated Measure 29: No. "We don't need to go the way of Colorado."
Referred Law 21: "This is an absolute no. It will strip local control. We do not have a very good Attorney General explanation on that, so I'm concerned people won't udnerstnd really what that bill does."

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I would just say do your research, and if you don't know, vote no."

Richard Vasgaard (R)

Age: 74

Occupation: Farmer

Why did you decide to run to represent District 16? I ran four years ago in District 17, and then they redistricted me, and I didn't make it back in. So I tired again this year. It takes a couple years to learn the process, and then you want to do some things."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: "I'm probably going to vote no on that because of the cost of going through all that."
Amendment F: "I'll probably vote yes."
Amendment G: No.
Amendment H: No.
Initiated Measure 28: No.
Initiated Measure 29: No.
Referred Law 21: No.

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "Agriculture's been my life, and it's been good to me. I’m not sure (farmers) have a voice in Pierre. That's going to be my focus is to keep an eye on what’s coming down and make sure nothing interferes with what we need to do to be good producers."

District 25:

Les Heinemann (R) and Jon Hansen (R) have already won the two open seats in the House during the primary. Here's a look at the senate candidates:

Brian Wirth (D)

Wirth did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.

Tom Pischke (R)

Age: 42

Occupation: System quality analyst

Why did you decide to run to represent District 25? "I feel like District 25 deserves a conservative voice in the state senate, and I've been that conservative voice for eight years now. They trust me, and they know me."

How do you plan to vote on the following issues on the November ballot?

Amendment E: No. "I don't think updating the constitution for this is necessary."
Amendment F: Yes. "If you're 18 to 65, you should be at least looking for work if your gonna live off the government health care."
Amendment G: No. "It's far too extreme, and as a pro-life Catholic, I believe life begins at conception."
Amendment H: No. "It would move our election system to be just like Washington and California ... It's a worse thing for independent candidates."
Initiated Measure 28: No. "The problem with that measure is that it's too broadly written." Pischke also cited concerns with what impact the measure would have on municipalities.
Initiated Measure 29: "I’m probably gonna vote no on IM 29. This is one I kind of struggle with a little bit because I do believe in personal responsibility, and I don't like to penalize people. I'm starting to believe that marijuana isn't necessarily good for society. The people that do that are not necessarily the most high functioning people, I think."
Referred Law 21: No. Pischke noted general concerns about carbon pipelines as well as concerns that the referred law violates the single-subject rule.

Anything else you want voters to know about you ahead of Election Day? "I just want people to know that I’m for the little guy. I’m for the people. I don't bow down to corporate lobbyists out in Pierre."