SoDak Simplified: Meet the state legislative candidates

Note: This is the first in a series of 2022 election coverage. You can find a summary of ballot measures here. Check back for more in the coming weeks.

Simplified: The 2022 election for South Dakota senators and representatives is quickly approaching (Save the date: Nov. 8, 2022). This comprehensive guide is designed to make it easy for you to feel informed before you head to the ballot box.

Why it matters

• Those who are elected and travel to Pierre in early 2023 will tackle a range of issues that affect you both as a taxpayer and as a resident of South Dakota.
• This is your chance to have a voice in who makes decisions in our state on everything from K-12 education funding to abortion rights to agriculture regulations to recreational marijuana – and so, so much more.

How does this guide work?

This is a comprehensive, statewide guide to the 2022 South Dakota legislative election.

• We reached out to all 158 candidates running for a state senator or representative position across South Dakota's 35 voting districts.
• Each of their responses are recorded here, listed by district in numerical order. If the candidate didn't respond to multiple emails and phone calls, only their name and party affiliation are listed on the guide.

Once you know your district, use CTRL+F (or Command+F if you're on a Mac) and search "District XX" – of course, using the actual number of your district in place of the Xs.

What else should I know about the candidates?

Of the candidates who are running this year,

• 46% are incumbents
• 66% are Republican, just under 30% are Democrat and another 4% are independent or Libertarian
• Forty-eight candidates are women, and 110 are men.

Additionally, 38% of seats are unchallenged in the general election.

Ok, I'm ready. Show me the candidates.

• Ope real quick: you should know answers are edited for length and clarity.

District 1 State Senate

Susan Wismer

Party: Independent
Age: 66
Occupation: Public Accountant
Town: Britton
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I think it is important that this rural district be represented by someone who has and is spending their life in District 1. I was born and raised here, have been in business all my life here, and represent rural communities, not Aberdeen, which is not in the district. South Dakota needs a more open and transparent legislative process, and that won't happen until more Democrats replace some of the Republicans who are beholden to the existing power structure in Pierre.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Biggest issue at the moment is respecting teachers and public education. Also, once Amendment D passes, making healthcare affordable and accessible to 40,000 South Dakotans, which will help all of us with health insurance premium affordability and take the burden off counties of massive medical welfare claims.

Michael Rohl

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Party: Republican
Social media

District 1 State Representative

Kay Nikolas

Party: Democrat
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired Attorney
Town: Sisseton

Why did you decide to run for office this year? An opportunity arose in District 1 when Jennifer Keintz was named as the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor. I sought the opportunity to continue to serve residents in
District 1 where I practiced law for more than 40 years, including 24 years as deputy State’s Attorney and State’s Attorney in Roberts County.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Civility and reduction of divisiveness among the servant leaders in Pierre – workforce issues, including childcare, training in trades; getting people back to work after the disruption of COVID.

Steven McCleerey

Party: Democrat
Age: 69
Occupation: Cattle and grain farmer
Town: Just outside Sisseton

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I ran again because I was asked by both parties. They said they were not being fully represented in Pierre

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My two main priorities in Pierre will be daycare/pre-education within the education department and property rights within the ag sector.

Joe Donnell

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Party: Republican
Social media

Tamara St. John

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Party: Republican
Social media

District 2 State Senate

Steve Kolbeck

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 51
Occupation: Principal Manager at Xcel Energy
Town: Brandon
Social media

Kolbeck did not respond to further questions and instead directed voters to his website.

District 2 State Representative

Gary Leighton

Party: Democrat
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired school administrator and out-of-town courier for Sanford Health
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I have always had an interest in state government and lawmaking, and the opportunity now exists in retirement to hopefully make a positive impact on state legislation.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Up to half the population in the state (democrats and independents) have little to no voice in state government. I want to be able to speak up for them and all others on important issues such as K-12 education, mental health care and suicide prevention, nursing homes/assisted living center issues, Medicaid expansion, and corruption/lack of transparency in state government.

John Sjaarda

Party: Republican
Age: 45
Occupation: Farmer
Town: Valley Springs

Why did you decide to run for office this year? After redistricting we had open seats in our district, and I wanted a Christian conservative to fill that spot, so I thought I would try it myself.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Eminent domain has become an issue since I decided to run and just keeping our children safe.

David Kull

Party: Republican
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired law enforcement in Sioux Falls and Brandon police chief; Brandon city council member
Town: Brandon
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I see a need for people to step up and participate in the process. I was asked by a couple of people if I would be willing to do that, and I have some concerns or interest in what the state does as it pertains to public safety and local government.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I don't have a set agenda or bills I'm looking to pass. When you start a new project like this you have to take a step back, learn the process and go from there. Committees I would be interested in getting on would be the judicial committee and local government committee. Obviously education is also at the forefront right now and that the state does the proper thing supporting education and educators and doing the right thing for kids going through the process.

District 3 State Senate

Al Novstrup

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 68
Occupation: Manager of family entertainment center
Town: Aberdeen
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm a longtime businessman who believes that the United States and free enterprise is wonderful, and it's part of my duty to repay the U.S. We're blessed to live in the U.S. with all the freedom, prosperity and safety of living in South Dakota. It's our payback for what we've been given. If you elect bad leaders, you end up with a challenging life. If good people run for office then we continue with all those benefits of prosperity and safety and freedom.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Main issue is regional jails, inflation, and taking a look at our pro-life laws to see if they're modernized for the current environment from the Supreme Court decision.

District 3 State Representative

Brandei Schaefbauer

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 48
Occupation: Wife and mother
Town: Aberdeen
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I love the State of South Dakota and want it to be the best place to raise a family, come live and make a living. I wasn't happy with some voting this past session, so I decided instead of complaining, I would run and do what I could to help pass good legislation.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Biggest issue to tackle this coming session: Landowner rights, parents' rights, protecting life and family values, and inflation.

Carl Perry

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired business executive
Town: Farm near Selby
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? This is my third term in the District 3 House of Representatives. I am a candidate because I want to make a difference. I have the time and will share my past experience with the Legislature.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I am on the Health and Human Services Committee, the Retirement Laws Committee and the Commerce and Energy Committee. It's busy but worthwhile to serve the people of District 3 and the State of South Dakota. I plan to listen, learn and then respond accordingly.

District 4 State Senate

John Wiik

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm basically already re-elected, so I'm fine.

Wiik did not offer further comment.

District 4 State Representative

Stephanie Sauder

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 63
Occupation: Small business owner, farmer & retired teacher
Town: Bryant

Why did you decide to run for office this year? While in high school, I had the opportunity to serve as a legislative page in the South Dakota State House. After graduating high school, I attended Dakota State University and began my 30 year career as a public school educator in South Dakota. Since my time as a page I have always felt a calling to serve my community whether that was as the mayor of Bryant, advising extracurricular activities at the high school, serving on local boards and organizations or being an active member in my church community. Because of the recent redistricting, there was an open seat and the opportunity to serve the District 4 community presented itself. The world is run by those who show up. I am showing up.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? While it's difficult to pinpoint just one right now, education and agriculture are important to me and to many of the constituents in District 4.

Fred Deutsch

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 5 State Senate

Lee Schoenbeck

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 64
Occupation: Civil trial attorney
Town: Watertown

Why did you decide to run for office this year? One last term to help develop future leaders for the Senate.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Impact of inflation on wages, where the state provides the funds (education, state employees, and Medicaid) will be a top priority. Nursing homes are in a crisis due to rising costs and a severe labor shortage. State and local incarceration facilities will consume much of our time.

District 5 State Representative

Hugh M. Bartels

Party: Republican
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired Community Banker
Town: Watertown
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I have always ran for office to move my community and South Dakota forward.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? There will several issues to deal with this session: county jails, state prisons, marijuana, Medicaid reimbursement, and abortion issues. All will be important.

Byron Callies

Party: Republican
Age: 74
Occupation: Retired Department of Energy salesman
Town: Watertown

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I've been involved in local politics for the last 10-12 years and decided I'd move up to the state level and see if I could do more for South Dakota and District 5 (Watertown).

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I'm going to be concerned with education, since I was a college professor for 10 years, and I know that's a big part of the South Dakota budget. The taxes and marijuana issues are coming up as well.

Kahden Mooney

Party: Democrat 
Age: 21
Occupation: South Dakota State Democratic Secretary
Town: Watertown
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? The opportunities for growth over the next several years are nearly endless. With billions of dollars pouring into the state I want to ensure that they are spent wisely and invested into programs that the people of South Dakota want to see funded such as education, childcare, and healthcare.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Definitely education and childcare. A workforce shortage isn’t going to solve itself, which means that we need to come up with new ideas. The first step to that equation is ensuring that parents have a safe place to drop off their children so they can go to work. Whether that be at school or daycare, the legislature needs to make sure that these options are available for everybody in the state, not just a subset of the population.

District 6 State Senate

Herman Otten

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 6 State Representative

Aaron Aylward

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 36
Occupation: Recruiter
Town: Harrisburg

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I decided to run because I want to help protect the rights of South Dakotans. The rights of individuals should always take priority over big government organizations and bureaucratic groups.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My biggest priority is to help restore federalism/states rights. Along with that, I’d like to cut spending and cut taxes (both sales tax on food, and property tax). We need to help those who are on fixed incomes and cutting these two areas of taxation are the best ways to do so, right now.

Ernie Otten

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 7 State Senate

Tim Reed

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 57
Occupation: CEO of Brookings Economic Development Corporation
Town: Brookings
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I've always wanted to make South Dakota a great place to raise your family and have the ability to have a great job.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I do a lot of work with sexual assault legislation, and I hope to pass a bill that defines consent for sex.

District 7 State Representative

Mellissa Heermann

Party: Republican
Age: 43
Occupation: Revenue Cycle Director at Brookings Health System
Town: Brookings
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I genuinely care about others and serving in my communities. I demonstrate this by pouring my time and efforts into others through volunteer work, leadership roles and public service. Serving others is woven into the fabric of who I am and how I live my life. I've served on the City Council and as Mayor of Lake Preston, and more recently six years serving on the Brookings School Board, and these experiences have prepared me for representing District 7 well in Pierre.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Some of the top items of focus will include the workforce shortages, mental health, multiple education topics and juvenile justice. I am currently meeting with different groups and individuals in District 7 to best understand their primary objectives for the upcoming legislative session as well as current obstacles they’re facing.

Roger DeGroot

Party: Republican
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired School Superintendent
Town: Brookings
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I thought it was time to give back to the community that supported me when I was the superintendent in Brookings.  Also I thought it was time for more common-sense leadership in Pierre.  I want to work on District 7 issues and not a national agenda.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Education, dealing with the budget reserve and workforce development.

Cole Sartell

Party: Democrat
Age: 30
Occupation: Customer Care
Town: Brookings
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? To bring diversity and Brookings values to Pierre.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? As an openly gay candidate, if elected I’d like to be an outspoken voice for the LGBTQ community in a time of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. I also want to ensure that those who can get pregnant have access to the privacy and healthcare options they need, free from government interference.

District 8 State Senate

Casey Crabtree

Party: Republican (unopposed)

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 8 State Representative

John Mills

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Tim Reisch

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 9 State Senate

Brent Hoffman

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 59
Occupation: Author, Contractor, Retired Military Officer
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? In truth, I didn’t really want to run, but my friends and family encouraged me to run, and so I began to pray about it. I prayed about it some more, eventually felt called to it, and so here I am.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I campaigned on three main issues: term limits, taxes and transparency.  I intend to stay focused on those three issues, starting with term limits, because that’s what my constituents, who are my bosses, expect of me.

District 9 State Representative

Bethany Soye

Party: Republican
Age: 31
Occupation: Mother, Attorney/Banking
Town: Northwest Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am running for re-election because I love South Dakota and want to help preserve our way of life. This is the best place in the country to live and raise a family.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My biggest priority in the upcoming session is to limit government spending and allow individuals to keep more of their hard earned money.

Kenneth Teunissen

Party: Republican
Age: 73
Occupation: Retired
Town: Corsica
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year?

1. Having spent numerous years advocating for Veterans causes.
2. Be involved

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre?

1. Pro-life
2. Conservative
3. Election integrity
4. Education
5. Balanced budget

Nick Winkler

Party: Democrat
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 10 State Senate

Liz Larson

Party: Democrat
Age: "In the 40s somewhere"
Occupation: Independent Consultant in Economic Development
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am running for office to be a voice of common sense for the very real issues that matter for South Dakotans in District 10. I am running because I am connected to this place and as a parent, homeowner, community stakeholder, I am invested in this community and want to keep it a great place for future generations.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My biggest priority will be ensuring that we continue to invest in quality education for students in South Dakota – from early learning through college.  Voters are very concerned with this, as am I as a parent.

Maggie Sutton

Party: Republican
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired engineering analyst
Town: Sioux Falls

Why did you decide to run for office this year? It'd be my third term, (and I would) support pro-life, limited government. The best government is one that is closest to the people. Elected officials need to recognize that freedom, dignity and responsibility must come first and foremost. Government interference needs to be limited in our lives.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Balance budget

District 10 State Representative

John Mogen

Party: Republican
Age: 73
Occupation: Retired school teacher
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I’m a lifetime educator committed to improving our schools and students.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Education

Tom Sutton

Party: Republican
Age: 72
Occupation: Retired operational services department at SFSD
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm concerned about my kids and grandkids, and I want to keep S.D. as it is. We don't need west coast influencing what they do. We want to keep S.D. taxes low. I don't want boys playing girls sports.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Keep taxes low and protect our education.

Erin Healy

Party: Democrat
Age: 35
Occupation: Patient Experience Strategist
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I’m running for re-election because I want to continue to drive positive change in Pierre. For more than a decade, we have witnessed the Legislature become bogged down in contentious issues that only fuel the partisan divide and don’t solve the state’s real problems. We need to pursue policies with purpose and address the issues that really matter, such as education, healthcare, and the economy. I will continue to listen to my constituents and focus on the bi-partisan issues they care about, the ones that will truly make their lives better.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I will continue to push for policies that strengthen education, healthcare, and the economy in South Dakota. One bill I plan to bring will allow pregnant minors to receive prenatal, delivery process, and postnatal care if their parents/guardians are unable to give consent or if they're withholding necessary pregnancy care. This bill would ensure that we are supporting young mothers by giving them access to pregnancy healthcare and making sure their babies can be born as healthy as possible.

Kameron Nelson

Party: Democrat
Age: 32
Occupation: Philanthropy
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? Service to my community means a great deal to me. I never envisioned myself running for public office. However, my desire to be a catalyst for change in my community has called me to run for the legislature. Solutions require real people doing the work, forging ahead to provide a glimmer of hope for others. I will serve with authenticity, courage, and empathy while supporting policies that support people. Together, we can shape a South Dakota that works for everyone.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My biggest priority will be to restore trust in the legislative process and uphold the will of the people.

District 11 State Senate

Sheryl Johnson

Party: Democrat
Age: 59
Occupation: Retired businesswoman, military wife and school district employee
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am tired of our legislature wasting time on issues that aren’t actual problems (CRT, Divisive teaching, trans athletes, banning plastic bags, etc). I want to focus on supporting public education, expanding Medicaid and keeping government out of the doctor-patient relationship. I’d also like to expand transparency so voters know what is going on.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? To strengthen and bring more support to our public education system. I would like to see pre-K expanded to help kids be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten as well as provide some relief for childcare. I would also like to see more invested in community policing and stop some of these "small crimes" in neighborhoods before they escalate.

Jim Stalzer

Party: Republican
Age: 76
Occupation: Retired -- Information Technology
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I have been in the legislature for the past 10 years and have projects I would like to finish before I’m term-limited. One of these is that I have chaired a study on regional jails this summer and would like to see it through to new legislation in 2023.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Right now, the biggest issue facing us is the lack of workers. That is followed by lack of housing and the impact these conditions are having on inflation.

District 11 State Representative

Kim Parke

Party: Democrat
Age: 54
Occupation: Underwriting associate and education assistant
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? Like many people in our state, I've become frustrated with special interest groups, political ambitions and indifference getting in the way of meaningful and relevant legislation that South Dakotans need and want. I believe we can work together to find common sense solutions to modern problems to make this state a better home for everyone. I would like a chance to go to Pierre to work with others who share a love for South Dakota and the people who live here.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I do not have one singular priority. My priorities center around the well being of children, families, education, food insecurity, health care, mental health, affordable daycare and housing. To start fixing these issues we need representatives in Pierre that will start addressing real issues that affect the people of South Dakota.

Brian Mulder

Party: Republican
Age: 46
Occupation: Managing Director at Volunteers for America, Dakotas
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? Simply, I truly felt called to. My professional history has put me in servant leadership positions. For the last few years, I have spent considerable time in Pierre during the legislative session, advocating and being a voice for vulnerable people in South Dakota. Through this experience, I have formed positive relationships with current Legislators and learned how the process works. With an open House seat for District 11, I felt it was time to run and be a voice that could bring in my experience in the Legislature.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My professional experience has allowed me to lead operational and organizational change with positive results. Because of that, a priority for me while in legislation is to ensure that South Dakota continues to improve to run an efficient and effective government that works and benefits the people of South Dakota while maintaining a sustainable and balanced budget.

Margaret Kuipers

Party: Democrat
Age: 61
Occupation: Phlebotomist
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? We need a legislature that better reflects the people of S.D. – not a one party rule.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Our state’s public education system. We need to let our teachers and school administrators decide how best to teach our children, who are the future of S.D. We also need to better fund our public teacher and staff.

Chris Karr

Party: Republican
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 12 State Senate

Jessica Meyers

Party: Democrat
Age: 45
Occupation: Staffing
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am running this year because I believe District 12 deserves a senator that will be representative of our diverse population. I ran in 2020 and was able to talk to thousands of my fellow neighbors in my district and through this, I discovered that regardless of political party, we have more in common than we have that separates us. I want to represent all of District 12.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? There are common themes that I’m hearing as I knock on doors this election. The first issue that comes to mind is accessibility to affordable healthcare. Abortion is another topic that is coming up a lot in my district, and I fully expect a slew of abortion bills introduced this legislative session. Secondly, education is the investment we put in to our children to ensure an educated and thriving future. Lastly, our LGBT community continues to be under attack in this state. In Pierre, I would stand with our LGBT community to ensure that everyone can choose to live and love how they choose.

Arch Beal

Party: Republican

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 12 State Representative

Amber Arlint

Party: Republican
Age: 35
Occupation: Insurance agent
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I believe South Dakota it is a great place to live, work and raise a family. I love our state, and I want to be a part of making it even better.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? As Sioux Falls continues to grow, so do our challenges as a large city. My goal as a legislator is to focus on policies that improve public safety, strengthen our public schools, and address the affordability of day-to-day life in today’s economic environment.

Erin Royer

Party: Democrat
Age: 32
Occupation: Genetic Counselor
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I believe South Dakotans and District 12 residents deserve representation that listens to their concerns and are responsive to their needs. That's why I ran in 2020 and decided to run again this year.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I plan to work hard to ensure that measures passed by voters are implemented quickly and effectively.

Greg Jamison

Party: Republican
Age: 58
Occupation: Small business owner, commercial real estate broker associate
Town: Sioux Falls

Why did you decide to run for office this year? Serving the public as a Legislator is a great honor and a privilege, and my experience with local government has given me a chance to make South Dakota better.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Presumptive probation, parole and new prisons should be tackled this session. We need to stop the revolving door on dangerous felons and fund the development of new prisons. I will be proposing changes to the presumptive probation program to help stop felons from returning to the street only to offend again. Plus, I will offer/support proposals to fund our prisons to fix the overcrowding issues along with needed modernization of our correction system.

Kristin Hayward

Party: Democrat

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 13 State Senate

Lora Hubbel

Party: Independent
Occupation: Broker and owner of Great American Homes Real Estate, former science teacher, RN and District 11 House Representative
Town: Sioux Falls

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I see so much lying and corruption in Pierre that I believe people need someone in Pierre as a truth bearer, no matter how uncomfortable the truth is. I am a Republican, but our party has been corrupted by 40-plus years of absolute power. No one in power feels the need to represent the little guy anymore...only the powerful. That is why we have very liberal, globalist and dictatorial actions and laws coming from the S.D. RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) in power.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Clean out corrupted politicians.

Jack Kolbeck

Party: Republican
Age: 70
Occupation: KAM for Beal Dist. Inc.
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I was asked seven years ago to run for the senate in District 13 by our senator at that time. It wasn’t on my bucket list to do this, but after some thought I knew that this is what God wanted me to do. I was never able to serve in the military like my Dad due to an injury that kept me from passing a physical. So this is my way of serving the people in District 13 and the State of South Dakota. I have been a Senator now for six years.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I have been an appropriator the last four years, and there is still work to be done. I want to be re-elected so I can help with budgeting the tax payer money to the best benefit of the the people (especially in) education, health care and state employees. Doing this and keeping our budget balanced.

District 13 State Representative

Tony Venhuizen

Party: Republican
Age: 40
Occupation: Lawyer
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I have always taken a great interest in the state Legislature, from my grandfather’s years in the state senate, to my service as a senate page, to my time as chief of staff to (former) Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Gov. Kristi Noem. Over the years, I have encouraged many people to serve our state by running for the legislature and, now that my family and job allow for it, I felt I should be willing to do myself what I have asked many others to do.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My top priority is to keeping South Dakota a great place to do business, and to protect our status as the best-run state in America. I am very committed to conservative budgeting. If we can afford it, I would like to consider ways to hold down taxes, especially property taxes. Beyond that, both the Medicaid expansion and marijuana measures would create significant challenges of implementation if passed. Finally, as I consider the many facets and perspectives of the (abortion) issue, I will always first consider that every abortion ends a human life, and in my mind that is a very high bar.

Sue Peterson

Party: Republican

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 14 State Senate

Larry P. Zikmund

Party: Republican
Age: 76
Occupation: Retired educator and association management
Town: Sioux Falls

Why did you decide to run for office this year? As an incumbent and having experience in many different areas, it has been a privilege representing the people of southeast Sioux Falls and the people of South Dakota.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Of course the budget is always a large issue and making sure we support our people in South Dakota, including our veterans, military, and first responders. There are many important issues legislators face each year. That is where experience becomes very important. Some of my proudest accomplishments have been related to our veterans, military and their families. This coming session, I plan to ask for funding to complete the roadway infrastructure to the area’s new Veterans Cemetery, and work on the National Guard and Reserve tuition issue with our higher education systems, along with other issues, including education and workforce development.

Matthew Tysdal

Party: Democrat
Age: 34
Occupation: Attorney
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I love South Dakota and felt that our legislature was not serving the people of this state at the level they deserve. In particular, I believe the legislature spends entirely too much time fighting over political wedge issues to the exclusion of the real issues that are impacting the lives of South Dakotans.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Education is my biggest priority, because it is the state's main tool to promote upward economic mobility. That means making sure we are investing in our education system in ways that will promote student achievement, like early education development, and recruiting and retaining excellent teachers. We also need an economic development plan to promote good jobs that will encourage our students to stay in South Dakota.

District 14 State Representative

Mike Huber

Party: Democrat
Age: 57
Occupation: Financial Planner, business owner
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? Addressing education issues; we have an enormous lack of educators, government mandating standards that are not developmentally appropriate, and child care costs are preventing individuals from taking on service jobs. Also, mandates on women's healthcare, more fiscal transparency, and incentives to not pollute our rivers and streams.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Being the hardest working representative for District 14, and giving them the service from a public servant they want and demand. I will be a full time Representative. I am the only candidate to commit to being in weekly contact with a minimum of 10 constituents when not in session. Yes, I will work for all 24 months of my term, not only the four months in Pierre. Also, as I speak to voters, I find that less than 10% know who their District 14 public servants are. This shows lack of leadership from our public servants.  I will provide constituents with names and contact information of all public servants.

Tyler Tordsen

Party: Republican
Age: 30
Occupation: Southeast Regional Director and State Director of Tribal Affairs for U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I decided to run for the South Dakota State House because I love South Dakota. I’m a proven leader with experience in this state, and because I can help move South Dakota in the right direction for future generations. My wife and I are raising our two boys right here in Sioux Falls and want to make sure they have even better opportunities than we had growing up in the state that we love.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? As a legislator and a father of a growing family, one of my biggest priorities will be education. I’m a product of South Dakota’s K-12 and public higher education system and believe our state has yet to reach our full potential. More broadly, I’ll prioritize a strong economy and taking care of those in need while keeping taxes low and government transparent.

Taylor Rehfeldt

Party: Republican
Age: 33
Occupation: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I have loved serving as State Representative. I am running for re-election because I want to continue to work toward positive changes for our communities. We still have work to do.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My priority is to listen and respond to my community. My constituents have told me to continue advocating for abused and neglected children, quality education, access to affordable healthcare, working families (daycare, school care, sick leave), access to mental health services, suicide prevention, prevention of substance abuse, responsible spending, and women. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve my community.

Wendy Mamer

Party: Democrat
Age: 28
Occupation: Suicide Loss and Support Coordinator at the Helpline Center
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? Running for office was never something I envisioned myself doing, but I deeply believe in public service. And now is the perfect time for me to give back to our community. My strength professionally has been bringing people together and finding solutions to complex issues. That has been missing, sought after, and needed in Pierre. That is why I decided to run. My professional experience in mental health care and education provide a solid foundation towards solutions to some of the issues that are most important to voters in district 14.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? The health of our communities is critical to the overall wellbeing and economic success of our state. In 2021, South Dakota saw its largest number of suicides ever with 202, and we continuously rank within the top 10 in the United States for our death by suicide rate. We are witnessing a mental health crisis that continues to worsen. It’s important that we consider ways to support mental health education and suicide prevention efforts, particularly within our youth population. Homes, schools, and communities are feeling the weight of the youth mental health crisis. This issue must be prioritized.

District 15 State Senate

Brenda Lawrence

Party: Republican
Age: 49
Occupation: Carrier for City of Sioux Falls
Town: Sioux Falls

Why did you decide to run for office this year? One of the reasons I'm running is because District 15 has a high crime rate, and we need to start finding solutions to crime issues not only in our district but the State of South Dakota.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I am running because I believe I can make a difference in Pierre as both a veteran and employee of the Department of Corrections. I believe in service, and I want to continue that as a member of the State Senate.

Reynold Nesiba

Party: Democrat
Age: 56
Occupation: Economics professor
Town: Sioux Falls

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am nearing the end of my third term, sixth year, in office. There is so much that remains to be done. I care deeply about education, access to health care, economic development, workers rights, state employee compensation, women's rights, and our ongoing drug crisis. I’d like to talk about each of these at length and to be elected to one more term to work on all of these.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre?
As noted above, I have a number of issues I wish to address. Let me talk about one that no one else is likely to bring up: I would like to add one sentence to SDCL 22-42A-1.

• It would make the following exception to what is defined as drug paraphernalia. “Drug paraphernalia does not include any testing equipment that may be used to determine whether a controlled substance has been adulterated with a synthetic opioid.”
• This would allow the sale, possession, and use of fentanyl test strips. States across the country are adopting these on a bipartisan basis as a harm reduction strategy for addicts. This is not about promoting drug use. This is about keeping our friends and neighbors alive until they can get the help they need.

District 15 State Representative

Matt Rosburg

Party: Democrat
Age: 44
Occupation: Manager in trucking company office
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? Four years ago I went in to vote, and everybody was running unopposed. I thought that's just not right. I was looking for someone else to run against them in the next one and this little voice in the back of my head said, "If it has to be someone why not you?"

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Pro-life, individual liberty, economic freedom and criminal justice reform are the top few.

Kadyn Wittman

Party: Democrat
Age: 31
Occupation: Director of Development at the Sioux Falls Family YMCA
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? In March of 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I began working at the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House in Sioux Falls. During this experience, I was able to meet and work with some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and I was given a firsthand look into how our support systems have failed them. My time at the Bishop Dudley was the catalyst for my campaign, and I hope to bring legislation to Pierre that will remove barriers and directly impact these marginalized communities and assist them on the journey out of poverty and into stability.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My number one priority is to advocate for and support legislation that helps low-income and working-class families break out of the cycle of poverty through more state-provided resources to live and thrive in South Dakota. One of the key resources I hope to advocate for is free state IDs for anyone below the poverty line in South Dakota. This was a major hurdle I saw vulnerable community members have to overcome in order to gain employment, enroll in school, or apply for housing during my time at the homeless shelter.

Linda Duba

Party: Democrat
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? We have many challenges in our state. I serve the Appropriations committee and have the opportunity to help alleviate and/or solve many of those challenges through the budget process: Education funding, childcare supports, Medicaid expansion, better funding for our most vulnerable through our committee support providers, state employee pay and benefits, and more.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Education from birth through post high school. We don’t have state funding for early learning. This is a critical time in a young child’s development and childcare/early learning opportunities are hard to find and expensive. Our teachers are underpaid and disrespected. We must do better at funding salaries and classroom needs. We must respect that teachers are professionals and include them in the process of curriculum standards and design. They know and care for our children.

Joni Tschetter

Party: Republican
Age: 51
Occupation: Business owner
Town: Sioux Falls
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I have been a business owner for over 15 years. I understand the pressures of owning a small business and how to be "innovate" at all times. I feel having this experience would be of benefit in the Legislature.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I am passionate about supporting the kind of economic development that will help create job opportunities, support education, and lower taxes.

District 16 State Senate

Jim Bolin

Party: Republican
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired school teacher
Town: Canton

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I bring a balanced approach to legislation. I'm experienced and effective.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Biggest priority of the legislature every year is the wise use of money, meeting the basic needs of the state and having a truly balanced budget where we don't use reserves for ongoing expenses.

Brian Burge

Party: Independent
Age: 31
Occupation: Owner of a tree care removal business, former engineer
Town: Beresford

Why did you decide to run for office this year? If good people do nothing, nothing good happens. I grew up in a unique part of the country traveling to all lower-48 states and that belief is a culmination of how my parents raised me and the environment I was raised in. I don't want to lose that, and it takes a lot of work to maintain good systems.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Generally, as an engineer, there are enough others to focus on the typical political issues. I'm a process guy: funding, tax procedures, buildings to keep/maintain/remove from the fleet, and road infrastructure.

Donn Larson

Party: Democrat
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 16 State Representative

Karla Lems

Party: Republican
Age: 53
Occupation: Business owner
Town: Canton
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm very concerned about our rights. Therefore, we need voices to join together to stand up for our freedoms.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Issues: Standing up for our rights. I believe we need transparency in government, election integrity, landowner rights, and strengthening of state's rights.

Kevin Jensen

Party: Republican
Age: 68
Occupation: Business owner
Town: Rural Canton
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am running again for the same reason I ran the first time: because I believe in conservative values, I believe in family, and I am a second amendment supporter. I support the constitution, believe the flag stands for something, and I see us drifting away from that because most of our legislature tends to be moderate to liberal.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? As chair of health and human services for last four years, I am afraid the expansion of Medicaid and other services will be extremely expensive for this state. For every dollar of Medicaid money spent, the state has to come up with 42 cents. I'm very concerned that Medicaid expansion will drive us to a state income tax because our sales tax revenues aren't going to keep up.

Matt Ness

Party: Democrat

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 17 State Senate

Sydney Davis

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 17 State Representative

William "Bill" Shorma

Party: Republican
Age: 67
Occupation: Owner of manufacturing company, Rush-Co.
Town: Dakota Dunes

Why did you decide to run for office this year? It may sound like a punch line but I'm at a point in my career where serving is my goal. I served in the Senate in 2016, and I felt like a contributed greatly and want to do that again by serving in the House.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I'm not going there with a particular agenda. I know there is a going to be 600+ bills dealing with everything from abortion legislation, managing recreational marijuana, and discussions about Medicaid, so those are some key issues.

Rebecca "Bekki" Engquist-Schroeder

Party: Democrat
Age: 41
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Town: Vermillion
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am running for office because I value accurate representation. I am a common sense, hardworking, self-made South Dakotan who brings collaboration and problem solving skills to the table. I believe the status quo in Pierre is not serving us as well as it can be, and I believe my ability to work with people to find solutions will help. I value public service, and I value South Dakotans.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My priorities when in Pierre are working to ensure we address and begin to correct our low teacher pay and funded or partially funded pre-k education to ensure our children have the best start we can give them. Working to ensure the policies match the people is also a priority. We need to ensure the bills passing through have the intended effect and ensure the best outcomes for our citizens.

Chris Kassin

Party: Republican
Age: 42
Occupation: Vice president of external and corporate affairs with the USD Foundation
Town: Vermillion
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? My children are at the heart of every decision I make. This includes running for the legislature. Our pro-business, low tax, low regulation, and fiscal policy approaches have afforded me many opportunities in southeastern South Dakota. I have spent more than 20 years living in Vermillion. I want to ensure even better opportunities are available for my children and South Dakota's future generations.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? As a legislator, I will fight to ensure that the next generation has access to even greater opportunities in the decades ahead. South Dakota was built on a foundation of values that are in line with what's most important to me: keeping government small and responsive to citizens; keeping taxes and regulations low, and providing for a pre-business atmosphere; and a way of life that is cherished by all of us who are fortunate to live in this great state.

District 18 State Senate

Jean Hunhoff

Party: Republican
Age: 68
Occupation: Nurse, small business owner, small farm operator
Town: Yankton
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I have served and currently serve  on the appropriations committee and have followed the spending of state and federal dollars over the years. During the last two years the state has received many federal dollars in relation to COVID relief. We need to continue to focus on maintaining stability for programs that are meeting the needs of our citizens and use the dollars most efficiently for the best outcomes. One time dollars need to be used for one time projects and  have plans in place for the sustainability of those projects when the dollars are no longer available. I focus on budgets that continue to be balanced to use our taxpayer resources.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Supporting efforts to increase workforce for both state government and the private sector so that services can continue to be provided. The solutions are collaborative between the public and private sectors and the approaches include: housing, child care, education and economic development. State employee compensation is important to retain and recruit into our state service jobs.

Fred Bender

Party: Democrat
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 18 State Representative

Jay Williams

Party: Democrat
Age: 71
Occupation: Business man
Town: Yankton
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? Republicans have gone off the rails, and their stranglehold on our state is hurting us and the nation. I am running to try and stop their anti-democratic agenda.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Besides the challenge to our democracy, I also believe the damage we are doing to our environment by using fossil fuels is dangerous. Climate and democracy are my main issues along with women’s rights which are being attacked by republicans.

Julie Auch

Party: Republican
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Ryan Cwach

Party: Democrat
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Mike Stevens

Party: Republican

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 19 State Senate

Kyle Schoenfish

Party: Republican
Age: 34
Occupation: CPA
Town: Scotland
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am running for re-election as an experienced and effective senator. I currently hold the position of majority whip.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Supporting rural towns/schools, healthcare, farmers, open for business sports wagering.

Russell Graeff

Party: Democrat
Age: 66
Occupation: Semi-retired from EMT/EMS and as a licensed respiratory care practitioner
Town: Scotland
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? When Dan Brandt needed to withdraw, the District 19 Central Committee Board nominated that I would be his replacement on the ballot for 2022, occurring at the meeting on Aug. 3.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? The biggest issue I see for South Dakota is the single party leadership which needs to be at least more balanced in Pierre. There should never be a wanton disregard for ballot initiatives/initiated measures brought forth by the people of S.D. We, the people need to show up and vote in big numbers

District 19 State Representative

Drew Peterson

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 37
Occupation: Farmer and rancher
Town: Rural Salem
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I think our state is in a good position, and I want to do my best to help keep us moving forward on the right track.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Representing agriculture and small town rural development.

Jessica Bahmuller

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 20 State Senate

Joshua Klumb

Party: Republican (unopposed)

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 20 State Representative

Lance Koth

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired Banker
Town: Mitchell

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I have represented District 20 the past four years and wanted to continue to bring common-sense legislation to Pierre.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I don't have a specific issue other than to work hard to assure we balance the budget in the most effective way and continue to encourage economic growth by limiting regulations and keeping taxes low.

Ben Krohmer

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 37
Occupation: Small business owner, plumbing and heating contractor
Town: Mitchell

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I feel it is important to volunteer and give back to the community.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? To represent my community and be their voice for conservative values.

District 21 State Senate

Dan Andersson

Party: Democrat
Age: 51
Occupation: IT Consultant
Town: Burke
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am running because South Dakotan deserve to have representatives that focus on real problems, like high healthcare costs and underfunded education, and who has the guts to stand up to corruption and nepotism.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Healthcare costs

Erin Tobin

Party: Republican
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 21 State Representative

Rocky Blare

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

"I think I'll pass. Thanks."

Marty Overweg

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

"I'm just going to skip."

District 22 State Senate

David Wheeler

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 42
Occupation: Attorney
Town: Huron

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm running because I believe that we need to have good community leaders in the legislative process.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I spent almost nine years on the Huron school board and want to make sure we have a strong education system in our state.

District 22 State Representative

Lynn Schneider

Party: Republican
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired Banker
Town: Huron
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm just finishing my first term, and I felt I needed to be in House one more term. I first got there because of COVID which involved the loss of my brother-in-law, and former legislator Bob Glanzer. I was asked to run after that.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I've spent the summer on two interim legislative study committees about regional jail problems and the incarceration construction funding task force. Number one priority coming out of that is get the additional new women's prison approved to be built. For regional jails, we have 24 jails for 66 counties so we need those regional jails to be supported as much as we can.

Shane Milne

Party: Democrat
Age: 35
Occupation: Case manager at RHD
Town: Huron
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm running to bring back balance to Pierre. I believe when one party holds all the power, we risk losing the will of people. In the past, elected officials have not respected and ignored how the people voted on ballot measure 22 (Which would have helped with government transparency and campaign finance) and Ballot Measure 26 (the legislation of marijuana). The people need to have a voice in Pierre protecting their interests.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I want to expand Medicaid, because it will be a game changer for South Dakota. Over 40,000 hard-working South Dakotans who do not have health insurance will get access to health care. Once we expand medicaid, it will bring back 300 million dollars from D.C. to the state. Those funds will not only provide funding to provide health insurance to the 40,000, it will also help fund rural hospitals. Additionally, it will boost the economy and create jobs.

Roger Chase

Party: Republican

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 23 State Senate

Bryan Breitling

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 23 State Representative

James D. Wangsness

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 52
Occupation: Farmer/rancher
Town: Rural Miller

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm running to represent the agricultural interests in our district and state.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Protecting landowner rights, regulation and representing the agricultural industry.

Scott Moore

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 24 State Senate

Jim Mehlhaff

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 57
Occupation: Retired from state government
Town: Pierre
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I want to work to strengthen parents' and family's rights in favor of institutions and so-called experts. The other item is that I want to put more focus on service for District 24.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My top priority is to be a good advocate for my district and to be an effective legislator.

District 24 State Representative

Will D. Mortenson

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 34
Occupation: Attorney and part-time cowhand
Town: Pierre-Fort Pierre
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? South Dakota is my home and the place my family is going to live for decades to come. Recent years have brought a lot of disruption and uncertainty. I want to preserve our state as a steady, safe place to raise my children. I want them to have opportunities to stay here when they are grown. More generally, I want South Dakota to remain a functional, common sense state.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Honoring the promises I made to the voters – to keep taxes low, promote education and agriculture, and be a respectful, honest voice for central South Dakota.

Mike Weisgram

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 25 State Senate

Tom Piscke

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 40
Occupation: Insurance
Town: Dell Rapids
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I feel like there is still unfinished business to accomplish.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Defending the constitutional rights of all South Dakotans.

District 25 State Representative

Randy Gross

Party: Republican
Age: 73
Occupation: Farmer, retired banker, military veteran
Town: Rural Moody County, north of Flandreau
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? Based on my work in the two legislative terms (four years) I have served, I was encouraged by constituents to run for re-election. Public service is both an honor and a challenge representing the diverse interests of any legislative district.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Fiscal responsibility and working to reinforce the philosophy that the family is the foundation of a successful society, and government should get involved and do only those things where collective action is necessary.

Dan Ahlers

Party: Democrat
Age: 48
Occupation: Small business owner, substitute teacher
Town: Dell Rapids
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I've been watching what's been going on the last few years. The majority of our legislators don't seem to be listening to what the people of S.D. are asking them, whether that's legislation or constitutional amendments. It seems like every time the people pass something like minimum wage, campaign finance reform or medicinal marijuana, the legislature tries to change it, overturn it or simply ignore it. If you're an elected official and don't listen to what they want, then people should ask the question, "if you're not listening to me, why should you represent me?"

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Working on the things that the people in my district are asking me to work on. Almost every bill I worked on in Pierre came from someone who stepped into my business or called me. That's always been my number one priority.

Jon Hansen

Party: Republican
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

David Kills A Hundred

Party: Democrat

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 26 State Senate

Joel Koskan

Editor's note: Since the publication of this post, Candidate Joel Koskan has been charged with child abuse.

Party: Republican
Age: 44
Occupation: Farmer
Town: Wood

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am running to give the people a voice in Pierre. I’ve been asked to stand up for our communities and our district multiple times, and I enjoy serving the people. I’ve been on the school board for the last nine years, and I’ve enjoyed serving the district and surrounding communities. Serving isn’t about oneself, it’s about the betterment of all, from the students to teachers, the janitors and support staff to the taxpayers. Keeping in mind all the variables within the district and state.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? There are many issues, from taxes to school standards. Every issue is important to someone in the district. The state needs to be fair in how we treat all citizens. As I have one of the most diverse districts in the state, I look forward to hearing from all and working with everyone to make the state a better more vibrant place to live for generations.

Shawn Bordeaux

Party: Democrat

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 26 (A&B) State Representative

Joyce Glynn (District 26A)

Party: Republican

"I am not interested in doing this."

Eric Emery (District 26A)

Party: Democrat
Age: 38
Occupation: Paramedic/program director of Rosebud Ambulance Service
Town: Rosebud

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I chose to run for the S.D. House of Representatives to assist in change for the overall healthcare of the people of South Dakota. And to bring a different view from a non-politician.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Medicaid expansion. We need it in South Dakota to give access to more excellent affordable healthcare. Additionally: rural health, EMS and the loss of providers, and building a better relationship with the Tribal Nations and the state.

Rebecca Reimer (District 26B)

Party: Republican
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 27 State Senate

David Jones

Party: Republican
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired business owner
Town: Martin

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am running as a candidate for the senate as I believe that I can put my 46 years of owning and running a small business to use in the South Dakota State Legislature. I am an advocate of smaller government, pro-life, pro-second amendment and cutting government spending.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I would like to see a decrease in government spending and make sure that it follows the state constitution.

Red Dawn Foster

Party: Democrat
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 27 State Representative

Bud May

Party: Republican

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Liz May

Party: Republican
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Peri Pourier

Party: Democrat
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Norma Rendon

Party: Democrat
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 28 State Senate

Ryan Maher

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 45
Occupation: Insurance agent
Town: Isabel

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I was asked to run, as the prior legislator was term out. This was in 2007.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I have never had a big agenda over the years I've been in Pierre. I have worked on a variety of issues, landowner rights, brand board issues and livestock issues. Worked on Board of Regents items. I have spent many years on the appropriations committee, which consumes many hours.

District 28 (A&B) State Representative

Oren Lesmeister (District 28A)

Party: Democrat (unopposed)
Age: 56
Occupation: Farmer/rancher, small ag business owner
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I decided to run for the District 28A seat in 2016 and won it. Reason why is to be a voice for rural S.D. and agriculture. Also to try to educate the urban legislators on how the bills they pass affect agriculture.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Trying to solve the property tax issue would be at the top of my list right now. Then, protecting and preserving the S.D. way of life, both urban and rural. Try to avoid any unnecessary laws. Working with everyone to help get things done no matter what their party, no matter what side of the issue they are on. Find common ground and work from there. Make sure that people in S.D. are heard and, even if I cannot fix the issue for them, understand the issue and educate myself on it.

Ralph Lyon (District 28A)

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 71
Occupation: Rancher
Town: Rural Ziebach County

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I wanted to serve the people of rural South Dakota, and I think this would be a good time to do it.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Make sure we don't overspend.

Neal Pinnow (District 28B)

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 52
Occupation: Small business owner
Town: Lemmon
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Why did you decide to run for office this year? Our district was termed out and after eighteen years as council member and Mayor for Lemmon, I decided it was time to take the next step.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Working on a solution to help our EMS service have more stability and volunteers throughout the state.

Calvin Reilly (District 28B)

Party: Independent (unopposed)
Age: 66
Occupation: Therapeutic foster home operator
Town: Belle Fourche
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Why did you decide to run for office this year? The reason I'm running is because I had some opinions on certain topics while I was in Pierre. I did some off-the-page lobbying, and I was told I should just run for office because I had a lot to contribute. And I'm not currently satisfied with what's happening now. I feel like people aren't heard and politicians aren't accountable.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? One of the things is women's rights for abortion aren't currently there. The voice of the people isn't actually heard. I think we need a little more mental health accessibility for people. With the kids here, I hear a lot of mental health issues and I don't think they get heard very often, so I want more resources available.

District 29 State Senate

Dean Wink

Party: Republican (unopposed)
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Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 29 State Representative

Gary Cammack

Party: Republican

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Kirk Chaffee

Party: Republican

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Sean Natchke

Party: Libertarian
Age: 33
Occupation: Heavy equipment operator
Town: Sturgis
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I've had my feet in the door of politics momentarily. As I push through the doorway more and more, I see the need for someone who has their roots from a family who did not have much growing up. If you wanted something, you earned it. If you wanted something changed, you change it. After seeing the corruption even at local level politics, I wanted to go further into my political career to hopefully be a voice for the lower and middle classes.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? As I mentioned above, bringing fairness and a voice for everyone. I will always follow the will of the voter. If my constituents want something, I will vote for it. One personal matter I would like to bring forward and push is not taxation on overtime wages. More and more people are struggling harder and harder to get by. Many of those people are working more than their fair share of overtime. That's time they could be spending with their families or building their skills, or enjoying their hobbies. Let's see a bigger reward for just trying to make a living.

District 30 State Senate

Julie Frye-Mueller

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 59
Occupation: Small business owner
Town: Rapid City
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I would like to continue serving the citizens of our state and do what I can to protect our rights and freedom.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? One of my primary concerns is making sure our children and grandchildren have the best future ahead of them. I believe life begins at conception and want to save babies' lives. Other issues I support are our Second Amendment rights, election integrity, food security and property rights, just to name a few.

District 30 State Representative

Bret Swanson

Party: Democrat
Age: 61
Occupation: Teacher
Town: Hermosa

Why did you decide to run for office this year? Anger about the governor repealing the legalization of recreational marijuana.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I want to raise the minimum wage to $20/hour.

Trish Ladner

Party: Republican
Age: 69
Occupation: Owner of marketing company
Town: Hot Springs

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm running to be the voice of the people. I call myself a common-sense legislator.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? I'm on the executive board so I'm the chair of the interim property tax study. With people moving into our state, property taxes have been driven up, increasing everybody's property tax based on market value. It's a big issue for people and could run the risk of pricing people out of their homes, especially if they're on a fixed income.

Dennis Krull

Party: Republican
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired businessman
Town: Hill City
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am a lifelong resident of South Dakota, third-generation local business owner, and 30-year resident of District 30. I want to be a part of keeping South Dakota strong.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Doing what the is best for District 30 and the State of South Dakota.

District 31 State Senate

Randy Deibert

Party: Republican (unopposed)
Age: 64
Occupation: Land surveyor and owner of a geomatics business
Town: Rural Lawrence County
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I believe I can make a difference.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Common sense legislation and government.

District 31 State Representative

Mary Fitzgerald

Party: Republican (unopposed)
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Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Scott Odenbach

Party: Republican (unopposed)
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Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 32 State Senate

Nicole Heenan

Party: Democrat
Age: 40
Occupation: Therapist
Town: Rapid City
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Why did you decide to run for office this year? I’m running because South Dakota needs to reinvest in its kids, families, our communities and to make the government work for its people again.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? To work to create legislation that works for the people. Inflation is hitting South Dakotans hard. Our state is a rural state, and we need to work hard for those communities and families. Sioux Falls and Rapid City are experiencing explosive, unsustainable growth, and we need consensus builders to address the myriad of issues that are showing up due to the growth.

Helene Duhamel

Party: Republican
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Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 32 State Representative

Christine Stephenson

Party: Democrat
Age: 44
Occupation: Physical Therapist/small business owner
Town: Rapid City
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Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm a pediatric physical therapist, and I've worked closely with families in Western South Dakota for 14 years. I've also served on the school board in Rapid City. In the last few years, the legislature has not prioritized things that are most important to the families I know: high-quality education, adequate mental health and addiction recovery services, early childhood education, and adequate, stable housing. I'd like to re-focus state government on the issues that matter to the majority of South Dakotans.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. I'd like to find bipartisan ways to support our school systems, so our kids have access to the best education in the country.

Jonathan Old Horse

Party: Democrat
Age: 53
Occupation: Pastor, Woyatan of the ELCA South Dakota Synod
Town: Rapid City

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I was asked by the Oceti Sakowin caucus to run as I am very involved in my community as a leader and as such I have seen and experienced things that I’m concerned about as a recent grandpa and elder in my community. I believe at this time that a new vision and platform based on Wolakota and Wounsilapi (Peace and Compassion) and the Lakota philosophy of Mitakuye Oyasin “We are all relatives” is needed in this time of division and lack of respect for the oath of office in this country.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? The biggest priority for me is safe streets and communities for our women and children as well as MMIW/MMIR funding and support to assist with a very serious threat to the people.

Becky Drury

Party: Republican
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Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Steve Duffy

Party: Republican

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 33 State Senate

Darren Freidel

Party: Libertarian (unopposed)
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Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

David Johnson

Party: Republican
Age: 61
Occupation: Arborist, small business owner, FAA Flight instructor, commercial pilot
Town: Rapid City

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I am an incumbent. I was in the House for four years and Senate for two. There's quite a bit of unfinished business on issues that need to be addressed, such as abortion, marijuana, teacher pay, property taxes, sales taxes — these are all issues that need to be heavily debated. We need to come up with answers for the people, and I've been a small business operator for several years in a community that's supported me and my family, so I'm giving back for a temporary time.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? The biggest priority is going to be Black Hills National Forest management and health. In addition, sales and property tax review and reduction, if possible.

District 33 State Representative

Vince Vidal

Party: Democrat
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired Financial Auditor and retired U.S. Navy
Town: Rapid City
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Why did you decide to run for office this year? I decided to run for State House District 33 because we need more balance in Pierre. The current legislature has disregarded the will of the people on several recent issues, and we need representation that mirrors the true make-up of South Dakota.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Advocating – for health care, for all South Dakotans and for teachers – giving them better compensation and the respect they deserve to do the job they were trained for.

Phil Jensen

Party: Republican
Age: 70
Occupation: Semi-retired, small business owner
Town: Rapid City
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I’m running again because I see our freedoms being eroded and want to continue bring legislation that will protect our 2nd Amendment, life of the unborn, limit government, and reduce our taxes.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? My passion this session is to see school choice legislation pass that will empower parents to educate their children as they deem best.

Curt Massie

Party: Republican
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Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 34 State Senate

Michael Diedrich

Party: Republican (unopposed)

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 34 State Representative

Darla Drew

Party: Democrat
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired fundraiser for the Black Hills Playhouse and former three-term city council member
Town: West Rapid City
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Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm running because I feel the legislature isn't listening to us anymore, and we're so one-party dominated that there's no threat to the politicians who make decisions counter to the voters' wishes.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? In Rapid City, and across the state, we have a real problem finding employees. We have to improve pre-K education and daycares so stay-at-home parents can go back to work. We have to improve our senior living care, and we need choices in Medicaid so young people and families can stay in South Dakota. I will also work for reproductive freedom for women.

Jay Shultz

Party: Democrat
Age: 64
Occupation: Trial Lawyer
Town: Rapid City

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I'm running to change the balance of the political situation in Pierre, and I think one party rule is not good for anyone. There needs to be another voice heard besides the Republican machine that dominates the landscape in South Dakota. I think it has led to extremist views, legislative proposals instead of taking on the real issues of the day like reproductive freedom, Medicaid expansion and sensible gun safety legislation. Our legislators spend their time on divisive social issues like same-sex marriage and LGBTQ legislation.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Today, it's reproductive freedom. I think women should have control over their own bodies and the virtue of the Supreme Court decision issue in June thrust responsibility to states to legislate that issue. We have two years to determine how primarily disadvantaged and poor women who are put in a difficult position will be forced to carry to term a fetus they don't want. It's really a scary prospect in South Dakota at present for any woman to not only choose to not carry a fetus to term but for anyone to assist in that procedure.

Mike Derby

Party: Republican
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Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Jess Olson

Party: Republican
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Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 35 State Senate

Jessica Castleberry

Party: Republican (unopposed)
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Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

District 35 State Representative

Pat Cromwell

Party: Democrat
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired social worker and development worker with Tribal health programs
Town: Rapid City

Why did you decide to run for office this year? Health care, specifically access to health care. There are too many barriers to accessing needed health care in South Dakota. This includes abortion bans which have a direct impact on women and their health. In the US, we have twice the maternal death rate than that of Canada which does not include abortion in their legal code. We need to do the same. We need to expand Medicaid now. Related to health care is marijuana. Marijuana can be good medicine as well as something appreciated by responsible adults. Using tax payer dollars to fight something that a majority of the people voted for a misuse of that authority.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Health care and education are priorities in part because these provide a solid foundation for economic development. I will work against any abortion ban because anything short of this allows a politician to sit in the doctor's office as women deal with their health care needs. We are dealing with a world in which climate change is here now. We need to protect water and natural resources. The state of South Dakota could have a much better working relationship with the Tribes and I would work to see that happen. I stand with my LGBTQ family and will work to safeguard their rights. I am an ally to Unions and would work to strengthen Union presence.

Tina Mulally

Party: Republican
Age: 65
Occupation: Small business owner
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? My work for the taxpayer apparently is not finished.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Election integrity, if our elections don't work then the government doesn't work either.

Tony Randolph

Party: Republican
Social media

Did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

David Hubbard

Party: Democrat
Age: 59
Occupation: Website developer
Town: East Rapid City
Social media

Why did you decide to run for office this year? I feel the people of District 35 are not being properly represented. The two incumbents seem to vote for their own interests rather than the interests of their constituents.

What issue is the biggest priority for you when you get to Pierre? Number one, I think we need to address what's going on with education as it pertains to teaching history in South Dakota schools and colleges, because that's the most immediate threat. Number two, I would like to address the corruption going on in the state. That's what I ran on in 2016 and it hasn't changed – if anything, it's gotten worse. I want to make sure ethics violations are addressed appropriately.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated David Johnson's candidacy. It has been corrected.

Correction: An earlier version of the story misstated the percentage of unchallenged races in the state. The number has been corrected.