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State Representative District 26B

Description: The South Dakota State Legislature is the legislative branch of the government of South Dakota. It is a bicameral legislative body, consisting of the Senate which has 35 members, and the House of Representatives, which has 70 members. The two houses are similar in most respects; the Senate alone holds the right to confirm gubernatorial appointments to certain offices. The Legislature meets at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre. It begins its annual session of the second Tuesday of January each year. The legislative session lasts 40 working days in odd-numbered years, and 35 days working days in even numbered years.Term: 4 consecutive 2 year termsSalary: $16,348/year + $178/day for legislators who reside more than 50 miles away from the capitolRequirements for Office: 21 years old; 2 years residency; qualified voter; may not have been convicted of bribery, perjury or other infamous crime; may not have illegally taken "public moneys".Petition Requirements: Depends on party and legislative district. See SD Secretary of State's website for details.

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  • Candidate picture

    Lewis J. GrassRope
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Angi Hanzlik
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Will Mahnke
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What should state government do to support access to affordable housing?

What should state government do to support equitable, quality public education (pre-K through higher ed) for all?

How do you view the initiative and referendum process in South Dakota? Are there any changes to this system that you would support?

Considering recently passed laws, what will you be watching for to ensure all eligible voters have equal access to the ballot box while maintaining the security and integrity of our elections?

What, if anything, should our state government do to support access to affordable, quality childcare?

What do you see as the most important challenges facing our state?

Age 48
State Government could use local resources to help with affordable housing. They could also find developers that are willing to build affordable housing units. They can support affordable housing by changing the zoning laws and also preserve homes that already exist, instead of building new.
State government should allocate resources to schools with greater needs first so that the system is more balanced, especially in low-income districts. Support and fund school mental health professionals, Food Programs and health care to address non-academic barriers to learning. Cultural devesity and competency to overcome barriers also from pre-k to colleges. Some facilities are older and need newer equipment or renovations to make them more appealing to possible families moving into area
I view it as democracy from the native american lens that exist as referendum is needed so that all people's voice matters. We would look into the system to find a better pathway of communication and progress with all people's on changes of the system.
we should be watching to the limited access of recent laws passed. we as people should be creating more security that brings integrity to all peoples. In this action we ensure voting rights along with building community to assist those that are limited in getting to the polls.
state government should be more open to wages, financial burdens of families, look to the infrastructures within each district, and improving the quality of each infrastructure. Look to bring in more Programs to assist in certifications and grants to ensure longevity of each infrastructure. Childcare should be the biggest priority for any state as many families struggle to work and require these services for family stability.
the challenges each state will face are healthcare access, infrastructure and technology, budget sustainability, and property tax relief.
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The state government should approach affordable housing community by community, recognizing that needs vary across South Dakota. This means working directly with local leaders to identify challenges and develop targeted solutions. The state must also take a realistic look at the true costs of land, construction, and development, alongside wages and the rising cost of living. Sound policy should be grounded in accurate data and local input, ensuring efforts to expand housing are both practical and effective.
Public education is a hot topic, but parents’ rights must come first. Education is critical, yet parents, not the state, should have the final say in their children’s upbringing and learning. In the public school sector, local communities, school boards, and PTOs are best equipped to determine what is needed. The growing shift toward homeschooling signals real concerns that cannot be ignored. If the state plays a role, it should be limited and focused on understanding these concerns, correcting failures in public education, and supporting families who choose to homeschool.
I view the initiative and referendum process as a vital check on government and a direct voice for the people of South Dakota. It ensures power stays with citizens, not just elected officials. However, it must be protected from abuse and outside influence. I support greater transparency in funding so voters know who is behind initiatives and ensure clear, honest ballot language. Any reforms should preserve the integrity of the process while keeping it accessible for true grassroots efforts, not making it harder for everyday citizens to participate.
I believe voting is both a right and a duty. Verification of identification should be required in all local, state, and federal elections. While absentee voting serves an important role, it must include strong oversight and validation. There have been too many instances of questionable residency registrations that need to be addressed. I am not a fan of electronic voting machines that can be vulnerable to errors or manipulation. We MUST ensure secure elections. That said, I am very open to discussions on ensuring access for those with limited transportation or other barriers, such as health concerns, while maintaining security.
I believe affordability and access to quality childcare should be addressed at the local level. Communities are best positioned to understand their needs. The state should be smaller and less intrusive, allowing towns, cities, and counties to lead on local solutions. It would also be beneficial for large employers to step up by offering free or reduced childcare for their employees. While I am not a fan of tax breaks or TIFs, especially for out-of-state or foreign companies, there could be legislative discussion requiring companies that receive such incentives to provide affordable, quality childcare for their employees.
Not in any specific order *Drug and Alcohol addictions with minimal effective treatment and aftercare available *Wage to cost of living ratio spreading further apart due to ballooning inflation *Transparency of government spending *Foreign corporations infiltrating and buying our state *Degradation of family on a national level, affecting our children locally *Rural healthcare and long-term care accessibility and specialty treatment functions are diminishing *parental rights are under attack *property rights, eminent domain, theft, and destruction of land and property for financial gain. Those of us who love our rural way of life, liberty, and family need to fight to keep it!