Description: The governor of South Dakota is the chief executive of the state and is elected by the citizens every four years for no more than two consecutive terms. The governor makes policy recommendations that lawmakers in both the state House and Senate chambers may sponsor and introduce as bills.Term: 4 year term; Limit: 2 consecutive termsSalary: $121,577.52Requirements for Office: 21 years old; 2 years residency; Citizen of United States.Petition Requirements: Republican: 1% of the vote for the 2022 Republican gubernatorial candidate (2,171), Democrat: 1% of the vote for the 2022 democratic gubernatorial candidate (1,232), Libertarian: 1% of the vote for the 2022 Libertarian U.S. House Candidate (741), Independent: 1% of the total vote for governor in 2022 (3,502), New Political Party: 250 signatures
I believe our state should refocus our economic development by investing more in our local entrepreneurs. Investing locally keeps money circulating within the community, fostering a, prosperous, and resilient local economy. We spend too much time and resources trying to recruit outside. The results have been mixed. And while these outside companies add to our property tax base, they often bring low paying jobs. We should continue to recruit outside business, but we need to ask what kind of partner will they be in their community and for the state. If we are investing in these outside companies, they should be paying a living wage of at least $25 per hour.
We ensure equitable, high-quality public education by funding students based on need, so schools serving high-need populations have the resources to succeed. That includes expanding access to universal, voluntary pre-K across public schools, community centers, and childcare settings, while improving educator pay and training to attract and retain talent. We must also modernize school infrastructure and use data-driven metrics to track progress and close gaps. Finally, by increasing state investment in public colleges and universities, we can lower tuition costs and create stronger pathways from early learning to the workforce.
South Dakota delivers high-quality care in our urban centers, with dedicated providers. We need to improve access, especially in our rural communities, where workforce shortages, travel distances, and low reimbursement rates make it harder for people to get the care they need.
We need to close the gap by expanding telehealth, investing in mobile health clinics, and improving recruitment and retention programs. We need to work directly with healthcare providers to reduce barriers that make it difficult to serve patients.
We must address rising costs. Promoting competition, increasing price transparency, and exploring a state health policy commission can help hold the system accountable and make healthcare more affordable for families.
We need to listen and we need to show real respect for tribal sovereignty. Too often, state government makes decisions that affect Native communities without including them at the table. That has to change.
As Governor, I will ensure tribal leaders are part of the conversation from the start, not after the fact. My administration will work hand in hand with tribal governments to address shared challenges and build real partnerships based on trust and accountability.
That means treating tribes not as an afterthought, but as equal partners—because when we work together, all of South Dakota is stronger.
We need a comprehensive, results-driven approach to combat meth, opioids, and other drug abuse. We need a plan that combines prevention, treatment, and smart enforcement.
That means expanding access to evidence-based treatment, including telehealth services, and leveraging Medicaid waivers to reach more people where they are. It means putting lifesaving tools like Naloxone in the hands of first responders and communities across the state. And it means investing in proven prevention programs in our schools so we can stop addiction before it starts.
At the same time, we need to support local communities, because they know what works best in their neighborhoods, and build strong coalitions to respond to this crisis together.
