The Big, Epic Road Trip: 1,400 Miles of Listening to South Dakota

Last week, I traveled more than 1,400 miles across South Dakota, starting at my home near Dell Rapids and winding through communities from De Smet and Clark to Herreid and Lemmon, Hot Springs, Martin, and Wanblee. Jenny Sampson, Sioux Falls resident and campaign volunteer, joined me for five days on the road. We met with farmers, ranchers, educators, healthcare professionals, small business owners, retirees, and people from all walks of life. We visited coffee shops, a hospital, wacipi, livestock auction, and Main Streets. We knocked on doors, delivered yard signs, and had conversations with Republicans, Independents, and Democrats. Every stop reinforced something I’ve believed throughout my career: You can’t represent people you aren’t willing to listen to.

The conversations were as diverse as the communities themselves, and common concerns emerged. In De Smet, we talked about supporting education and the importance of protecting federal support for children with disabilities and special needs. In Aberdeen, we discussed accountability in government. In Herreid, I revisited my time at USDA Rural Development and the creative approaches to housing and maintaining essential services in small towns. In Mobridge, we toured the new regional hospital and discussed the future of rural healthcare. In McIntosh, we stopped by the school and daycare, both projects from my USDA days. In Lemmon, we saw how investments in art and local leadership can breathe new life into downtown.

From the Martin Livestock Auction to the small businesses of Hot Springs, I heard concerns about affordability, access to services, and the future of rural communities. These aren’t partisan issues. They are everyday challenges that deserve practical solutions.

The Black Hills brought another set of important conversations about protecting public lands, water, wildlife, and the natural beauty that belongs to all of us. We also joined the Native American Day celebrations and the Black Hills Powwow, opportunities to connect with Tribal communities and honor their cultures and traditions.

In Rapid City, I was encouraged to see people from different political backgrounds come together and recognize that their voices and votes matter. Along the way, I was reminded that South Dakota’s economy isn’t one-size-fits-all. What matters to a rancher near Martin may be different from what matters to a young family in Aberdeen or a teacher in De Smet. Good representation requires understanding those differences, finding common ground, and making sure no community is overlooked.

During my time leading USDA Rural Development in South Dakota, I came to know many of these communities and the people who work tirelessly to keep them strong. This trip reminded me why I value this experience so much. South Dakota is filled with hidden gems, remarkable people, and communities finding creative ways to meet their challenges. I came home tired, inspired, and more determined than ever to bring their voices to Washington.

Whether you live in our largest city or at the end of a gravel road, whether you’re a farmer, a business owner, a teacher, a retiree, or someone just trying to make ends meet, you deserve a representative who shows up, listens, and does the work. That’s the kind of leadership I believe in, and that’s the commitment I’m making to South Dakota.