District 18, State Senate Candidate

Kay’s South Dakota roots — including her life growing up on the family farm in Wakonda, combined with her studies in science and business and her professional experiences, have given Kay a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing communities and families.

Kay built much of her professional career in the electric utility industry while working for Southern California Edison. Her experience included substation operations, accounting, Corporate Services, generation fuel scheduling, and fuel regulatory work. After relocating to Texas, she started a nonprofit consulting organization that worked with cities, towns, and developers to educate them about the Environmental Protection Act’s Phase 2 Clean Water Act requirements.

Kay came back “home” to Yankton with her family in 2013 to be closer to her daughter at SDSU and to establish her sons in the Yankton School District.

Kay and her husband, Dan, are active in the Yankton-area community. They are involved with environmental organizations, and they enjoy gardening, spending time in nature, observing wildlife, and participating in family activities.

Kay believes District 18 deserves a senator who understands the importance of strong communities, responsible stewardship, and practical solutions. She promises to bring a combination of professional experience, community perspective, and a genuine commitment to representing the people and families of District 18.

For more information, contact swihart@sddpdistrict18.com.

District 18, State House Representative Candidate

Karen could live anywhere she wants. But following a 22 year career in the U.S. Air Force, including more than seven years at Ellsworth Air Force Base, where she developed a lasting connection to South Dakota, Karen chose to make Yankton her home.

Karen’s Air Force career focused on human resources, and included increasing leadership responsibilities as she advanced through the senior enlisted ranks. She advocated for airmen on matters involving health, welfare, morale, and career progression. She also oversaw multiple units and helped develop and enforce policies affecting military members and civilian employees from across the armed services.

Drawn to the Yankton community, the people, and the Missouri River she decided to make her home here in 2018. Since moving to Yankton, Karen has become involved in many ways, including working in the Yankton School District and teaching at the federal prison through Mt. Marty University. She’s also worked in hospitality and administration, served as a foster parent, and operated a small business.

Karen holds bachelor’s degrees in social psychology and business management, a master’s degree in management and leadership, and an MBA. Across her military and civilian careers, Karen has worked with people from many different cultures and walks of life, strengthening her belief that empathy and understanding are essential to effective leadership.

Karen promises to bring integrity, service, empathy, and a commitment to listening to the people of District 18 as she works to represent them in Pierre.

For more information, visit www.springerforsouthdakota.org.

District 18, State House Representative Candidate

As a longtime member of the community, Jarod is invested in the future of Yankton and the people who call District 18 home.

Jarod has spent the past 13 years working in the casthouse at Hydro, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities facing working families in South Dakota. His work in a large factory has given him a close-up view of the importance of good jobs, strong local communities, and the impact that decisions made in Pierre can have on people’s everyday lives.

Jarod has also dedicated his time to serving the community beyond his work at Hydro. He serves as Treasurer of the Yankton County Democrats and is a member of the board of directors and public relations committee for Pathways, a local homeless shelter. Through his work with Pathways, he has helped share the stories of people experiencing homelessness and bring greater attention to the challenges surrounding affordable housing and economic security in southeastern South Dakota.

Jarod is running for the South Dakota House of Representatives because he believes the people who do the hard, essential work in South Dakota deserve a strong voice in Pierre. He believes elected officials should understand the realities facing working families—not just from reports or statistics, but frm personal experience and from listening to the people in their communities.

Jarod promises to bring the same qualities to the S.D. Legislature that he brings to his work and community service: hard work, plain talk, and a strong commitment to the people of District 18.

For more information, visit www.holcombforhouse.com.