I proudly served eight years in the United States Army, completing three deployments to Iraq and one to Korea. Those experiences, from the harsh desert of Iraq to the vibrant communities of Korea, tested my resolve, sharpened my leadership, and reinforced my commitment to duty. The bonds forged with fellow soldiers and the unwavering support of my family sustained me through the toughest moments. My service taught me the value of sacrifice, teamwork, and principled leadership, and I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to defend the freedoms and values that define our nation.
As a sworn Deputy Sheriff in Colorado, I carried forward my commitment to service and protection, applying military-tested discipline and principled leadership to safeguard our communities.
In 2013 I purchased Fort Welikit Campground in Custer and immediately committed to the community. I invested in facility upgrades, expanded programming, and forged local partnerships to preserve our natural heritage and enhance the visitor experience. Today Fort Welikit is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and a vital economic engine for Custer and the surrounding region, a testament to responsible stewardship, small‑business leadership, and community-driven growth.
As the Former President of the South Dakota Campground Owners Association,and current Treasurer and a former board member of Black Hills Badlands and Lakes, I wholeheartedly advocate for the progress of these beloved spaces.
As a steward of South Dakota’s natural landscapes, I’ve worked with local leaders and stakeholders to protect our scenic places while improving infrastructure for visitors. I champion sustainable tourism and commonsense conservation policies that balance environmental protection with responsible public access and economic opportunity. I’m proud to advance practical initiatives that preserve our outdoor heritage, strengthen rural economies, and pass these treasures on to future generations.
I have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, giving me a deep understanding of the natural world and the ability to address complex environmental issues. My studies included insights into environmental protection, conservation, sustainability, and the intricate impact of human activities on the planet. This education has significantly influenced my perspective and empowered me to tackle challenges with a holistic and environmentally conscious approach.
Small Business
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heart of our communities. I will expand access to capital through targeted loan programs, microgrants, and strengthened SBA partnerships so entrepreneurs can start and scale businesses without prohibitive debt. I support tax relief and targeted incentives for startups and mom‑and‑pop shops, streamlined permitting and licensing to cut red tape, and regulatory reform that protects consumers while reducing unnecessary burdens on small employers.
To build a skilled workforce, I will invest in workforce training, apprenticeships, and partnerships with community colleges and trade schools, and promote childcare and transportation solutions that enable more people to work. I will accelerate rural and small‑town broadband and infrastructure investments so businesses can compete in the modern economy. I’ll also expand state procurement set‑asides and buy‑local initiatives to direct more government contracting to Main Street businesses.
My office will create mentoring and technical‑assistance programs, export assistance for growing firms, and rapid‑response disaster relief and recovery support to help businesses weather crises. I will prioritize policies that defend fair competition, protect small firms from predatory practices, and ensure a predictable, transparent business climate that encourages investment. By making these concrete investments and reforms, we’ll grow jobs, strengthen local economies, and ensure long‑term prosperity for families and communities across our state.
Veterans
It is crucial to emphasize the significance of prioritizing the well-being of veterans within our community. Given their selfless service and immense sacrifices, it is imperative that we, as a community, prioritize their care and support. By pooling our efforts and resources, we can effectively work together to ensure that veterans have access to the necessary assistance and support systems for a successful transition to civilian life. As someone who has served in the military, I deeply understand the pivotal role of ensuring that our veterans receive the care and consideration they truly deserve. It’s not only a duty but a moral imperative to uphold the well-being of those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country. Therefore, let’s unite to ensure that our veterans receive the comprehensive support and resources essential for their successful reintegration into civilian life. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our nation’s well-being.
Property Rights and Taxes
Protecting property rights is essential to a fair, prosperous society. I believe regulations must be even‑handed and respect the fundamental right of individuals to own, use, and benefit from their property. Clear, predictable protections encourage investment, stewardship, and economic growth while giving families and businesses the stability they need to plan for the future. I support commonsense reforms that defend private property, prevent government overreach, and balance individual rights with responsible land use and I will work to reduce property taxes where possible by pursuing targeted relief for homeowners and small businesses, exploring tax caps and expanded exemptions for seniors and veterans, promoting efficient government spending, and finding new, innovative ways to lower property burdens such as pilot programs, public‑private partnerships, and incentive‑based tax reforms. These measures will ease the tax burden without sacrificing essential local services, helping more families keep more of what they earn while encouraging responsible development and stewardship.
United States Constitution
The oath I took when I joined the Army binds me to a lifelong commitment to safeguard the Constitution from all threats, whether they stem from foreign adversaries or domestic challenges. This pledge does not have an expiration date. It resonates within me every day, compelling me to ensure that your rights are upheld and preserved, free from any form of encroachment. This solemn vow echoes through the corridors of my conscience, guiding my actions and decisions with unyielding resolve. It serves as the compass by which I navigate the complexities of my duties, drawing strength from the timeless principles enshrined in our Constitution. Each sunrise heralds a fresh opportunity to honor this oath, reinforcing the noble cause for which I stand.
Term Limits
I support term limits because public office should be about service, not a lifelong career. When elected positions become long-term careers, it’s easy for leaders to lose touch with the people they represent and become more focused on maintaining power than delivering results. Term limits help prevent that by encouraging fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a steady rotation of citizen leadership. They promote accountability by ensuring no one becomes too entrenched or insulated from the real challenges facing our communities.
Term limits also open the door for more people, business owners, working families, veterans, and community leaders, to step forward and serve, bringing real-world experience into government. When leaders know their time is limited, they are more likely to focus on meaningful action and long-term impact rather than political gamesmanship. Ultimately, term limits strengthen trust in government by keeping it closer to the people, more responsive to change, and grounded in the principle that public office is a responsibility, not a permanent position.
Voting Integrity
Free and fair elections are the foundation of our republic, and protecting voter integrity is essential to maintaining trust in the system. When people have confidence that elections are secure, transparent, and accurate, it strengthens participation and reinforces the legitimacy of the results. Voter ID laws are a commonsense measure to help ensure that every vote cast is legitimate and that each citizen’s voice is protected from fraud, duplication, or error. Just as identification is required for everyday activities like banking, boarding a flight, or picking up prescriptions, verifying identity at the ballot box helps uphold the principle of “one person, one vote.”
At the same time, these laws must be implemented in a way that is fair, practical, and accessible. Every eligible voter should have a clear, simple path to obtain proper identification, whether through free state-issued IDs or streamlined processes that remove unnecessary barriers. The goal is not to restrict voting, but to protect it, ensuring that every legal vote counts and carries equal weight. By strengthening voter integrity while preserving access, we can build greater public confidence in our elections and uphold the credibility of our system of government for generations to come.
Important Dates
April 7th: Custer Republican Meeting
April 11th: Candidate Forum, Fall River County
April 16th: Meet me at Victory Steakhouse in Edgemont
April 21st: Meet me at the Prairie Dog Taphouse in Hill City
April 28th: Candidate Forum, Pennington County
Keep checking for new dates as they come in.
