BROOKINGS – Mellissa Heermann has announced her intention to run for the South Dakota House of Representatives in legislative District 7, as a Republican. 

Heermann is currently serving in her sixth year on the Brookings School Board. Previously, she served on the Lake Preston City Council and as mayor of Lake Preston. “I want to take these unique experiences in public service and use them to advocate for District 7 in Pierre,” Heermann said. 

During her two terms on the Brookings School Board, there have been a number of challenges and obstacles to overcome, which required working collaboratively as a board and within the community. 

“Whether it be district construction projects, safety issues, budgets, strategic planning or the creation of the Brookings School District Foundation, Mellissa has focused on listening to community feedback with respect for others and incorporating it into strategic decision making. She is an advocate for public education and has worked hard in that endeavor first as a member and leader of the PTA and now on the school board,” a press release says.

“I’m proud of my work to implement a new strategy for updating and maintaining Brookings School Board policies. It will set the district up for continued success for many years to come,” Heermann said.

Heermann said she is experienced in policy work and is excited for the opportunity to positively impact South Dakota through hard work and intentional, focused efforts. Heermann said she developed a passion for policy work while working for a senator in Lincoln, Nebraska, during college. 

Heermann said she’s ready to support South Dakota and District 7 on topics such as K-12 education, accessible housing, economic growth, and workforce development, to name a few. 

Heermann lives in Brookings with her husband Cody and three children who attend the Brookings School District. She received her undergraduate degree in international business from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and in May 2020 she received a Masters of Operations Management from South Dakota State University. 

Heermann currently is the director of the revenue cycle at Brookings Health System.

Currently serving District 7 are Reps. Tim Reed and Larry Tidemann in the House, and Sen. V.J. Smith in the state Senate.

Beginning with the 2023 legislative term, following the adoption of redrawn legislative districts in South Dakota this past fall, District 7 will include the cities of Brookings and Aurora, plus Brookings, Medary and Aurora townships.

South Dakota’s 2022 primary election is set for June 7, with the 2022 general election on Nov. 8. Petition filing deadlines are March 29 for primary election candidates and April 26 for independent candidates.

All state legislative positions, with two-year terms, are up for election in 2022.