BROOKINGS – Zach Kovach is running as a Democrat for a District 7 post in the state House of Representatives.
The 22-year-old Appleton, Wisconsin, native studies at South Dakota State University, where he’s working toward a political science degree and with a minor in legal studies. He plans to go into law school next year.
He also works as a research assistant for his philosophy professor, Clark Sexton.
District 7 covers the City of Brookings and Brookings Township to the north of the city and Medary Township to the south.
Also vying for the two District 7 seats in the state House in the November general election are Democrat Dwight “Bill” Adamson, Independent Cory Ann Ellis and Republicans Doug Post and Tim Reed.
Running for office has been a dream of Kovach’s, but one he never planned on doing so quickly. But he now has the opportunity, he said, and he’s taking it. Being in office is important to him because he sees the job as being an important position for helping others.
“It’s been my goal to help people as much as I can. For me, I’ve always seen politics and policy making as the best way I can do that, the best way I can reach out and help the most people. That’s what really got me into it in the first place,” he explained, adding, “If I can help people now, I would love to do that.”
One of the issues he’d like to focus on if elected is more funding for higher education and K-12 education.
“We have a university here in Brookings, and it’s a huge employer. I think we should continue to expand on that and increase the opportunity that we have provided with the university and help grow our community,” Kovach said.
In addition to education funding, he wants to ensure economic opportunity, financial security and medical security.
“I don’t want my age to dissuade you from voting for me. Even though I wasn’t born and raised here, I’ve become the person I am today here. I want to continue living here and raise a family in South Dakota,” Kovach said. “I want to give the people back everything they have given me.”
Contact Eric Sandbulte at esandbulte@brookingsregister.com.
