Growing up in Brookings, we didn’t know the politics of our friends and neighbors. Maybe we were naïve, but it was peaceful.

Uff da, times have changed.

The arrival of D.C.-style politics in Pierre has brought division fueled by an unchecked supermajority that tolerates extremism and shelters politicians who step in line with a new machine. Out-of-state interests have increasingly used South Dakota as a testing ground for advancing larger agendas, undermining the values and voices of our local communities.

Lifelong Republicans who remain committed to the same ideals they’ve long held dear are now labeled “RINOs” by those dragging the party toward blatant authoritarianism. This is not hyperbole.

These shifts corrode proud markers of our collective SoDak identity. We’re known as a strong people, humble, level-headed, respectful of differences, and eager to look out for our neighbor.

We recoil from obnoxious drama and loud, “me-first” attitudes. But a toxic wave is crossing our state borders, smuggled in by the coyotes of a new alt-right Nationalism, the pundit pack mules of 24-hour “news” networks, and rage-baiting D.C. loudmouths.

It’s an existential threat to the rich quilt of cultures that defines us. We urgently need leaders who publicly denounce this madness of division and discrimination, not ones who enable it with complacency or worse—silence.

In 2024, it’s irresponsible to vote solely based on a candidate’s party. Nationally, both major parties have politicians more focused on maintaining the status quo and keeping PAC contributions flowing than solving the real problems of Americans.

Now more than ever, we must vote for candidates who reflect the values of our communities, who stand up for justice, and who understand that the working class is the backbone of this state — including District 7. We need leaders who won’t excuse inaction by shrugging off the kitchen-table problems of real South Dakotans as “too complicated” to solve.

I want to thank the current District 7 representatives for their service, especially their years of leadership in the Brookings School District. However, South Dakota remains near the bottom in teacher pay nationwide, and we still haven’t made the necessary strides to adequately support our teachers and our kids.

Brookings has historically been a resounding voice of progress and leadership in our state. Our community thrives when we champion progress. We need leaders who amplify that voice, especially at a time when certain legislators target or refuse to protect vulnerable, underserved subgroups.

Our teachers deserve much better pay. Our children deserve school and mental health resources. It’s appalling that 14% of South Dakotans cannot afford health insurance, while rural healthcare and nursing facilities fight closure. We’re in a workforce crisis, a childcare crisis, and a housing crisis. Yet, in Pierre, the response has been slow and inconsequential, leaving small businesses and hardworking, underpaid, underinsured South Dakotans to bear the brunt.

When your Legislature is riddled with politicians chanting “freedom” and “small government,” as they move to restrict your freedoms, appoint themselves your medical experts, limit free speech on campuses, ban literature from libraries and schools, and undermine public education, it’s time to reflect on whether your Legislature truly represents your interests, your values, your rights, your well-being, or your freedoms.

I urge you to vote for Fedora Sutton-Butler and Blake Stevens for House today or on Nov. 5. They bring fresh voices, conviction, open ears, and an actionable vision for District 7 and all of South Dakota.

They respect the people of our state—including the sovereign nations whose lands lie within what is now South Dakota—and understand that real leadership means standing up for you.

Please research the platforms of candidates and the voting record of incumbents before voting. Across the state and the nation, we’re seeing committed public servants and voters support candidates outside their party to protect the integrity of this republic and our democracy.

Let’s bring that spirit of thoughtful, inclusive self-governance to District 7. Vote for real South Dakota values and send a clear message to Pierre that cannot be ignored.