RAPID CITY, SD – Although many districts across the country continue to count ballots, many elections have been called, including here in South Dakota. With a new Republican administration in the White House and a Republican majority in the Senate, citizens across the country are asking “what’s next?” » Local South Dakota candidates want to assure the public that the new changes come with more opportunities for cooperation.

“I think South Dakota is on the cusp of a really exciting time for us to accomplish important things,” said Helene Duhamel, state senator from District 32 in Rapid City. “We are one nation. We should not bicker with each other. We must work together to accomplish important things.”

Among the candidates this year was Republican Steve Duffy, who will continue to represent the residents of Rapid City. He will work alongside Nicole Uhre-Balk, a local Democrat and teacher who is also elected to the House of Representatives. Both campaigned on issues such as support for small businesses and property tax reform.

“Our ideas about what moves South Dakota forward would, I think, be similar,” Rep. Duffy said, “I hope she and I can get together and tour what District 32 and the state in general needs, and maybe there are some ways we can work together.

With a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate and Sen. John Thune running for majority leader, Pierre politicians are eagerly awaiting improvements in South Dakota. Regardless of your political side, the theme of the South Dakota election appears to have been cooperation and collaboration between the two parties. The next legislative session for newly elected candidates will begin on January 14, 2025.