Priorities

Defending personal and property rights, limiting government overreach, and restoring state authority–keeping power with the people.

Freedom is the foundation of our way of life, and safeguarding it requires courage, humility, and conviction. A strong South Dakota begins with unwavering protections
for the constitutional liberties granted by our Creator—not the government.

Tesa is committed to protecting personal liberties and property rights, defending the Second Amendment, and preventing government intrusion into daily life. She believes leadership must remain transparent, accountable, and firmly rooted in the Constitution.

Priorities include:

• Protecting personal and property rights
• Defending the Second Amendment and the right to self-defense
• Limiting government and ensuring efficiency
• Supporting fair, transparent elections and civic participation
• Affirming state authority under the 10th Amendment

“As a constitutional patriot, I’m committed to preserving the America I grew up loving—protecting our personal rights and liberties, and keeping the government accountable, transparent, and firmly in check.” – TSD9

Protecting taxpayers, empowering entrepreneurs, modernizing regulations, and encouraging innovation–bolstering South Dakota’s economy.

South Dakotans work hard, budget wisely, and expect their government to do the same. Fiscal responsibility means rejecting bloated bureaucracy, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring growth strengthens—not burdens—families and communities.

Tesa supports fiscal stewardship, efficient government, and responsible growth rooted in free-market principles—empowering businesses, modernizing regulations, fostering a strong workforce, and expanding economic opportunity without raising taxes.

Priorities include:

• Responsible budgeting and fiscal stewardship / Fiscal responsibility
• Protecting taxpayers through responsible spending / Protecting taxpayers
• Encouraging entrepreneurship and small business growth/ownership
• Expanding/Supporting workforce training and professional development
• Strengthening career and technical education pipelines
• Modernizing regulation to keep pace with innovation

“A government that works within its means—through responsible growth, responsible spending, and responsible leadership—creates opportunity and resilience for generations to come.” – TSD9

Valuing the unborn, upholding the dignity of every life and supporting parents—strengthening the family as the foundation of community.

Upholding the dignity of every life, supporting those who need it most.

Strong communities start with healthy families and are the backbone of a thriving state. Policies that protect life at every stage, uphold parental rights, and support family stability build resilient communities and a healthier future for South Dakota.

Tesa is dedicated to protecting life at every stage and supporting parents, children, and vulnerable populations. She champions pro-life policies, pregnancy and adoption, and care for the elderly, disabled, and those facing neglect. Guided by responsibility, accountability, and respect for tradition, Tesa supports family-centered policies that build strong, resilient communities. Parental rights and the freedom to raise children in their faith remain at the heart of her vision for family stability.

Priorities include:

• Protecting the unborn/ Pro-life
• Supporting family-centered policies
• Caring for vulnerable populations
• Protecting parental rights and the freedom to raise children in faith
• Encouraging responsibility, accountability, honesty, and hard work

“Strong families create strong communities—and when communities thrive, South Dakota becomes a safer, healthier place for every child, every citizen, and every family.” – TSD9

Supporting law enforcement, prioritizing public wellness, and addressing the roots causes of crime–building safer and healthier neighborhoods.

Ensuring public safety and supporting overall health with community-based solutions to nurture thriving neighborhoods.

Safe, healthy communities require a commitment to protect public safety and wellness and the courage to confront tough challenges. Thriving neighborhoods depend on accountability, compassion, and practical solutions.

Tesa supports law and order, crime prevention, and strategies that address the root causes of instability—including untreated mental health challenges, addiction, and family breakdown. She believes in community-grounded approaches that help people get back on track and reduce cycles of harm.

Priorities include:

• Supporting law enforcement and first responders
• Strengthening mental health and addiction resources
• Expanding early intervention for at-risk children
• Encouraging community partnerships and faith-based programs
• Combatting drug trafficking and substance abuse
• Opposing recreational marijuana to protect youth and families

“Promoting public safety alongside wellness and accountability builds safer, healthier neighborhoods where all citizens can thrive.” – TSD9

Expanding school choice, empowering parents, strengthening workforce pathways and preparing the next generation for success.

Education works best when schools put students first, equip teachers to excel, and respect parents as the primary decision-makers—while keeping decisions at the state and local level. This approach equips students with the skills to become responsible, contributing adults, ensures real pathways to productive adulthood and strengthens South Dakota’s talent pipeline.

Tesa supports school choice, parental rights, and workforce-aligned education that provides practical skills for college, trades, technical careers, or entrepreneurship. She also champions strong civics and foundational skills, expanded career readiness, and keeping schools focused on education—not ideology.

Priorities include:

• Expanding school choice and parental involvement
• Protecting parental rights and educational transparency
• Developing career pathways, technical education, and hands-on learning
• Aligning workforce training with real job opportunities
• Recruiting and retaining quality teachers
• Ensuring safe, supportive, and politically neutral schools

“Education should open doors. Every student, at every age, deserves the freedom to learn, grow, and pursue their God-given potential.” – TSD9