Kyle Schoenfish, a Republican from Scotland, was first elected to the South Dakota Legislature in the fall of 2012, when he won a seat in the House.

He was appointed to the Senate by Gov. Kristi Noem beginning with the 2020 session following the resignation of Stace Nelson. Schoenfish is this fall being challenged for his seat by Michael J. Miller, who is running as an Independent from Freeman. The Courier invited both to answer this Q&A as a way to help inform voters living in District 19, which includes Bon Homme, Hanson, Hutchinson, McCook and the western portion of Turner counties.

Their responses are published exactly as submitted here.

KYLE SCHOENFISH Age 36 | Occupation: Certified Public Acct.

Why are you running for election/re-election to the District 19 Senate? (100-word limit)

Few Certificate Public Accountants serve in South Dakota and the nation as elected officials. My financial background and professional work with schools and cities have been invaluable as a Senator. I have a proven record of bipartisanship and independence. It means a lot when opponents in prior elections have told me they know I do a good job and vote for me. District 19 has an effective team with a couple of good friends of mine, Jessica Bahmuller and Drew Peterson serving in the House.

What experience/insight do you have that makes you a good candidate for office? (150-word limit)

I served seven years as a State Representative before being appointed to the Senate by Governor Noem. I served as Senate Majority Whip from 20212022 when the state made record investments in education, nursing homes, roads, water and sewer projects. I currently serve as Senate Education Chairman and work all year with representatives of public schools, private schools and the homeschooling community to make their issues receive fair attention. I serve on the board of directors for the Institute of Lutheran Theology Seminary College in Brookings.

What are two of the biggest issues currently facing the state of South Dakota? Explain how you would like to see them addressed? (350-word limit) South Dakota continues to have a workforce shortage. We need more doctors, nurses, accountants, ministers, teachers and workers in every industry. We made investments in scholarships, housing, and programs to bring professionals to rural areas. We made these crucial investments while cutting taxes and balancing the budget. The legislature passed compacts to increase freedom in filling jobs. There have been bills to remove red tape in different health care practices, many of which were successful, several which were not. I was the Senate Prime Sponsor for bills to fill technical education jobs and address teacher shortages which were signed by the governor. We should continue to do what has already been proven to work.

In 2023 during my first session as Education Chairman we passed a record seven percent increase for education. The funding increases for education and health care providers build the base for possible increases the following year. With inflation and decreased Federal funding, another big issue will be continuing funding for South Dakota’s biggest priorities including education and nursing homes in the coming years. A repeal of the food tax would increase that challenge as lost revenue is not likely to be replaced. South Dakota has been able to make these investments with a strong pro-business environment which can still be improved upon.

If elected/re-elected, what would you like to accomplish in the next two years? (200-word limit)

Would like to see various issues addressed at local levels of government. Property taxes go to local governments and regulations and mandates increase funding needs for local government including counties and school districts. Drastic changes were made to the school funding formula in 2016 and again in the most recent session. I have the official support of South Kyle Schoefish Dakota Teachers and will keep stressing the importance of janitors, bus drivers, counselors and administrators needed to have great school districts. Counties and cities have to maintain roads, run elections, and keep people safe. More support has been provided for counties, townships, and cities in recent years; there is still work to do in that area.

What else do you want voters to know? (150-word limit)

I carefully read and study all the bills I vote on and make a decision based on what they do. It has been common in recent years for false information to be spread by groups with agendas. I support veterans, law enforcement, rural values, and South Dakota’s citizens even when those votes don’t agree with nonsensical scorecards that sometimes get passed around. I attend meetings, forums and community events put on by reputable organizations throughout the year to stay accessible to voters and support good causes. District 19 has a strong agricultural economy and I will continue to support our farmers. I have voted numerous times against tax increases and to cut taxes so South Dakotans have more of their own money to spend. I have voted against government over-reach at all levels of government. I support local control, the ballot initiative process, and the sanctity of human life at all stages of life.