BROOKINGS – Democrat Cole Sartell has announced his candidacy for the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 7. 

Beginning with the 2023 legislative term, following the adoption of redrawn legislative districts in South Dakota last fall, District 7 will include the cities of Brookings and Aurora, plus Brookings, Medary and Aurora townships.

Sartell, of Brookings, says he is running to bring diversity and Brookings values to state government. 

“I want to ensure that every citizen enjoys the same personal freedoms and responsibilities as their neighbor,” he said in a news release. “Brookings has been called the most progressive community in the state. We need more like it.”

One of the most important issues to him is the Municipal Equality Index score of a perfect 100 points the city has with the Human Rights Campaign. He says Brookings is a model community in that respect.

“Human rights are under attack across the nation,” he said. “South Dakota can be a leader in righting these wrongs and I want to help with that.”

Education is also important to Sartell.  

“I believe that it is important to let teachers teach and to keep the government from trying to censor history,” he said. “If elected, I will work with other legislators to bring up teacher pay, and provide the resources needed to educate our future citizens.”

As a supporter of the ballot initiative process, Sartell wants to see Medicaid expanded in South Dakota and the legalization of marijuana. 

“I know too many people who are afraid to lose their Medicaid benefits due to the income limit,” he said.  “This is effectively keeping people trapped in poverty, because if they make too much, they will not be able to afford their medication and health care. The defeat of Amendment C was key to achieving this mission.”

Regarding marijuana legalization, he said he believes the voters made their voices heard in 2020 when they legalized it. 

“It’s a shame that our current leadership would rather shut down the people’s vote than accept the will of the people,” he said. “Defeating Amendment C also ensured that the people’s voices can truly make a difference. If elected, I will do everything in my power to implement the will of the voters, not my own personal agenda.”

Sartell lived in Sartell, Minnesota, named for one of his ancestors, until 2007, when the family moved to Brookings. He graduated from Brookings High School in 2010. He attended South Dakota State University and works at a credit card service company in town.   

He is a member of the church council at Brookings United Church of Christ and a volunteer on their tech program and other social justice projects. He is also part of Brookings Pride and a board member of Community Law Enforcement Action Response, a local group that works with the Brookings Police Department.

“Teaming up with other activists helps me to understand people and their needs in this community,” he said.  “It is easy to get tied up in your own life, and we often forget others around us. I want to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and that they feel represented. Because it’s really about all of us, and not just some of us.”

Sartell replaces Democrats Lisa Johnsen and Mary Perpich on the ballot. Both served as “placeholders” and withdrew from the District 7 House race on July 29, according to the South Dakota secretary of state’s website. Candidates had until Aug. 2 to withdraw, and the party had until Aug. 9 to name a replacement. 

There are two District 7 posts in the state House of Representatives. Sartell, the lone Democrat on the ballot, faces Republican candidates Roger DeGroot and Mellissa Heermann, both of Brookings, in the November election.