District 4 Candidate Ryan Kohl Outlines Vision for Rural South Dakota at Commission Meeting

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - During the public comment portion of Tuesday’s Codington County Commissioners’ meeting, local voters were introduced to a new face in the race for the State House. Ryan Kohl, a veteran and former educator, officially introduced himself to the board as a candidate for the District 4 House of Representatives, promising a “laser-focused” approach to the needs of rural communities.

Kohl used his time before the commission to detail a life story deeply rooted in Northeast South Dakota, framing his candidacy around the values of military service, agriculture, and local education.

A Background of Service and Soil

A native of the region, Kohl’s journey began on a family farm near Revillo. After graduating from SDSU, he balanced the demands of higher education with a commitment to the National Guard before commissioning into the United States Air Force.

“I took my commission in the United States Air Force, and then for the next nine years, I went all around the world,” Kohl told the commissioners. “I went to some great places, and I went to some places I never, ever want to go back to.”

After nearly a decade of global service, Kohl returned to the family farm and ranch, where he now works alongside his father. He currently resides in Milbank with his wife, Kim—whom he met during his service in the Air Force—and their three children. “They’re all potty trained, so I’m ready for another challenge,” he joked.

Prioritizing the “Heart” of the District

Kohl identified three main pillars for his legislative platform: agriculture, education, and rural community preservation. Having previously taught at Grant-Deuel for two years before the school’s closure, Kohl spoke passionately about the state of the teaching profession.

“Our teachers have a very difficult job, and we need to take care of them,” Kohl emphasized. “As a former educator, I want to support education, especially our teachers.”

He also addressed the unique identity of District 4, which surrounds the Watertown area. Kohl noted that while he is running for District 4, he recognizes the deep economic and social inter-dependency between his district and District 5 (Watertown).

“I want to stay laser-focused on small and rural communities. That’s who District 4 is,” Kohl said. “As part of that, I mean, District 5 is the heart, basically, of District 4... there are things that District 4 just can’t produce—you guys have the ethanol plant, you have Lake Area—these are all things that are integral, and we are connected.”

Local Outreach

Kohl’s visit to the Codington County Commission is part of a larger effort to meet with local leadership and understand the specific pressures facing county governments in Northeast South Dakota. He concluded his remarks by providing commissioners with “palm cards” detailing his background and encouraged them to reach out as the campaign progresses.

“I just wanted to meet you guys and give you a real quick background of who I am and why I’m running,” Kohl said.