District 4 House Candidate Gary Hudiburg Outlines Vision for Workforce, Mental Health, and Community Assets
- Steve Jurrens
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As the June primary approaches, Gary Hudiburgh, a candidate for South Dakota House District 4, joined Northeast Radio SD to discuss his unique background and his plans to “reclaim communities at risk.”
With a background spanning the nuclear energy industry, labor unions, and emergency medical services, Hudiburg is positioning himself as a candidate with a “well-blended capability” to address South Dakota’s economic and social challenges.
From DC to SD: A Background in Service
Hudiburgh, who has lived in South Dakota for five years, grew up in the Washington D.C. area, where politics was a “regular dinner table conversation.” However, his professional path led him away from law and toward the trades. Working as a millwright in the nuclear energy industry, Hudiburgh traveled the region, gaining technical skills and an appreciation for the labor force.
Investing in the Next Generation
A centerpiece of Hudiburgh’s platform is workforce development, driven by his nonprofit organization, SotaSodak. The organization focuses on teaching 14- to 18-year-olds trade skills and faith-based excellence.
“I asked a young man across the street what he was doing all summer, and he said he was going to play video games,” Hudiburgh shared. “We need to do something. I asked him if he knew how to weld... it takes one adult that cares to change a life trajectory completely.”
Hudiburgh emphasized the need to expand access to technical colleges like Lake Area Tech and Mitchell Tech, suggesting that South Dakota needs to find ways to bring five-week “pre-apprenticeship” programs directly into local and tribal communities.
Mental Health and Resilience
Hudiburg spoke candidly about his 11.5 years of sobriety, citing it as a major factor in his focus on mental health. He has partnered with the nonprofit Lost & Found to deliver QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide-prevention training to local fire departments in Gary and Clear Lake.
“A lot of my value proposition is about lived experience,” said Hudiburgh. “I understand where the gaps are and how we can build that generosity and mastery that these kids really crave.”
Economic Development and “Asset-Based” Growth
Addressing complex issues like wind energy and proposed data centers, Hudiburg advocated for “asset-based community development.” He expressed frustration with “extractive” development—projects that bring in out-of-state workers and offer little long-term benefit to local taxpayers.
“South Dakota is a precious place,” Hudiburg noted. “We need to look for ways to make these assets serve our communities—both through jobs and tax revenue—rather than just being extractive.” He cited his experience in the energy sector as key to understanding which projects work and which do not.
Faith and Core Values
Hudiburg closed the interview by highlighting his faith as his central pillar, describing himself as pro-life and a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment.
“We really want to love our neighbor the way we want to love ourselves,” Hudiburg said. “That is a reflection of what our true character is.”
Gary Hudiburg is one of five candidates vying for two available House seats in District 4. The primary election is scheduled for June 2, with the general election following on November 3. Voters can find more information at www.GaryforSD.com.
