District 4 Republican Candidate Forum in Hayti Draws Strong Crowd, Wide‑Ranging Debate
- Steve Jurrens
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A crowd filled the Hamlin County 4‑H building Sunday morning as Republican candidates for South Dakota’s District 4 Senate and House seats took the stage for a two‑hour forum. The event was hosted by the Hamlin County Republicans Committee and moderated by Northeast Radio SD’s Steve Jurrens.
HOUSE CANDIDATE INTRODUCTIONS
Fred Deutsch
Deutsch, a former legislator and Watertown School Board member, emphasized his record of conservative legislation.
“I’ve had 19 bills signed into law and a 100% pro‑life voting record,” he said. “Pierre has become more like Washington, D.C. We need people who will roll up their sleeves and get the work done.”
He said his campaign is about “putting the people first” and respecting that “the people are the boss.”
Rep. Kent Roe (Incumbent)
Roe highlighted his background as a business owner, appraiser, and lifelong resident of the region.
“Those grandkids remind me every day why I serve,” he said. “We need to keep South Dakota the way we like it — not just for my grandkids, but for yours.”
Roe noted his work on the House Taxation Committee and his focus on public schools, agriculture, and economic development.
Rep. Dylan Jordan (Incumbent)
Jordan described himself as a “constitutional conservative” who votes strictly based on the U.S. Constitution, South Dakota Constitution, and the state GOP platform.
“If you want someone who votes based on the party platform, I’m your guy,” he said. “I’m pro‑life, pro‑family, pro‑Second Amendment, and pro‑freedom.”
Gary Hudiburgh
Hudiburgh spoke about overcoming addiction, founding a faith‑based nonprofit, and his belief that South Dakota must “not become complacent.”
“South Dakota is a special place. Do not be complacent,” he said. “I’ve dedicated my life to service.”
Ryan Kohl
Kohl, a farmer, Air Force veteran, and former teacher, said his priorities are agriculture, public education, and rural communities.
“I want my kids to stay here. If they choose to leave, I want it to be a difficult decision,” he said. “If you haven’t bought fertilizer by the ton, you’re not a farmer — and I’m the only farmer running.”
SENATE CANDIDATE INTRODUCTIONS
Timothy “Tim” Begalka
Begalka, a former state legislator, emphasized his experience and conservative voting record.
“There are hundreds of bills every year, and you have to make quick decisions,” he said. “You can trust me — I say what I mean.”
Sen. Stephanie Sauder (Incumbent)
Sauder, a retired teacher and lifelong agriculturalist, emphasized her work on education, elder care, and rural issues.
“We have to take care of our children — not just by Constitution, but by moral responsibility,” she said. “It is an honor to serve in Pierre. I don’t take that lightly.”
QUESTION 1 — PROPERTY TAXES
Property taxes dominated the discussion, with all candidates acknowledging the burden on homeowners and landowners.
Deutsch
“We need to re‑examine the school funding formula and look at restoring the ag circuit breaker.”
Roe
Supported SB 96 (local option sales tax swap) but opposed SB 245.
“245 ignored schools, state workers, and special‑care providers.”
Jordan
“The budget has doubled in eight years. We need to stop expanding government.”
Hudiburgh
“Inflation is crushing counties. We run lean, but we need to look critically at expenses.”
Kohl
“Property taxes stay local. Let’s keep wind‑tower revenue local, too.”
Begalka
“Property taxes are immoral. You shouldn’t have to pay rent to the government on land you own.”
Sauder
“There’s no single answer. Economic development is key — new businesses bring new property tax revenue.”
QUESTION 2 — DATA CENTERS & WIND TURBINES
Sauder
Supports data centers.
“There is a lot of misinformation — some of it flat‑out lies,” she said. “Data centers are about cybersecurity. We don’t want our data stored in China.”
Begalka
Strongly opposed to the proposed Deuel County data center.
“Ninety‑five percent of people in Deuel County oppose it,” he said. “It would use as much electricity as Sioux Falls.”
Kohl
Supports data centers in principle.
“AI is here. Data centers will be built somewhere,” he said. “We don’t want them in China.”
Hudiburgh
Neutral, wants environmental monitoring.
“I’m not 100% for or against,” he said. “We need environmental safeguards.”
Jordan
Opposed to the Deuel County proposal.
“No one wants it except elected officials,” he said. “And I’m against crony capitalism — wind turbines wouldn’t exist without it.”
Roe
Supports incentives to stay competitive.
“Forty states already offer incentives. We need to stay competitive.”
Deutsch
Supports local control.
“If the people want it, fine. If they don’t, it’s no.”
QUESTION 3 — WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WORK ON IN PIERRE?
Deutsch
“Lowering property taxes.”
Roe
“Stopping the brain drain and promoting economic development.”
Jordan
“Protecting constitutional rights.”
Hudiburgh
“Reclaiming communities at risk and building workforce pathways.”
Kohl
“Keeping our kids here. Housing is key.”
Begalka
“Fighting DEI and restoring intellectual freedom.”
Sauder
“Elder care, education, and agriculture.”
QUESTION 4 — MENTAL HEALTH
Kohl
“I’ve lost more comrades to suicide than enemy fire.”
Hudiburgh
“My grandfather killed himself. My mother found him at 14.”
Jordan
“COVID lockdowns caused a lot of this.”
Roe
“We need more volunteers and better reimbursement for EMS.”
Deutsch
“Mental health issues are happening younger and younger.”
Begalka
“We need to remove the stigma.”
Sauder
“The Rural Health Transformation Act is a godsend.”
QUESTION 5 — RURAL HEALTHCARE
Deutsch
“We ended non‑compete contracts so doctors can stay local.”
Roe
“Ambulance services are underfunded.”
Jordan
“The more government gets involved, the worse healthcare gets.”
Hudiburgh
“We need to build civic engagement and emergency response capacity.”
Kohl
“Technology and CTE programs can help build the workforce.”
Begalka
“There’s a misallocation of money — look at the massive hospital expansions.”
Sauder
“The Rural Health Transformation Act funds rural clinics, EMS hubs, and telemedicine.”
QUESTION 6 — LOCAL CONTROL
Sauder
“Local control is essential. School boards know their communities.”
Begalka
“Parents should have ultimate control over their children.”
Kohl
“Local government is always more efficient.”
Hudiburgh
“Our Republic doesn’t stand without educated citizens.”
Jordan
“Your rights come from God, not government.”
Roe
“The Legislature should stay hands‑off.”
Deutsch
“Pierre has taken too much control from school boards.”
CLOSING STATEMENTS
Deutsch
“If you’re tired of Pierre looking like Washington, D.C., it’s time for a change.”
Roe
“I’ll keep fighting for families, farms, and public safety.”
Jordan
“If it doesn’t align with the Constitution and the platform, I won’t vote for it.”
Hudiburgh
“We must fight complacency.”
Kohl
“I’m the only farmer running — and I want to serve District 4.”
Begalka
“You can trust my record. I say what I mean.”
Sauder
“We live in the best state in the country — and I want to make the best better.”
