District 5 Senate Candidate Josephine Garcia Outlines Platform, Focuses on Property Rights Ahead of June Primary
- Steve Jurrens
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As the June 2 primary election approaches, the race for South Dakota’s District 5 Senate seat continues to take shape. Current Representative Josephine Garcia recently appeared on a local Northeast Radio SD's radio stream to discuss her background, her legislative record, and her campaign focus on constituent representation.
During the broadcast, Garcia was joined via phone by landowner advocate Ed Fishbach. The discussion heavily centered on property rights and eminent domain, highlighting what the candidate and her supporters describe as key differences between her platform and that of her primary opponent.
Garcia Details Local Background and Platform
According to Garcia, her connection to the Watertown community spans 14 years, having relocated to the area in 2007 when her husband, Dr. Evelio Garcia, established a local heart program. A former nurse who transitioned into education and healthcare administration, Garcia currently operates the Garcia Family Clinic across three locations, including a facility she noted is dedicated primarily to serving veterans.
When asked about her motivation for seeking the Senate seat, Garcia stated that her primary objective is to ensure local voices are represented in Pierre.
“I don’t have any agendas,” Garcia stated during the interview. “My priority and my objective is the people. They need to be represented and heard, and that’s my goal.”
Property Rights and Legislative Records Highlighted
A portion of the interview focused on opposition to the proposed Summit Carbon Solutions CO2 pipeline, an issue Fishbach noted has impacted District 5 landowners for nearly five years. Fishbach, a fourth-generation local farmer, praised Garcia’s legislative record on the matter while sharply criticizing her opponent’s voting history.
Fishbach pointed to two specific legislative items to contrast the candidates:
· Senate Bill 201 (RL 21): Fishbach criticized this bill for allowing invasive land surveys and reducing local county zoning controls. He noted that while Garcia’s opponent supported the measure, voters ultimately rejected it at the ballot box across every county in District 5.
· House Bill 1052: Designed to restrict the use of eminent domain for private corporate gain, Fishbach highlighted that Garcia voted in favor of the protections, while her opponent voted against them. The bill ultimately passed into law.
According to Fishbach, Garcia has remained “steadfast with the property owners 100%,” arguing that her opponent has consistently aligned with special interests and corporate lobbyists.
Candidate Warns the Pipeline Issue is Not Over
While Summit Carbon Solutions recently announced plans to reroute the pipeline through Nebraska, Fishbach warned that the company has not explicitly ruled out South Dakota for future projects.
Garcia agreed with this assessment, telling listeners that vigilance is still required as special interest groups often seek alternative legislative paths.
According to Garcia, protecting land ownership remains central to her platform. She concluded the interview by stating that she intends to continue voting in accordance with the wishes of her constituents regarding property rights.
Paid for by Garcia for Senate
