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ABOUT ME

Putting My Experience
to Work

I'm a fifth generation South Dakotan with deep roots in a state that I love. I grew up and still live in District 32. I spent 35 years as a TV news journalist - good training to listen to all sides of complicated issues. For the last nine years, I have been with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office where I am now on the front lines of public safety.

I was appointed to serve in December 2019 and have been elected three times by voters. Most recently I served on Senate Judiciary, Local Government and Ag and Natural Resources.

I am a conservative who believes in smaller government. local control and less regulation. I believe in balanced budgets and fiscal responsibility with real sensitivity to keeping taxes low.

I support strong defense, law enforcement and self-reliance. I champion water for West Dakota, good paying jobs, affordable workforce housing, quality education, childcare, mental health, addiction services, rehabilitation for the incarcerated ... and the list goes on.

NEWS

DUHAMEL: Progress for the people of South Dakota

And the winner is… the people of South Dakota! The 97th State Legislative Session is wrapping up, and we have much to celebrate. With unprecedented federal dollars, lawmakers worked hard to target spending to projects with positive impact for generations to come. We worked hard to make sure taxpayer contributions were wisely-spent. At the same time, we continue to set aside and save money for bigger, worthy long-term projects and potential economic hurdles on the horizon.

B-21 Ellsworth expansion getting mixed support in Pierre

South Dakota Newswatch - Sen. Helene Duhamel, R-Rapid City, sponsored Senate Bill 204 to help fund the proposed elementary school, starting at a $15 million request and then reducing the ask to $5 million after debate. Duhamel reminded members of the Senate Education Committee of the harrowing process South Dakota leaders went through in trying to keep Ellsworth off the final BRAC list in 2006. Duhamel said the effort required support from the South Dakota congressional delegation, state officials and local leaders to persuade the federal government to keep Ellsworth open.