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. I moved to 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 twice been elected by voters and by my colleagues as a Senate Majority Whip. I chair Seante Judiciary
and serve on the powerful State Affairs Committee. I am a conservative who believes in smaller government 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, workforce housing, quality education, childcare, mental health ... and the list goes on.
NEWS
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.