Safeguarding South Dakota: Why I’m Running to Protect Our Beacon of Liberty
By Jerry Odom
March 25, 2025
Some critics have said you can’t just move to South Dakota and run for governor—that you need deeper roots to truly understand and protect what makes this state special. I hear you, and I want to address that concern head-on. I’ve lived in South Dakota for eight years, and in that time, I’ve come to love this state as my home. I’m running for governor not because I’m new here, but because I’m committed to ensuring South Dakota remains the last true beacon of liberty in the United States—a place I never have to leave.
Eight Years of Commitment to South Dakota
I moved to South Dakota eight years ago with my family, seeking the quintessential American lifestyle—a place where independence, hard work, and community aren’t just ideals, but a way of life. We found that here, and I’ve spent every day since immersing myself in this state, listening to its people, and embracing its values. I’ve built a life here, raised my family here, and chosen to call South Dakota my home. This isn’t a stepping stone for me—it’s where I want to stay, and I’ll fight to protect it.
Acknowledging Strong Leadership
Let me be clear: I believe Governor Kristi Noem has been a phenomenal leader for South Dakota. I know some of you may disagree with her on certain issues, and that’s okay—we’re a state that values independent thought. But her effectiveness cannot be questioned. She’s stood firm against federal overreach, kept our economy strong, and defended our freedoms during challenging times. The lieutenant governor has also done a great job, supporting her efforts and serving our state with dedication. I respect their leadership, and I’m not here to tear down what they’ve built—I’m here to build on it.
Why I’m Running: To Protect What Makes South Dakota Unique
Despite the strong leadership we’ve had, I’m running for governor because I see threats on the horizon that could jeopardize South Dakota’s status as a beacon of liberty. Federal overreach is creeping closer, economic pressures are mounting, and there’s a growing push in some circles to erode the personal responsibility that defines us. I’ve traveled to every state in the union, and I can tell you with certainty: there’s no place left in the United States like South Dakota. This is the last bastion of true freedom, and I don’t want to have to move again to find it.
I’ve seen what happens when states falter—when they let bureaucracy grow, when they trade liberty for control, when they forget the principles that make them great. I refuse to let that happen here. South Dakota is my home, and I will not allow it to falter under my watch. That’s why I’m running—to safeguard the values that brought me here in the first place: independence, limited government, and the right to live free.
A Plan to Preserve South Dakota’s Legacy
My vision for South Dakota is simple but unwavering: protect what makes us unique while building a future where our kids can thrive. That means eliminating property taxes so no one loses their home to government overreach. It means rejecting state income taxes to keep more money in your pocket. It means creating a free-market technology hub to bring high-paying jobs to our communities, ensuring our children don’t have to leave to chase their dreams. And through SD-DOGE (South Dakota Department of Government Efficiency), we’ll cut waste, shrink bureaucracy, and keep government accountable to you.
This isn’t about change for the sake of change—it’s about preservation. It’s about ensuring South Dakota remains a place where liberty reigns, where government serves the people, and where we can all live the American dream without fear of losing it.
My Promise to You
I’ve been here for eight years, but my commitment to South Dakota is lifelong. This is my home, and I’m not going anywhere. I’m running for governor to protect the state I love, to ensure it remains the beacon of liberty I moved here for. I’ve seen what failure looks like in other states, and I won’t let that happen here—not on my watch.
This campaign is about us, the people of South Dakota, coming together to safeguard our way of life. I don’t need to have been born here to understand what’s at stake—I’ve chosen to make this my home, and that choice comes with a responsibility to fight for it. Will you join me in this movement? Together, we can ensure South Dakota’s legacy endures for generations to come.
Jerry Odom
Candidate for Governor of South Dakota