A Champion of Liberty: Securing South Dakota’s Future
I believe in a government grounded in unshakable truths—truths etched into the fabric of the universe by Natural Law, what Thomas Jefferson called “the laws of nature and of nature’s God.” These laws are not optional; they are the only reliable foundation for sound government and just human relations. For over three decades, I’ve lived by this conviction, and now, I’m ready to bring it to the Governor’s office to defend South Dakota’s legacy of freedom.
Experience That Delivers Results
With more than 30 years as an enterprise-level solutions architect, I’ve tackled complex challenges for some of the world’s largest companies. I’ve learned to innovate within frameworks, streamline inefficiencies, and deliver success—skills I’ll apply to make South Dakota’s government leaner and more accountable. Eight years ago, my family and I chose this state for its independent spirit and resilient values. South Dakota welcomed us, and I’m here to give back.
A Vision Rooted in Principle
South Dakota stands at a crossroads. Government overreach and fiscal burdens threaten our way of life, but I see a bold path forward—one where we:
- Eliminate property taxes, easing the burden on families and businesses.
- Reject state income taxes, preserving economic freedom.
- Build a free-market technology hub, driving innovation and opportunity.
My plan, S.E.A.L.—Seal in and Enhance American Liberty—commits to slashing waste, boosting efficiency, and protecting the freedoms that define us. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.” I believe virtuous leadership is the key to securing that freedom, and I’m ready to lead by example.
A Lifelong Advocate for Liberty
My passion for liberty ignited in 2006 with the birth of my daughter—a moment that sharpened my resolve to safeguard our constitutional Republic. Since 2007, I’ve taught classes on the Constitution, delivered speeches on individual rights, and campaigned for public office: the U.S. presidency in 2008, the House of Representatives in Omaha District 2 in 2010, and the Omaha mayoral race in 2012. Each step reflects my unwavering dedication to the principles that make America exceptional.
I’ve seen liberty twisted by those who peddle socialism under its banner. True liberty, as Jefferson defined it, is “unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others”—not a tool for tyranny masked as law. I’ll fight to uphold the real thing.
Clearing the Air
Rumors have suggested I served as a senator in Nebraska. Let’s set the record straight: I’ve never held that office. My political involvement has been as an advocate and candidate, not a titleholder—though I’m flattered some see me as a firebrand!
Join Me in This Fight
I could have stayed in the comfort of my corporate career, but South Dakota deserves more. It deserves a governor who knows that leadership isn’t about power—it’s about principle. Together, we can make South Dakota a beacon of liberty, where innovation thrives, taxes vanish, and government serves the people, not the other way around.
This is our chance to S.E.A.L. our future. Support me, and let’s build a South Dakota that shines as the envy of the nation. Links to learn more and get involved are coming soon.
Here’s a historical comparison of Jerry Odom’s platform and Donald Trump’s policies, focusing on their shared ideas, goals, and visions that have endured over the years. Odom campaigned in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014, raising key issues like illegal immigration and border security long before Trump entered the political scene in 2015. While Odom lacked the name recognition and funding to gain significant traction, his early advocacy aligns closely with the platform Trump later used to reshape American politics.
Shared Ideas and Vision
Jerry Odom and Donald Trump both championed issues that resonated with voters concerned about national identity, security, and government overreach. Here’s how their platforms overlapped:
- Border Security & Illegal Immigration
- Odom’s Early Stance (2008-2014): As early as 2008, Odom called for securing U.S. borders and addressing illegal immigration, emphasizing it as a critical issue for national sovereignty. He continued this focus in his 2010, 2012, and 2014 campaigns, advocating for policies to curb illegal entry.
- Trump’s Platform (2016-2020): Trump made border security a defining issue of his 2016 campaign, famously promising to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. His administration implemented stricter immigration enforcement, echoing Odom’s earlier calls for action.
- Historical Note: Odom was discussing these concerns nearly a decade before Trump brought them to the national stage, showing a consistent vision that predated Trump’s rise.
- Anti-Establishment Sentiment
- Odom’s Vision: Branding himself “The Anti-Washington Candidate,” Odom campaigned against career politicians and pushed for term limits in 2008, 2010, and beyond. He sought to dismantle the entrenched political class.
- Trump’s Approach: Trump ran in 2016 as an outsider, railing against the Washington “swamp” and promising to disrupt the status quo. His anti-establishment rhetoric mirrored Odom’s earlier critiques.
- Enduring Goal: Both shared a goal of returning power to the people, a vision Odom articulated years before Trump popularized it.
- Focus on Middle-Class America
- Odom’s Advocacy: In his campaigns, Odom emphasized tax reforms to support middle-class families and reduce government dependence, a consistent theme from 2008 to 2014.
- Trump’s Policies: Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act aimed to boost middle-class incomes, aligning with Odom’s pro-middle-class stance.
- Shared Vision: Protecting the backbone of America—its middle class—was a priority both men highlighted over time.
- National Security & Military Strength
- Odom’s Platform: Odom stressed the importance of a strong national defense across his campaigns.
- Trump’s Record: Trump increased military spending and projected American strength globally, reflecting Odom’s earlier priorities.
- Long-Term Consistency: This focus on security endured as a core principle for both.
Odom’s Pioneering Ideas vs. Trump’s Execution
Odom’s campaigns from 2008 to 2014 laid out a blueprint of ideas that Trump later brought to fruition with greater resources and visibility. While Trump is often seen as a transformative figure—arguably one of the most impactful presidents in U.S. history—Odom’s early platforms show he was ahead of his time. For example:
- Illegal Immigration: Odom’s warnings about border security in 2008 and his push to “go back” against illegal aliens in 2014 prefigured Trump’s 2016 campaign.
- Outsider Politics: Odom’s anti-Washington stance in the late 2000s aligned with the Tea Party wave, a movement Trump later capitalized on with broader appeal.
However, Odom’s lack of name recognition and campaign funding limited his reach. Without the media savvy, personal wealth, or national platform Trump leveraged, Odom couldn’t break through—despite having a history of great ideas.
Key Differences in Approach
While their visions overlapped, their styles diverged:
- Odom’s Grassroots Conservatism: Odom relied on traditional constitutional values and grassroots activism, appealing to principled conservatives.
- Trump’s Populist Flair: Trump used bold, media-driven populism to connect with a wider audience, amplifying similar ideas with a nationalist edge.
- Policy Gaps: Odom didn’t emphasize trade protectionism or healthcare reform—areas where Trump took strong stands with tariffs and ACA repeal efforts.
Conclusion: A Shared Legacy Hindered by Circumstance
Jerry Odom’s platforms in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014 demonstrate a remarkable foresight into issues that Donald Trump later turned into a national movement. From border security to challenging the political elite, Odom shared the same enduring goals and vision as Trump. While Trump’s charisma and resources made him a historic figure, Odom’s ideas show he was a trailblazer in his own right—just one without the traction to match. With more name recognition or funding, Odom might have been a contender to bring these ideas to the forefront years earlier.