Breaking the Establishment’s Rules: The People’s Approval Is All That Matters
By Jerry Odom
March 25, 2025
For too long, the political establishment has operated under a set of unwritten rules designed to keep power in the hands of a select few. They tell us you have to “wait your turn” to run for governor. They say you need the approval of the “good old boy club”—a network of insiders who decide who gets a seat at the table. But I’m here to tell you: those rules are made to protect the establishment, not the people. The only approval that truly matters in South Dakota is yours.
The Establishment’s Playbook
I’ve seen it time and again: a system that prioritizes loyalty to party insiders over loyalty to the voters. The establishment wants candidates who play by their rules, who’ve climbed the ranks they’ve set, and who’ve earned their stamp of approval. They’ll tell you that running for governor without their blessing is reckless, that you haven’t “earned” the right to lead.
But who are they to decide? In a constitutional republic like ours, the power belongs to the people—not a self-appointed elite. The idea that you must wait your turn or beg for permission from the good old boy club isn’t just undemocratic—it’s a betrayal of the very principles South Dakota stands for: independence, self-governance, and liberty.
My Journey: A Call to Serve, Not a Quest for Permission
I’m Jerry Odom, and I’ve dedicated my life to solving problems—first as a solutions architect for over 30 years, and since 2007, as a passionate advocate for liberty. I didn’t enter this race for governor because I wanted a title or the approval of political gatekeepers. I entered it because I felt a calling to serve the people of South Dakota, a state that welcomed my family eight years ago with its values of resilience and freedom.
I could have stayed in my comfortable job, enjoying the stability I’ve worked hard to build. But when I look at the challenges facing our state—overreach from Washington, economic pressures, and the erosion of personal responsibility—I knew I couldn’t sit on the sidelines. South Dakota deserves leadership that fights for its people, not for the approval of a political clique.
The People’s Approval: The Only Mandate That Counts
The establishment may have its playbook, but I’m writing a new one—a people-driven campaign that puts you, the citizens of South Dakota, in charge. I don’t need the good old boy club’s permission to run for governor, because the only mandate I seek is yours. You are the ones who live the consequences of our leaders’ decisions. You are the ones who know what South Dakota needs to remain a beacon of liberty.
This campaign isn’t about me—it’s about us. It’s about you choosing to join a movement that’s as passionate as the Trump 2024 campaign, a movement fueled by everyday South Dakotans who refuse to let insiders dictate their future. We’re not waiting for permission. We’re not asking for a turn. We’re taking a stand for self-governance, personal responsibility, and individual liberty—right here, right now.
A Vision for South Dakota, Powered by You
My vision for South Dakota is clear: a state where property taxes are eliminated, where we reject state income taxes, and where we build a free-market technology hub to create opportunities for our kids. Through initiatives like SD-DOGE (South Dakota Department of Government Efficiency), we’ll cut waste, shrink bureaucracy, and return power to the people. But this vision can’t come to life without your support.
The establishment wants you to believe that change can only happen through their channels. I’m here to prove them wrong. With the people’s approval, we can break down the barriers they’ve built and forge a future where South Dakota remains a stronghold of freedom—not just for today, but for generations to come.
Join the Movement
This is our moment to show the good old boy club that their rules don’t apply to us. We don’t need their approval—we have something far more powerful: the will of the people. Will you stand with us? Join our mailing list, attend a rally, or talk to your neighbors about this movement. Together, we can make South Dakota the envy of the nation—a place where liberty thrives, opportunities abound, and the people, not the establishment, call the shots.
Let’s get to work.
Jerry Odom
Candidate for Governor of South Dakota