People at the Center. Progress for All.
Productivity that Delivers.
Hello & welcome! My name is Leslie Gerrish, and I’m requesting the opportunity to serve most of Clay and Union counties as your House Representative for District 17 in the South Dakota State Legislature in 2027.
I own and run two Main Street businesses, I am a hard-core mom of two grade schoolers and Girl Scout cookie sales associates, and actively volunteer for the United Way of Vermillion and many other municipal, county and state organizations.
My parents emphasized service. I’ve always known it’s ordinary folks like you and me who decide the kind of communities we want for our families and neighbors.
The election is November 3, 2026, but the work starts today.
No Time to Play
Politics.
Friends, the South Dakota legislative session is only 35-40 days long.
That means major decisions -- where our tax money goes, what laws are debated and passed -- are made in less than 2 months! In other words, South Dakotans literally don’t have time to play politics.
As a citizen-based legislature, each and every bill in Pierre gets a hearing - and each session sees nearly 500 of them. South Dakotans want an effective and productive legislature. That’s difficult to achieve when a supermajority clogs up the works with unecessary or silly bills.
Like most South Dakotans, I know you gotta put in the work. My neighbors in Vermillion, Wakonda, Elk Point, North Sioux City, Jefferson and all points in between have bills to pay, families to feed, and futures to secure.
Real Needs, true Concerns of South Dakotans
We know our current political climate can be tense.
I’ve always stood up and spoken out – with respect and civility - to hold our elected officials accountable. I believe to adequately represent our communities, leaders must prioritize the real needs and true concerns of the people in those communities.
Real Question!
How many recent legislative bills have impacted you, your family, or your community?
After South Dakota legislators went home from Pierre, how did your life change or improve? How did it not?
Seriously, tell me! Knowing your story helps me represent you better! Email me at leslieforsd@gmail or contact me at 605-496-9642.
my priorities
All this to say, my legislative priorities focus on things that matter and impact us all. Regardless of political affiliation, we all benefit from:
Properly Funded Education
Strong public education is the key to success across the board. Every child must have all the tools available in their toolbox. It is our responsibility to properly support education.
Ever Changing Data and Digital Environments
It’s complicated. You are reading this on a phone or table. I’ll email you back (right away!) from my i-phone. The environment is changing and communities are concerned about environmental impacts and taxpayer subsidies for private businesses. Leaders need to learn, lead and communicate.
Rural Healthcare Resources
In South Dakota, we value our rural communities. Elected officials must put their money where their mouth is and ensure our rural citizens have access to the healthcare they need.
Follow the Data.
For every piece of legislation, I’d love a scale of “how many does this help vs. how many does this hurt?” Let’s look at what helps and what hurts and go from there. Ideas for legislation shoulod help many and it should’t hurt targeted people in the process.
Real Representation is your right
I believe representation is a right, but serving is a privilege and a responsibility.
No matter your party, I want the privilege to serve you responsibly, efficiently, and productively as District 17’s State Representative in 2027.
Call, email, or stop by for a cup of coffee, one of my husband Ed’s brews, or a delicious ice cream. It’s time to get some real work done in Pierre.
Respectfully,
I was honored to be selected to give the keynote address to the 2025 graduating class of Vermillion High School
What? Like it’s hard?
I love Elle Woods (Legally Blond), but the thing is, this is going to be hard. It’s going to take a lot of resources, a lot of time and a lot of money. Every $1 really does count. And can I interest you in a monthly donation? That way I can plan for the future, which will allow me to plan for THE future (see what I did there?)!
Donate below or send a check to:
Leslie Gerrish for House
1416 Cornell Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
