Bret Swanson
Bret Swanson The Democratic primary for this office on June 2, 2026, was canceled. Bret Swanson was born in Denver, Colorado. He earned a bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in 1983 and a graduate degree from the University of South Dakota in 2003. Swanson's career experience includes working as a educator.
Campaign site
“I'm an educator. I have taught in elementary and middle schools. For the last twenty years, I have worked in a variety of colleges and universities. For five years, I served on the local school board. While my parents were raised in western South Dakota, I grew up in Denver. In 1991, I accepted a teaching position in Rapid City. Before that, I taught in Japan. I have also been lucky enough to teach in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. My wife and I have four grown children and eleven grandchildren. Unhappy with South Dakota's one-party rule and the inherent corruption it fosters, I decided to run for office.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “As an educator, I worry about how education has been overly politicized. Teachers want and deserve autonomy. The state and other outside organizations are trying encroach and influence what happens in the classroom.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “I admire Ralph Nader because of his courage, intelligence, and selflessness; Bob Dylan for being Bob, being constantly creative, and for not really caring what other people think; and Muhammed Ali for his bravery and creativity.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)Tim Goodwin
Tim Goodwin Tim Goodwin served in the U.S. Army. His career experience includes working as a businessman. Goodwin was assigned to the following committees:
“I don't want to get to the point where we say no electric bikes at all, so I think this is a good compromise.”
(South Dakota Searchlight)Trish Ladner
Trish Ladner Trish Ladner's career experience includes owning a business. Ladner has served on the board of directors of The Mammoth Site, with Visit Hot Springs SD, with the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, and with Southern Hills Economic Development. Ladner was assigned to the following committees:
Campaign site
“Pro Gun, Pro Life & Limited Government With small town roots and family in South Dakota, Trish is dedicated to serving you the people of the 30th District. I understands firsthand the challenges business owners and their families will face after the pandemic subsides and begin reopening their businesses and towns.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “I am passionate about small businesses not just surviving, but thriving! With almost 20 percent of the state's income coming from tourism, I understands firsthand the challenges business owners and their families will face after the pandemic subsides and begin reopening the businesses and towns. It is going to take critical, thinking and legislative support to restart the businesses and cultivate their future tourism numbers within the 30th District.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey) “I am a strong communicator with the ability to listen. With my extensive background in for-profit and non-profit business management including digital marketing, social media management, I believe I possess the tools necessary to weight the pros and cons of an issue and make an educated decision that will benefit my district and my state.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey)