Together, we can shape the future of South Dakota.
I’m running for the South Dakota House in District 14 because I believe we can do better for our families, better for our kids, and better for the future we all want to build together. One grounded in common sense, dignity, and heart.
Erinn for House
Erinn for House
About Me
I grew up in Moorhead, Minnesota—a town about the same size as Sioux Falls. My mom stayed at home until I went to kindergarten, then finished her degree and became a social worker for the state. She worked with families that fostered children, licensed daycares, and guided minor moms to become successful. My dad is a Vietnam veteran and was a small business owner. They showed me the importance of family, the fulfillment of hard work, and the grit to work through tough times.
After high school I attended beauty school in Minneapolis. I met my husband, Caleb, at a wedding in Sioux Falls and relocated here in 2004. We were married in 2005 and now have two kids in the public school system in Sioux Falls. I opened my current salon in 2006 with my business partner. We are grateful for our loyal clients, and we’re proud to still be in business after almost 20 years.
Running for office was not always part of my plan. Like many South Dakotans, I have reached a point where watching from the sidelines no longer feels right. Our state needs leaders who understand real life. I’ve balanced my checkbook at the kitchen table and planned my life around school concerts and doctor visits. I believe good leaders listen first and act with care. Moms bring empathy, practicality, and persistence to leadership. It’s time for more of us to have a voice in shaping the future of South Dakota.
My Priorities
As a tradesperson, I’ve experienced the stigma of not having a college degree. The “college for all” mindset has created unrealistic expectations for many students. College is right for some, but for others it’s unaffordable, inaccessible, or simply not the right fit. Only one-third of South Dakotans have a college degree, yet we continue to steer most kids down that path. It’s time to value and promote the trades as a vital part of our state’s future— especially as AI reshapes traditional white-collar work. We can expand apprenticeships in rural areas where training is limited and elevate our tech schools to offer the same sense of community and pride found in four-year colleges. With strong partnerships between trade unions and state government, we can create on-the-job training opportunities that give young people a future.
Expanding the Expectation of Success in our State
Empowering and Protecting Our Future
My children have the privilege of attending two outstanding public schools in our district, and I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our teachers and staff. Public education is the foundation of our state’s future, and it deserves our full commitment. We must prioritize funding for our schools, ensure our teachers are paid what they’re worth, and focus on improving proficiency scores so every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Solidifying the Will of the People
Last legislative session alone, our representatives introduced numerous bills aimed at silencing our voices and weakening our collective power. South Dakotans have a proud history of using the citizen-led initiative process to create meaningful change— expanding Medicaid, passing medical marijuana, raising the minimum wage, and capping payday lending interest rates. These victories came directly from the will of the people, not politicians. Protecting this process means defending one of the most democratic tools we have. The right of citizens to organize, advocate, and vote on the issues that shape our lives should be strengthened, not threatened, by citizens and legislators alike.
“Our state needs leaders who understand what it’s like to stretch a paycheck, pack lunches before sunrise, and juggle it all with love and determination.”
“We need people who listen first, lead with compassion, and care more about people than politics.”