Across our state and the country, a new generation is emerging—one defined by its passion for justice, equality, and above all, freedom.
Gen Z and Millennials are shaping the future, yet many of them in South Dakota feel as if the opportunities to lead fulfilling lives in their home state are slipping away. Rising costs, limited economic prospects, and political decisions that fail to reflect their values have forced many to consider leaving the state they love.
South Dakota Congressional candidate Sheryl Johnson has built her campaign on a single powerful idea: freedom.
In her vision, freedom isn’t just a word tossed around in political debates. It’s a lived reality, encompassing economic independence, the freedom to make healthcare decisions, the freedom to thrive in a safe and sustainable environment, and the freedom to stay and build a life in South Dakota.
In stark contrast to the record of career politician Dusty Johnson, Sheryl’s platform speaks directly to the aspirations of South Dakota’s young people, many of whom feel alienated from a political establishment that does not represent them.
With youth engagement town halls scheduled at Augustana University and the University of South Dakota this September and more events to come, Sheryl is calling on younger generations to take charge of their future.
Her message is clear: this is a fight for your freedom, your future, and the South Dakota you deserve.
The Freedom to Stay: Economic Independence for Young South Dakotans
One of the most pressing concerns for young people in South Dakota is the freedom to stay in their communities. A recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that South Dakota is losing more of its young population to other states than it is gaining. This trend is directly tied to a lack of economic opportunities and affordable housing.
Sheryl believes young South Dakotans should not have to leave the state to build successful lives. She sees economic freedom as essential, which means creating good-paying jobs, ensuring housing affordability, and addressing the crippling burden of student loan debt.
Sheryl is advocating for policies that will raise the minimum wage, expand access to vocational training and apprenticeship programs, and invest in industries like renewable energy, which offer long-term, sustainable employment.
“Economic freedom means more than just having a job—it means having the chance to stay in the communities you love, to build a family and a future here in South Dakota,” Sheryl says. “Too many of our young people feel like they have no choice but to leave. We need to turn that around.”
Dusty’s record, by contrast, offers little in the way of solutions for young workers. His support for policies mirroring the 2017 Trump tax cuts overwhelmingly benefit the wealthiest Americans and large corporations, doing little to address wage stagnation and income inequality in South Dakota.
Under Dusty’s watch, housing costs have risen sharply, outpacing wage growth and forcing many young South Dakotans into a precarious financial situation. The freedom to stay in the state you grew up in is disappearing for too many young people, as Dusty’s policies have consistently failed to meet the needs of working and middle-class families.
The Freedom to Thrive: Housing Affordability and the American Dream
The dream of homeownership—the cornerstone of economic independence—is slipping out of reach for many Millennials and Gen Zers across the Midwest. The rise in rental costs and home prices in South Dakota has made it increasingly difficult for young people to save for a home, let alone buy one. This growing housing crisis is particularly acute in urban areas like Sioux Falls and Rapid City, where a shortage of affordable housing has led to bidding wars and price spikes.
Sheryl is committed to addressing this crisis head-on.
“The freedom to thrive means being able to afford a safe, stable place to live,” Sheryl explains. “We can’t expect young people to build their futures here if they can’t even afford housing.”
Her campaign advocates for policies that will make homeownership more accessible, including expanding federal programs that support first-time homebuyers, pushing for the development of more affordable housing, and redirecting federal housing dollars toward projects that benefit working families rather than luxury developments. She also supports strengthening tenant protections to ensure that renters have a fair shot at stable housing, free from predatory practices.
Dusty Johnson, on the other hand, has consistently supported policies that benefit developers and real estate investors over regular South Dakotans. His record on housing legislation has favored corporate interests, magnifying the housing crisis and leaving many young people with few affordable options.
The freedom to own a home, to plant roots, and to create a stable life is something Sheryl believes every young South Dakotan should have, but it’s a freedom that is increasingly out of reach under her opponent’s policies.
The Freedom to Decide: Healthcare and Reproductive Autonomy
Reproductive healthcare has become one of the most contentious issues in American politics, and in South Dakota, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many young women across the state are left without the ability to make decisions about their own bodies and healthcare, a reality that Sheryl views as a direct assault on freedom.
Sheryl has been vocal about her belief that reproductive healthcare IS HEALTHCARE, and women deserve the freedom to make personal decisions about their own bodies without government interference.
In a recent statement, she shared her own story of receiving compassionate care during an unviable pregnancy, contrasting it with the delayed care her daughter experienced in a post-Roe world.
“I had the freedom to make decisions about my health, but today, my four daughters and countless women in South Dakota don’t have that same freedom,” Sheryl says.
In Congress, Sheryl plans to fight for policies that restore and protect reproductive autonomy, ensuring that all South Dakotans have access to the full range of healthcare services they need. Dusty’s record, in contrast, aligns with a national agenda that seeks to limit access to reproductive healthcare, infringing on the basic freedoms that women in South Dakota deserve.
But Sheryl’s focus on healthcare freedom extends beyond reproductive rights. She also advocates for expanding mental health services, lowering the cost of healthcare, and addressing the disparities in access to care that disproportionately affect rural and underserved communities. "The freedom to live a healthy, fulfilling life is something every person deserves," she says. "Healthcare is a fundamental part of that."
The Freedom to Shape the Future: Climate Action and Sustainability
Gen Z, in particular, views climate change as one of the most critical issues of their time. For young people, the climate crisis represents a direct threat to their future, and many are demanding that their leaders take bold, immediate action to address it. In South Dakota and across the Midwest, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, from extreme weather events to changes in agricultural patterns.
Sheryl’s climate platform is built around the principle of environmental stewardship, which she sees as deeply connected to the idea of freedom.
"The freedom to shape your future depends on the actions we take now to protect our planet," Sheryl says. "If we don’t take bold action on climate, we’re condemning future generations to pay the price for our inaction."
Her platform includes transitioning South Dakota to a clean energy economy, investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar, and supporting federal policies that incentivize sustainable farming practices. She also advocates for investments in green infrastructure, which will not only reduce the state’s carbon footprint but also create thousands of new jobs for young South Dakotans.
Dusty, however, has consistently supported policies that benefit the fossil fuel industry, voting against climate action measures that would have moved the state toward a more sustainable future. His alignment with corporate interests over the environment is out of step with the values of younger generations, who overwhelmingly support strong climate action.
The Freedom to Learn: Education and Economic Mobility
Education is the foundation upon which economic freedom is built, yet South Dakota’s young people are facing steep barriers when it comes to accessing higher education. Millennials are already burdened by student debt, and Gen Z is facing rising tuition costs with little assurance that their degrees will lead to well-paying jobs.
Sheryl’s vision for South Dakota includes a robust investment in education, which she sees as the key to unlocking opportunities for young people across the state. Her platform includes expanding access to Pell Grants, reducing the interest on federal student loans, and investing in vocational training and apprenticeship programs that prepare young people for careers in emerging industries like technology and renewable energy.
“Freedom is about more than just surviving—it’s about having the ability to thrive,” Sheryl says. “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to ensure that everyone has the freedom to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.”
Dusty Johnson’s record on education has been marked by votes that undermine federal financial aid programs, limiting access to higher education for many young South Dakotans. His policies have left students and graduates struggling under the weight of debt and have failed to address the rising costs of education. In contrast, Sheryl is fighting to ensure that education remains an attainable goal for all, not just a privilege for the few.
The Fight for Freedom Is the Fight for South Dakota’s Future
As Sheryl prepares to host youth engagement town halls at Augustana University, the University of South Dakota, and other universities across the state, her campaign is rallying young people around a shared vision of freedom—a freedom that encompasses economic independence, healthcare autonomy, climate justice, and educational opportunity.
Her upcoming Dakota Tour kickoff in Vermillion will bring this message to communities across the state, where she will continue her dialogue with voters of all ages.
The stakes in this election are clear: young people in South Dakota deserve a future where they can thrive in their home state, where their voices are heard, and where their freedoms are protected.
Sheryl Johnson’s SD Mom for Congress campaign is built on the belief that South Dakota’s future belongs to its young people, and she’s committed to ensuring that they have the freedom to shape it.
Join Sheryl’s campaign for freedom and a brighter future. Together, we can build a South Dakota that works for all of us.
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