My Bio
Introduction:
Reason for running:
My story is one of resilience and transformation. Born in Peoria, Illinois, and raised in challenging circumstances, I overcame obstacles that some can relate to—homelessness and the difficulties of navigating life in a low-income environment. Through the support of my foster mother and my determination, I carved a path forward, eventually enrolling in college as a non-traditional student. I earned my degree in Criminal Justice and later pursued a master’s degree in Public Policy. I am now privileged to pursue a doctoral degree in Law and Policy.
Professionally, my family and I have dedicated our lives to public service. I served as a police officer and a state trooper in two different states. I became a Tennessee State Trooper assigned to the Memphis District. I served on the Governor’s Security Detail, where I had the honor of providing protective services for top-level state and federal VIPs. After several years of service in Tennessee, we decided to move to South Dakota, where I continued to serve as a State Trooper, assigned to the Sioux Falls district.
In my private life, I am a husband and father. My wife is a dedicated public-school teacher with over 20 years of experience, and my son attends the same school where she teaches. Our family has found a home here in South Dakota, and we are proud to be part of this community. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, road cycling, caring for our pet chicken, and traveling.
As a citizen of South Dakota, I respect the unique culture and heritage of this state, and I am committed to serving this state with dedication and humility. I stand firm in my conviction that all South Dakotans deserve fair representation by officials who listen, act with integrity, and prioritize the needs of their constituents. I am running for Secretary of State to serve with transparency, protect voting rights, and ensure the systems that uphold our democracy for everyone.