My Bio

Introduction:

Hello! I’m Terrence Davis, and I’m running for Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is often called the “Guardian of Democracy,” a title that reminds us of the important role this office plays. Every voter in our state and across the nation faces a vital decision—choosing a leader who truly represents and serves them, now and in the future. I genuinely believe that South Dakota deserves a leader who is dedicated to fighting for and supporting everyone in our community. Together, let’s work towards transforming our election system to move beyond polarization. With your support, we can build a fairer, more trustworthy process that benefits us all.

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.

My decision to move to South Dakota was rooted in a desire to find a place where my family could thrive, where values like safety, community, and hard work are still prioritized. I recognized South Dakota as a state that embodies these principles—a place where my wife and I could raise our son in an environment grounded in family values and hard work. As someone who brings a unique perspective and life experience, I recognize that my journey and story may not mirror those of many South Dakotans. Still, I firmly believe our collective strength lies in the diversity of our experiences, challenges, and contributions.
South Dakota is a place that celebrates resilience and community, and I am committed to ensuring every voice is valued and represented. This campaign is not about focusing on differences but about uniting around shared goals. We believe in opportunity, fairness, and respect for all, and I am running to uphold those principles in service to this great state.

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.

God bless you, and God bless South Dakota.

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