Voters in District 1 will elect two representatives to the South Dakota House of Representatives during the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election. District 1 includes Marshall, Day and parts of Roberts and Brown counties. Voters may select up to two candidates in the race.
Candidates include incumbent Republican Nick Fosness of Britton, Republican Danny Kjos of Roslyn and Democrat Courtney Enfield of Britton. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with early and absentee voting already underway.
To help voters learn more about the candidates and their priorities, the Journal invited each candidate to complete a questionnaire. Their responses follow.
Background Information
Courtney Enfield: I am a fourth-generation South Dakotan. I come from the Barse family of Waubay and Sisseton. I am a decorated combat veteran (OEF), stationed on the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) from 2011-2015 in Nuclear Supply and Supply Quality Assurance. I have been a teacher in the district at Enemy Swim Day School. I have years of varied community service and positions of service both within and outside of government. I value my heritage as an enrolled member of the Muckleshoot Tribe, and my grandmother is enrolled in Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. I have a BA in Tribal Governance and Business Management from NWIC and many other certifications in my educational background
Nick Fosness: Jenny and I have been married for 29 years. We have four children and one grandchild. Jenny and I grew up in Tripp, SD, both attended school in Aberdeen, and have lived in Britton for more than 14 years. I’ve been involved in many local projects in town, and we are very proud to call Britton home.
Danny Kjos: My name is Danny Kjos, married to Roxie for 42 years. I am an active member of Fron Lutheran Church. We have three daughters: Shauna and husband Jamie Miotke — they own Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster; Codi and husband Nick Lesnar — Codi is a dental hygienist, and they farm south of Webster; and Stephanie and husband Vinson Dargatz — Steph is a CNP at Avera Waubay. We are blessed with 10 beautiful grandchildren. I am the owner of Twin Valley Tire/Community Oil Co. in Webster. I have been a small business owner for 28 years. I am currently serving as the vice chair on the Day County Commission board. I also have served on Day County Development, the Day County Foundation board, museum board, Fron Church Council and cemetery board, Strand Kjorsvig board as well as its foundation board.
What is your reason for running for the State House, and what qualifications do you bring to the role?
Enfield: While working at Roots Taphouse in Webster, SD, I made connections with elders that led to my being formally asked if I would run for the State House. I accepted and stand on the integrity of this request. I have worked very hard traveling the district, participating in events, engaging with voters and hearing from them. I am an extensive researcher, and my background is in logistics, the military, intergovernmental communications (tribal) and historical preservation. But my heart for justice and advocacy is at the core of my interests in serving the people of this district.
Fosness: I bring a balanced perspective to Pierre that I think is necessary to support the rural lifestyle in northeast South Dakota. I am pro economic development and am also pro existing development. It’s OK to be a Republican and also support keeping our nursing homes open, as well as funding our schools. We need balance of representation.
Kjos: I feel we need a common-sense approach to the issues we are facing in District 1. My four years on the county commission will help with working a budget and how to spend our dollars wisely. Also, I will advocate for rural EMS and fire departments.
What do you see as the most pressing issue facing District 1 or South Dakota as a whole, and how would you address it?
Enfield: Undoubtedly, corruption. We have to start calling it what it is and working to undo what isn’t working anymore. Accountability, integrity and open government. I have been to local government meetings, energy and data center meetings within the district. People are concerned, confused and deserve better.
Fosness: Rural housing that is affordable is a high priority. I supported a bill this year that included Rural Housing Infrastructure Funds, still unspent federal dollars from COVID, to be used for a down payment assistance program in a manufactured home. This would give buyers an opportunity to afford home ownership. Unfortunately, it needed a two thirds majority to pass and didn’t receive it. Why? It’s HB1113. I encourage you to read this bill and see who voted for, and unfortunately against, it. I believe we have a great chance at passing this bill in the next session.
Kjos: Funding for rural healthcare, including ambulances and Medicaid for our nursing homes, all need to be addressed. Recruiting and retaining healthcare workers so we don’t have to be dependent on temp services.
What is another key priority you would focus on if elected, and what specific actions would you take?
Enfield: Water. Water has been an ongoing issue throughout the district, despite years of advocacy. Voices have been silenced, and now we are facing the pre-existing issues with a full-on crisis. That is what it is. Specifically, pausing any existing plans for the sale of our water and studying what (if any) impact the zebra mussels have had on our municipal water systems, especially in certain areas of the district. Then, we’ll have to plan restoratively and proactively for protecting this most precious resource.
Fosness: Our schools and main streets are the heartbeats of our communities. Agriculture drives the economic engine in South Dakota. I support bills that continue to fund public education, while also encouraging growth of businesses, healthcare and agriculture. With 550 bills last year, it’s hard to say one priority is the focus. We need a balanced approach that requires facts and logic to support our existence in rural South Dakota.
Kjos: Economic development is something I have always been passionate about. We have limited resources to fund our counties and towns. If we can bring reasonable development to our area, it will help everyone.
How do you approach working with others who may have different viewpoints, both within your party and across the aisle?
Enfield: I think balancing this cycle is going to be critical. We have seen a need for change, and I do believe now is the time here in South Dakota. Within the SDDP, I attended the delegation, and the proposed solutions for the many issues facing South Dakotans have always been sound. There’s plenty that can be done conservatively and across the aisle, so long as legislators seek solutions for people (not profit).
Fosness: I get along great with the five Democrats in the House. We are friends. The 65 Republicans in the House have an inter party divide and it’s well known. I approach every issue by listening to both sides, asking questions, and voting with facts and logic for what is best for our district. At times this means respectfully disagreeing within and outside the party.
Kjos: I enjoy working and interacting with people. If we disagree on an issue, let’s have a conversation so I can hear the other point of view. Sometimes other points open eyes to other ways of viewing an issue or topic. At the end of the day, the goal is to remain friends and continue dialogue. But if we can’t agree, that’s OK too!
Why should voters choose you?
Enfield: I am the only candidate not tied to PAC money for utility interests and data centers. Values drive me: integrity, faith, service. To be the voice of the body, to demand the rights and resources of District One voters, not the interests of the wealthy few. I have attended these meetings, have seen what’s coming, and I will fight for you!
Fosness: I ask for your vote for myself and Danny Kjos to continue representing our rural way of life. I have a balance of business experience, healthcare and education knowledge, 30 years of being a registered Republican, and yet I do not draw political lines when making a vote for what is best for us. Danny also brings business and county commission experience. We bring middle of the district representation to Pierre, and I ask for your vote for both of us.
Kjos: I am a very even-keel, common-sense kind of guy. I feel my business background and commissioner experience will benefit my work at Pierre if elected. A moral compass guides my decisions, right vs. wrong.
