It’s no secret Rapid City is growing. From being named the fastest-growing city in the Midwest by the WSJ the last two years, to welcoming nearly 4M visitors annually, we have an opportunity to leverage smart growth into meaningful impact like never before. However, we are facing just as many challenges as invitations.
Strengthening South Dakota’s future. Protecting South Dakota values.
Strengthening South Dakota’s future.
Protecting South Dakota values.
I am running for House District 32, because Rapid City is home. I love the vibrancy and uniqueness of our neighborhoods almost as much as I love the people who live in them. I am devoted to using my knowledge to build coalition around issues important to us and our community. Not only because I want all of us to reach our highest potential regardless of circumstance; but because the values of what we (and South Dakota) consider our battle cry… faith, family, freedom, grit and can-do attitude belongs in Pierre.
We long for: lower taxes, a balanced budget, economic development, improved infrastructure and personal freedom WITHOUT sacrificing what makes South Dakota and the West River so special. Yet, to be agents of change while taking care of our community, we need less rhetoric slowing us down and more of a commitment from all levels of government.
We have real problems to solve if we’re going to hand off a place we’re proud of to the next generation.
the truth is —
The Non-Negotiables
TRANSPARENCY / Fiscal Responsibility
Back to Basics / ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TOURISM / Doing Right by our Veterans
TRANSPARENCY
Fiscal Responsibility
BACK TO BASICS
Economic Development
TOURISM
Doing Right by our Veterans
Having an approachable and accessible government is critical to democracy. I believe the process of government should be easy to navigate and that your voice should be heard on issues important to you. I will always make myself available to you, representing your interests in Pierre and ensuring your concerns are acknowledged and addressed.
As a fiscal conservative, I know the importance of maintaining a balanced budget and controlling government spending. I believe in living within our means and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. By doing so, we can keep taxes low, allowing individuals and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned money to spend how they decide.
The government’s job is to provide services citizens cannot provide for themselves. That includes things like infrastructure, clean water, and maintaining a robust criminal and judicial system. We must strike a balance between the government's role in providing essential services and safeguarding individual rights. I am committed to a back-to-basics approach in government, ensuring it stays small while serving residents efficiently.
In South Dakota, we believe in individual liberty and free market principles to drive economic development and prosperity. Our state has a long-standing tradition of hard work, personal responsibility, and entrepreneurship, and I am committed to ensuring that these values continue to guide our economic policies.
Keeping the tax burden low will encourage investment, job growth, and economic expansion in our state. Additionally, promoting workforce development and education are critical because a skilled workforce is essential for attracting and retaining businesses. It also helps create jobs that can keep our kids in South Dakota. I will support investment in programs that ensure our workers have the skills they need to compete in a rapidly changing economy.
In South Dakota, tourism is not just an industry; it's a vital economic engine that drives our state's prosperity. Last year, tourism generated $384 million in state and local sales tax and put over 57,000 South Dakotans to work. If elected to represent House District 32 in Pierre, I am committed to championing this sector of our economy. Important issues that impact the industry include regulating short-term rentals, affordable housing, access to quality childcare and remaining competitive in attracting visitors to our state AND our communities.
My dad was in the Vietnam War, and, as he ages, I see firsthand how important it is we have robust services for those who served our nation and protected our freedom. I’ll fight hard to make sure veterans have the: health care, benefits, housing, jobs and education they deserve.
I have spent the last 10 years as a CEO of a Destination Management Organization. I hold a BA from Wichita State University and an MBA from the University of Wyoming. Beyond the day-to-day, I am the President of One West Tourism Alliance, serve on a national education board for tourism professionals, and sit on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Rapid City. When I’m not at my desk, you can find me: hiking in the The Hills, chatting up my mom, reading, refurbishing furniture, enjoying the South Dakota sunshine, and obsessively waiting for the final episodes of Yellowstone.
Meet Brook Kaufman
"Kaufman's dedication to education is another compelling reason, as she advocates for policies that prioritize equitable access to quality education, ensuring a brighter future for all constituents. Furthermore, her practical approach to economic development resonates with me, as she consistently promotes sustainable strategies that foster job growth and bolster the local economy in HD 32."
-Billi Jo R.
I support Brook Kaufman for HD 32 because of her unwavering commitment to community engagement, evident through her extensive track record of organizing and participating in local initiatives.
"I support Brook Kaufman for HD 32 because of her unwavering commitment to community engagement, evident through her extensive track record of organizing and participating in local initiatives.
" I wholeheartedly support Brook and her aspirations and commitment towards our city."
-Staci H.
Since Brook has arrived in Rapid City, her vision has been rooted in the community, and her values align with what we cherish.
"Since Brook has arrived in Rapid City, her vision has been rooted in the community, and her values align with what we cherish.
"With absolute confidence, I fully endorse Brook Kaufman in her candidacy in the upcoming election."
-Callie M.
She is the embodiment of South dakota values: a determined outlook, resilient spirit and an unwavering commitment to making an impact.
"Since Brook has arrived in Rapid City, her vision has been rooted in the community, and her values align with what we cherish.
Currently embracing: diversity of thought, fearlessness, forgiveness, being wrong and learning from it
behind the accolades & blazers
Fresh air, early mornings, coffee with a shameless amount of half and half, a book you can’t put down, red meat, a handwritten note, enlightening conversations, finish lines
10/10 has my vote:
God, second chances, that people are inherently good, you are most alive when you’re scaring yourself and we can do anything with 20 seconds of insane courage
i believe in:
The Real Reason I’m Running for HD 32
I grew up in a single-parent household. We had next to nothing. My grandparents made sure we had school clothes and a roof over our heads. I learned at a young age if you want something, you work for it. Which served me well at the age of 5 when I began charming neighbors along our small-town street with my famous “front-yard speeches”. I guess you could say I’ve always embraced the idea of policy, persuasion, and representation (even with a Strawberry Shortcake microphone in hand).
My desire for a better life got me through everything from my first job (detasseling corn) to receiving my undergrad and graduate degrees while working full-time. Hustle alone has propelled me in: my career, running for office in Wyoming, training for marathons and half ironmans, saving for retirement, building and leading teams, and achieving high levels of leadership and recognition in my industry nationally.
I was not born and raised in South Dakota. In fact, I moved here much later in life. But I’ve had a love affair with the Black Hills for a lifetime. After every visit, I’d drive back across the state line thinking, “… I’d give about anything to live there.” (It’s just the feeling of this place, you know?) Never in my wildest dreams did I think that the pull in my heart would manifest as an opportunity to BE here. But when God and the Universe get the stars in order on your behalf, you don’t ask questions. You simply GO and choose it fully.
If you’re reading this, you and I both know running for a gig in Pierre can be tough. Our friends, family members, peers, fellow parishioners, etc. are exhausted by the shiny narrative and mean-spiritedness of what politics have become. If I had a nickel for every time someone told me I have lost my mind for wanting to serve, I’d give them their nickel back… because I agree. But the only way I know how to make something better is to serve my way to improvement and progress. So here I am, asking for your support AND your vote.
Looking ahead, It’s no secret we face enormous challenges. We want low taxes and a balanced budget. We have significant infrastructure needs (prisons, schools, bringing water to West River, airports, etc.) and limited resources to do those things. We also must support the expansion of Ellsworth Air Force Base and the educational and housing needs that come along with that growth. And, as the fastest growing city in the Midwest 2 years in a row, it will take a commitment from all levels of government to prepare our community for what is to come.
So here we are. This is where you get to decide if I’m right for you (because I already know you’re right for me).
Consider this an invitation to make our voices heard together!
Call or text (605) 923-8285
hello@brookkaufman.com
Rapid City, South Dakota
There are many ways to show your support: put up a sign, vote, donate, or reach out and let’s connect through the contact form below:
GET INVOLVED
If I am elected to HD 32 it’s likely I won’t solve every problem, but I’m hell-bent on trying. Know that I will listen deeply, work with you (not just for you), and walk every important issue to the finish line. Because that’s what you, me, and every South Dakotan deserves.