RAPID CITY, SD — An opportunity to step into another world is an opportunity many relish in our society. A zoo or botanical allows us to glimpse natural beauty we may be unable to find around us, a film or play allows us to peer into fantastical stories. However, last night guests found themselves immersed in another way; not among animals or actors, but in local politics as candidates from District 32-35 city council aspirants, and even congressional candidate James Bialota made their case for a seat representing both Rapid City and South Dakota as a whole.

The event, hosted by the Homebuilder’s Association in collaboration with Elevate Rapid City marks a shifting in gears ahead of June’s elections as candidates rev up and begin to make their final cases. Candidates set up booths around the edge of the Dahl Arts Centers’ meeting room around 5:00 p.m. and mingled with visitors. Later, groups were invited onto the stage and allowed time to speak to the gathered constituents and their fellow candidates.

Among a myriad of candidates however, it can be difficult to stand out without rhetorical skill or a unique platform. 

Jeff Shelton (State Senate – 32) stood out immediately as a unique sight, one of the few Democrats in South Dakota running for office. He distinguished himself from commonly echoed sentiments of faith, family, and “common sense conservatism” and has instead focused his campaign on addressing affordability and transparency in medical costs. As a common sight at Rapid City political events, Shelton appeared experienced and comfortable in spite of his unique position in the senatorial race.

Jace West (State Rep – 35/Precinct Committeeman) is a recent graduate from the School of Mines who distinguished himself from conservative talking points, speaking on practical issues of keeping workers in SD. “One of the things School of Mines graduates tend to do first is they find a job basically anywhere else, so I’d really love to retain some of those graduates,” said West, who also focused on tackling lacking support networks for drug addiction. 

Laura Armstrong, (Alderman) in spite of technical difficulties cutting off her microphone, had a strong voice which carried throughout the room, saying “I have felt that we have become increasingly concerned for the direction and detachment of City Hall, I feel that there’s less transparency, less collaboration, and way too many major decisions being made without meaningful public input”.

Though this is far from a decisive list of interesting figures in the myriad races happening across SD, it’s a rare event that brings every one of them together side-by-side and under one roof.