Gary Deering, Chairman of the Meade County Board of Commissioners, has announced his candidacy for the District 29 seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives.

“District 29 residents need a focused, hardworking legislator in Pierre — one who understands Meade County, the challenges facing our state, and who can get meaningful things accomplished,” Deering said. “These qualities are not something you acquire once you arrive at the Capitol. I have spent my life developing this expertise.”

Deering said his experience as a county commissioner has prepared him to advocate for both rural and urban families. He said his priorities include protecting personal and property rights, strengthening local control, and supporting responsible, fiscally conservative budgeting.

“My in-depth knowledge of South Dakota’s property tax laws — from working with the county’s office of equalization, as a taxpayer and now as a commissioner — gives me insight into how the rules of the South Dakota Department of Revenue affect budgeting at every level of government,” Deering said. “Proposing and passing budgets that meet the health and safety needs of our county has been a firsthand challenge.”

In addition to serving as commissioner, Deering previously served as President of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and on the executive committee of the Federation of State Beef Councils. He said that experience helped him co-author and pass South Dakota’s Truth in Labeling Bill despite opposition from Washington, D.C., lobbyists.

A Hereford rancher, Deering emphasized his belief in local governance.

“Government works best when decisions are made at the local level rather than through a top-down approach,” he said. “I will work to strengthen grassroots policies and ensure local voices are heard.”

A graduate of South Dakota State University, Deering earned a degree in Range Management with a minor in Economics. He and his wife, Jessica, ranch with his parents on land originally established by his great-grandfather more than 115 years ago. The couple has three sons.

“This was not a decision I took lightly,” Deering said. “After prayer and conversations with my family and friends, I felt called to seek this legislative post.”

Deering also highlighted his family’s long history in Meade County, noting that all his great-grandparents were early pioneers, homesteading in the area. His great-grandfather, Caton, also served as County Assessor and Justice of the Peace.

“My values were shaped by those roots and by years of living and working in this community,” Deering said. “I am proud of my heritage and committed to carrying it forward along with my vision for the future so future generations, including my own children, have the opportunity to prosper.”

He added that he is ready to take his leadership and experience to Pierre and represent the people of District 29.