RAPID CITY, S.D. – State Sen. Helene Duhamel has announced her candidacy for re-election to the South Dakota Senate, seeking to continue representing District 32 in Rapid City.
Following the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session, Duhamel pointed to several infrastructure and resource achievements as primary drivers for her continued service.
“We achieved major wins for South Dakota, Rapid City, and Box Elder this session, and I was proud to play a leadership role,” Duhamel said.
As the prime sponsor of the legislation, Duhamel secured $8 million in funding for road repairs and improvements around Ellsworth Air Force Base. These upgrades are designed to prepare the local infrastructure for the arrival of the new B-21 bomber.
Duhamel also highlighted a new $3 million water savings account intended to address South Dakota’s long-term needs.
“Western South Dakota faces ongoing water shortages, and with continued growth on the horizon, we must plan ahead so our children and grandchildren can thrive in this dry region of our state,” she said.
In addition to water and military infrastructure, Duhamel noted the success of securing low-interest loans for the Rapid City and Sioux Falls airports. She described the two hubs as essential to the state’s tourism industry, noting they serve 95-98 percent of South Dakotans.
“This investment in transportation infrastructure benefits all of us,” she said.
A fifth-generation South Dakotan and former broadcaster, Duhamel was first appointed to the Senate in 2019 and has since been re-elected three times. She currently balances her legislative duties with a full-time role at the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.
During her time in Pierre, Duhamel has served on the Senate Judiciary, Local Government, and Agriculture & Natural Resources committees. A pro-business Republican, she has been recognized by Elevate Rapid City for her support of growth in western South Dakota. Her platform focuses on public safety, good wages, workforce housing, and quality education.
“It remains my great honor to serve and represent my fellow citizens in the South Dakota Senate,” Duhamel said. “I ask for your continued trust and support. I will keep working hard, listening to every perspective, and doing what’s best for the great state of South Dakota.”
Duhamel, 63, is married and has three children and two grandchildren.