Adam Long

Criminal Justice / Public Safety Across South Dakota, our volunteer fire departments are the backbone of public safety—neighbors protecting neighbors, often with little recognition and even less funding. But today, these departments are facing a crisis: fewer volunteers than ever before, rising call volumes, aging equipment, and skyrocketing operational costs. The numbers are moving in the wrong direction, and the risk to our communities is growing. Taxes / Budget Rising property taxes are putting real pressure on families, farmers, and retirees across South Dakota. We need long-term, responsible solutions that keep people in their homes and support our local communities—without continuing to burden taxpayers. Criminal Justice / Public Safety South Dakota is strong because our communities are strong, and our communities are strong because our volunteers are strong. I believe we have a responsibility to support the men and women who answer the call at all hours, in all weather, without asking for anything in return. I’ll fight to make sure they’re never left behind. Defense / Veterans Our veterans carried this country on their backs. They shouldn’t have to fight a second war just to get the care they earned. Reforming the VA isn’t optional — it’s a moral obligation, and I will pursue it with the urgency and determination our heroes deserve. Economy Economic development should put South Dakotans first. I support growth, investment, and new jobs — but only when it is responsible, transparent, and built to strengthen our communities for the long term. I believe in backing small businesses, local entrepreneurs, and organic growth that grows South Dakota from the ground up, not top-down deals that favor outside corporations. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Lowering recidivism rates strengthens families, reduces crime, and saves taxpayer dollars. I believe in balancing accountability with meaningful rehabilitation. Programs that promote education, job readiness, mental health support, and successful re-entry ultimately make our communities safer and reduce the long-term costs of incarceration. Criminal Justice / Public Safety South Dakota faces important decisions regarding the construction of a new state prison. While safety and modern facilities matter, we must ensure taxpayers are protected and that spending is justified and transparent. I support a corrections system that is efficient, accountable, and focused on real outcomes—not bloated budgets. Taxes / Budget When budgets are irresponsible and spending is wasteful, it doesn’t just hurt taxpayers—it shortchanges the priorities that matter most, like our schools, law enforcement, fire departments, and support for our military and veterans. I will advocate for reforms that promote transparency, fiscal responsibility, and real, lasting property tax relief—because responsible budgeting must come before higher taxes. Taxes / Budget If data centers and other multi-billion-dollar companies want to do business here, they should pay the full cost of the utilities and infrastructure they use. South Dakota families, seniors, and small businesses should not be forced to absorb higher utility costs or subsidize corporate tax breaks. I do not support using your hard-earned tax dollars to underwrite billion-dollar companies. We should welcome investment — but only on terms that protect taxpayers, protect ratepayers, and put our communities ahead of corporate handouts.