Blake Stevens
Blake Stevens (Democratic Party) ran for election to the South Dakota House of Representatives to represent District 7. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Stevens completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Blake Stevens was born in Springfield, Minnesota. He graduated from Red Rock Central Senior High School. He has attended Alexandria Technical & Community College and, as of his 2024 campaign, was attending South Dakota State University. He has been affiliated with College Democrats of South Dakota.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: South Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for South Dakota House of Representatives District 7 (2 seats)
Incumbent Roger DeGroot and incumbent Mellissa Heermann defeated Fedora Sutton-Butler and Blake Stevens in the general election for South Dakota House of Representatives District 7 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Roger DeGroot (R) | 32.8 | 6,045 |
| ✔ |  | Mellissa Heermann (R) | 30.7 | 5,666 |
| Fedora Sutton-Butler (D) | 19.2 | 3,533 | ||
 | Blake Stevens (D)  | 17.3 | 3,189 | |
| Total votes: 18,433 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Cole Sartell (D)
- Penny Hauffe (D)
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Penny Hauffe and Cole Sartell advanced from the Democratic primary for South Dakota House of Representatives District 7.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for South Dakota House of Representatives District 7 (2 seats)
Incumbent Mellissa Heermann and incumbent Roger DeGroot defeated Jeffrey Struwe in the Republican primary for South Dakota House of Representatives District 7 on June 4, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mellissa Heermann | 38.4 | 781 |
| ✔ | | Roger DeGroot | 35.0 | 712 |
| Jeffrey Struwe | 26.5 | 539 | ||
| Total votes: 2,032 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Stevens in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Blake Stevens completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Stevens' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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In 2022, I returned to college to study political science, driven by my desire to fight for those who feel overlooked and left behind. I plan to attend law school to advocate for the working class, which I believe is the backbone of our economy.
I am passionate about creating real change that prioritizes people over corporate interests. I am committed to fighting for fair wages, protecting workers’ rights, and ensuring access to affordable healthcare and quality education for every family in our district. Together, we can build a stronger and more just South Dakota where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
I’m excited to bring your voices to Pierre and work tirelessly for the people of District 7. Thank you for your support!- I stand for working families. I am committed to fighting for workers rights, higher wages and better worker conditions. Your right to a healthy and happy working life will be restored under my tenure as your elected representative. I will also work to bring down your overall cost of living by investing in public infrastructure, housing, and transit to take the burden of everyday life off of you.
- Every family deserves affordable healthcare and access to quality education. This is one area in South Dakota where we always seem to fall short when we have the money but not the political will to see the change we desire. I work to pass universal pre-k which is not only essential to stronger educational outcomes but it it will also elevate some of the strain on the early childcare access. I will also work to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare by expanding medicare access and as well as lowering drug costs for all patients in the state.
- I want to be a voice for all and a voice for change in Pierre. I know we live in very polarizing times but as a person who grew up in the Midwest I know we can work to find common ground on any issue. It just takes time, compassion and a desire to listen to those who may not agree with us. I want to bring your complaints to those who can actually make the change. You're struggles are seen but seem to fall on deaf ears these days and my friends love to tell me I am a good listener so I want to be there for you no matter what the problem is, I will be your sword and your shield.
I admire his ability to connect with diverse audiences, communicating complex issues in an accessible way that inspires action. His grassroots approach to campaigning emphasizes the importance of engaging with constituents and prioritizing their needs over special interests. Moreover, Sanders’ authenticity and integrity stand out. He has remained true to his principles throughout his career, often facing political pressure to conform. This dedication to his values encourages me to remain steadfast in my mission to serve the people of South Dakota. By following Sanders’ example, I aspire to advocate for policies that uplift the working class, foster community engagement, and fight for a more just and equitable society for everyone.
Essay: "What’s the Matter with Kansas?" by Thomas Frank
Film: "Snowpiercer
Podcast: "Pod Save America"
Empathy: I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by working families because of my background and experiences. This empathy drives me to prioritize the needs of my constituents and advocate for policies that genuinely improve their lives.
Integrity: I am committed to honesty and transparency in my actions. I believe that elected officials must be accountable to the people they serve, and I will always strive to uphold the highest ethical standards.
Dedication: I am passionate about public service and fully committed to making a positive impact in my community. I will work tirelessly to address the issues that matter most to the people of South Dakota.
Collaboration: I value the importance of working together with others, regardless of political affiliation. Building coalitions and fostering constructive dialogue are essential for creating effective solutions to complex problems.
Adaptability: I recognize that challenges and circumstances can change rapidly in politics. I am open to new ideas and willing to adjust my approach based on feedback and emerging needs in my community.
Vision: I have a clear vision for a more equitable and just South Dakota, and I am determined to work towards that vision by prioritizing policies that benefit the working class and promote social justice.
Effective governance relies on open communication and a willingness to work together on pressing issues. The governor should provide leadership and set a vision for the state, while the legislature plays a crucial role in representing constituents' interests, crafting legislation, and providing checks on executive power.
Mutual respect is vital; both parties should value each other's expertise and perspectives. This fosters an environment where innovative solutions can emerge, allowing for constructive debate and compromise on key issues, from budget allocations to social policies.
Finally, accountability is paramount. The governor should be transparent about their decisions and actions, ensuring that the legislature has the necessary information to make informed choices. Likewise, the legislature must hold the governor accountable for the implementation of laws and policies.
Economic Inequality: As costs of living rise, many working families struggle to make ends meet. We need to focus on fair wages, job creation, and economic opportunities that benefit everyone, not just the wealthy.
Access to Healthcare: Many residents face barriers to affordable healthcare. Expanding access, especially in rural areas, and addressing mental health resources are critical for improving the overall health of our communities.
Education: Ensuring that all students have access to quality education is essential for the future workforce. We must invest in our schools, support teachers, and create pathways for higher education that don’t lead to crippling debt.
Infrastructure: As our population grows, we need to address our aging infrastructure—roads, bridges, and public transportation systems—to support economic development and improve safety.
Climate Change and Sustainability: South Dakota is not immune to the impacts of climate change. We must take proactive steps to protect our natural resources and promote sustainable practices that safeguard our environment for future generations.
I admire his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, communicating complex issues in a way that is both relatable and inspiring. His grassroots approach to campaigning demonstrates the power of engaging with communities and prioritizing their needs over corporate interests.
If the opportunity arises, I would consider running for a higher office to advocate for policies that uplift working families, promote economic justice, and ensure access to essential services like healthcare and education. Ultimately, my goal is to serve the people of South Dakota in whatever capacity allows me to make the most significant impact. I am committed to fighting for progressive values and giving a voice to those who have been marginalized in our political system.
David came fifth and won a toaster.
In addition to raising the minimum wage, the bill would include provisions for regular reviews to adjust the wage based on the cost of living, as well as protections for workers against wage theft and exploitation. By prioritizing fair wages, we can help lift families out of poverty, stimulate local economies, and create a stronger, more equitable community for everyone.
House Commerce and Energy
House Committee on Appropriations
Financial transparency means clear reporting and making government spending accessible and understandable for constituents. This transparency is vital for holding officials accountable and exposing wasteful spending and hidden agendas.
Government accountability requires real consequences for mismanagement and unethical behavior. Strong oversight mechanisms and independent audits are necessary to ensure that leaders serve the public good, not special interests. Voters consistently express a desire for leaders who prioritize their needs over corporate influence.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024
