Nicole Uhre-Balk
South Dakota House of Representatives District 32
Tenure
Term ends
Years in position
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Nicole Uhre-Balk (Democratic Party) is a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 32. She assumed office on January 14, 2025. Her current term ends on January 12, 2027.
Uhre-Balk (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the South Dakota House of Representatives to represent District 32. She declared candidacy for the general election scheduled on November 3, 2026.[source]
Biography
Nicole Uhre-Balk was born in Rapid City, South Dakota. Uhre-Balk career experience includes working as an educator. She earned a bachelor's degree from Bethel University in 2006 and a graduate degree from Black Hills State University in 2014.[1]
Uhre-Balk has been affiliated with Technology & Innovation in Education, Rapid City Sustainability Committee, and Friends of Rapid City Parks.[1]
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2026
See also: South Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2026
Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2024
See also: South Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Nicole Uhre-Balk advanced from the Democratic primary for South Dakota House of Representatives District 32.
Republican primary election
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Uhre-Balk in this election.
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
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2024
Nicole Uhre-Balk completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Uhre-Balk's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Hello, I'm Nicole. I’ve spent most of my life in the Black Hills. I was born at Rocking Chair Ranch (just outside Rapid City) and raised here in Rapid City. This great community and beautiful place instilled in me the importance of education and protecting the outdoor spaces we play and live in. When I was younger, I attended Pinedale and Steven’s High School, and later earned my Master's Degree in Education from Black Hills State University. As a veteran teacher of both science and computer science for over a decade, I understand the importance of informed decision-making and innovative solutions.
I'm seeking a seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 32 with a mission to guarantee our schools and educators have the resources they need to shape a bright future for coming generations. Additionally, I am committed to safeguarding the Black Hills, ensuring they endure for future residents to flourish in. I invite you to join our efforts to learn more about our vision for preserving the Black Hills as a beloved haven for all.
- Ensuring education has the funding and support it needs to retain teachers and innovate.
- Preserving access to clean water and protecting the Black Hills for current and future generations.
- Advocating for stronger families with personal health freedom and accessible quality childcare.
In the legislature, as an educator and former teacher, I’ll engage with local leaders, teachers, and youth servicers to make sure they’re equipped for developing the next generation of individuals who power our business community.
There are many individuals I deeply admire, but one person whose example has been particularly inspiring to me is my aunt, Carole Hillard. Throughout her distinguished career in public service - from her time on the Rapid City Council and State House to serving as Lieutenant Governor - my Aunt Carole embodied principled leadership rooted in integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to uplifting our community. Her tireless efforts establishing vital resources like the women's shelter and Cornerstone Rescue Mission demonstrated her dedication to caring for the most vulnerable. While the specific issues we each prioritize may differ, I aspire to emulate my Aunt Carole's ability to build bridges, her strong ethical code, and her gift for empowering others through mentorship. Her legacy reminds me that effective public service transcends partisan divides - it's about rolling up your sleeves, fostering collaboration and always putting constituents first. Striving to honor the spirit of servant leadership she exemplified would be among my highest callings.
I would recommend the book "The Radiance of Tomorrow" by Ishmael Beah. This powerful novel delves into themes of community, resilience, and the imperative of prioritizing education and sustainable development - ideals that resonate deeply with my vision for uplifting our district through policies that invest in our teachers, protect our natural treasures like the Black Hills, and create economic opportunities rooted in future-ready skills. Beah's narrative reminds us that progress begins by nurturing the inherent radiance within our communities.
The most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, transparency, empathy, and a commitment to serving the needs of their constituents. Elected officials should prioritize ethical decision-making, open communication with the public, understanding the diverse perspectives within their community, and actively working towards solutions that benefit everyone. These principles form the foundation for effective governance and fostering trust between leaders and the people they represent.
I believe some of my strongest qualities that would contribute to being a successful officeholder are my ability to listen with empathy, my commitment to ethical and transparent leadership, and my experience bringing diverse groups together to find common ground solutions.
As an educator, I've honed skills in clear communication, creative problem-solving, and nurturing an environment of mutual respect. These competencies are vital for effectively representing all constituents and working collaboratively with colleagues across the aisle.
Most importantly, I possess an unwavering dedication to upholding democratic principles and being an authentic voice for the people I serve. With integrity as my lodestar, I will approach every issue through an impartial, evidence-based lens to develop pragmatic policies that improve lives. These qualities would allow me to lead with accountability and ensure responsible governance.
While never losing sight of my core values, I'm also open-minded and determined to move progress forward cooperatively. I believe this balanced approach positions me to serve capably and uphold public trust. The core responsibilities of someone elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives encompass representing the interests of their constituents, crafting and passing legislation that addresses the needs of the community, allocating resources effectively, and ensuring transparency and accountability in government actions. It's essential to engage with constituents, collaborate with fellow lawmakers, and advocate for policies that promote the well-being and prosperity of all residents.
The ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature should be one of respectful collaboration and constructive dialogue, even when there are differences in policy positions. While maintaining their distinct roles, the executive and legislative branches must work together productively to identify pragmatic solutions that serve the best interests of our citizens. Open communication, a willingness to compromise where possible, and a shared commitment to ethical, transparent governance are essential for effectively addressing our state's priorities and needs. Ultimately, this relationship should be a partnership focused on upholding democratic principles and delivering positive results for the people we represent.
As a South Dakotan, I believe some of our greatest challenges over the next decade will be protecting our environment and natural resources, strengthening our education system, and fostering sustainable economic development. With our state's abundant beauty, preserving the Black Hills and managing growth responsibly will be crucial. Investing in education at all levels to retain talent and provide future-ready skills training is key for developing our workforce. Additionally, supporting local businesses, responsible energy policies, and diversifying our industries will help ensure economic resilience and opportunity for South Dakota families and communities. By proactively addressing these interconnected issues, we can uphold our values while advancing into a prosperous future.
While prior government or political experience can certainly be valuable, I don't believe it's an absolute prerequisite for effective state legislators. Some of the most impactful public servants have come from diverse professional backgrounds that allow them to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the legislative process. Ultimately, possessing qualities like integrity, dedication to serving constituents' needs, strong communication skills, and a willingness to collaborate across the aisle are more important than a conventional political career path. A balance of experienced legislators and newcomers passionate about positive change can create a dynamic, responsive governing body. The most crucial factor is a commitment to ethical, thoughtful leadership that uplifts our communities.
Absolutely, building positive relationships with fellow legislators is highly beneficial and a key aspect of effective governance. While we may have different backgrounds and viewpoints, finding common ground and maintaining open lines of communication allows for productive dialogue and compromise. Approaching discussions with an attitude of mutual understanding and respect, rather than partisan rancor, creates an environment conducive to developing durable solutions that serve all constituents. Strong working relationships also facilitate valuable information sharing, coalition building on important issues, and raising awareness of district-specific needs. Ultimately, we're all working toward the same goal of improving lives for our state's residents. Nurturing these connections empowers us to collaborate, move forward constructively, and uphold public trust through ethical, responsive leadership.
I have immense respect for my aunt, Carole Hillard, whose career in public service has been a major inspiration for me. From her time on the Rapid City Council and in the State House to her tenure as Lieutenant Governor, my Aunt Carole exemplified leadership rooted in integrity, compassion and a tireless commitment to uplifting our community. Her work in establishing vital resources like the women's shelter and Cornerstone Rescue Mission underscores her dedication to supporting vulnerable populations. While our specific policy focuses may differ, I hope to emulate my Aunt Carole's ability to build bridges, her unwavering ethical standards, and her gift for empowering others through mentorship. Her legacy reminds me that effective governance extends beyond partisan lines - it's about rolling up your sleeves, fostering collaboration, and always putting constituents first. If elected, striving to honor her spirit of service would be among my highest callings.
While I'm entirely focused on earning the trust of our community to serve as an effective state legislator at this time, I'm open-minded about the potential for future opportunities in public service. My driving motivations are addressing the key issues impacting South Dakota families - strengthening education, protecting our environment, and fostering sustainable economic growth. If presented with the honor of serving in a role that aligns with those goals and allows me to elevate the voices of our district, I would carefully consider those prospects. However, any future political aspirations would be rooted in a continued commitment to ethical leadership, responsible governance, and an unwavering dedication to improving lives for all South Dakotans. For now, my energy remains squarely devoted to connecting with constituents and developing pragmatic policy solutions as a candidate for the State House.
One story that has really stuck with me came from a teacher who has been dedicated to her profession for over 20 years. She shared how increasingly strained school budgets and lack of competitive compensation have made it extremely difficult to retain high-quality educators in our district. Hearing her recount the personal sacrifices she's made to continue doing the work she loves, while also watching talented colleagues leave for higher-paying opportunities, was heartbreaking. It underscored for me just how critical it is that we prioritize reinvesting in our education system and the amazing teachers who shape young minds. Her story reminds me that behind every policy decision are real people whose lives and livelihoods are impacted. As an educator myself, I'm committed to being a voice for our teachers and ensuring they have the resources and respect they deserve.
Emergency powers are an important tool for government to respond swiftly to crises, but they should be granted judiciously and with proper legislative oversight. While the executive branch may need flexibility during emergencies, unchecked authority risks civil liberties violations or overreach. The legislature plays a vital role in defining the scope of emergency powers, setting reasonable timelines for expiration, and conducting review to ensure these temporary measures remain constitutional and accountable to the people. Proactively establishing a framework balancing swift response with checks and balances can help maintain public trust. Ultimately, reasoned legislative involvement safeguarding our democratic principles is prudent for circumscribed emergency powers that protect citizens while preserving our rights and institutional integrity. Open communication and careful scrutiny from both branches allows for responsible crisis management.
If elected, one of my top priorities would be introducing legislation focused on strengthening our education system and supporting our incredible teachers. However, I don't want to be presumptuous about the specifics before taking office and collaborating with fellow legislators and education stakeholders. My approach would be to carefully study the issues, listen to the concerns of educators and families, and craft a bill that addresses urgent needs through increased funding, resources, or policy reforms. Perhaps measures to raise teacher compensation, expand professional development opportunities, or implement innovative curricula. The details would be shaped through an open, evidence-based process - but you have my commitment that supporting our schools and those who dedicate their lives to nurturing young minds will be a defining issue I champion from day one. The future of our state depends on empowering educators and prioritizing quality public education.
With my background in education and passion for preserving our natural spaces like the Black Hills, I'm particularly drawn to committees focused on education policy, environmental protection, and sustainable economic development. Additionally, an economic development or workforce training committee aligns with my goals of cultivating future-ready skills to bolster local businesses. My community involvement with groups like the Sustainability Committee and Friends of Rapid City Parks underscores my commitment to directly impact policies that help safeguard our parks and public lands. Ultimately, any role would be an honor to advocate for our district's needs.
Financial transparency and government accountability are vital for maintaining trust and serving the best interests of our citizens. I firmly believe in upholding high ethical standards, ensuring responsible spending of public funds, and providing clear, accessible information about budgets and decision-making processes. Accountability mechanisms and oversight are essential for identifying areas for improvement and course-correcting as needed to deliver effective governance. A culture of openness and integrity must be the foundation for all actions taken on behalf of our community.
I believe strongly in protecting the integrity of our democratic processes, including the ballot initiative system that gives citizens a direct voice. However, I'm open to reasonable reforms that uphold this vital tool while safeguarding against potential abuse or outside influence distorting the will of South Dakotans. Any changes would need to be carefully evaluated through a transparent, non-partisan lens to ensure we're making the process more accessible and accountable, not erecting barriers. Measures like tightening regulations around funding sources, adjusting signature thresholds if out of alignment with population shifts, or exploring ways to increase voter education efforts are all worthy of prudent review. My top priorities would be protecting this essential civic avenue for South Dakota residents while bolstering integrity and public confidence in the system. As always, I'm committed to an open dialogue to find balanced, commonsense solutions.
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Campaign finance summary
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Scorecards
- See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in South Dakota
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
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See also
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 4, 2024
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Jon Hansen
Majority Leader:Scott Odenbach
Minority Leader:Erin Healy
Representatives
Republican Party (64)
Democratic Party (6)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
