Reynold Nesiba

Reynold Nesiba

Democratic Party

Prior offices

South Dakota State Senate District 15

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Education

Bachelor's

University of Denver, 1989

Graduate

University of Notre Dame, 1991

Ph.D

University of Notre Dame, 1995

Personal

Religion

Lutheran - ELCA

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Reynold Nesiba (Democratic Party) was a member of the South Dakota State Senate, representing District 15. He assumed office on January 10, 2017. He left office on January 14, 2025.

Nesiba (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the South Dakota State Senate to represent District 15. He won in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Nesiba completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Click here to read the survey answers.

Nesiba served as the state Senate minority leader effective January 10, 2023. He served in this capacity until January 15, 2025.

Biography

Reynold Nesiba earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Denver in 1989, a graduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1991, and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 1995.

Committee assignments

Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.

2023-2024

Nesiba was assigned to the following committees:

• Senate Commerce and Energy Committee
• Senate Government Operations and Audit Committee
• Senate Legislative Procedure Committee
• Senate Retirement Laws Committee
• Senate State Affairs Committee
• Joint Legislative Procedure Committee

2021-2022

Nesiba was assigned to the following committees:

• Senate Appropriations Committee
• Senate Government Operations and Audit Committee
• Senate Legislative Procedure Committee
• Senate Retirement Laws Committee
• Appropriations Committee
• Joint Legislative Procedure Committee

2019-2020

Nesiba was assigned to the following committees:

• Joint Legislative Procedure Committee
• Appropriations Committee
• Senate Appropriations Committee
• Senate Legislative Procedure Committee
• Senate Retirement Laws Committee

2017 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:

South Dakota committee assignments, 2017
• Appropriations
• Appropriations

Sponsored legislation

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

2024

See also: South Dakota State Senate elections, 2024

Reynold Nesiba was not able to file for re-election due to term limits.

2022

See also: South Dakota State Senate elections, 2022

General election

General election for South Dakota State Senate District 15

Incumbent Reynold Nesiba defeated Brenda Lawrence in the general election for South Dakota State Senate District 15 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Reynold Nesiba (D)	52.8	3,697
		Brenda Lawrence (R)	47.2	3,310

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 7,007
= 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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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Reynold Nesiba advanced from the Democratic primary for South Dakota State Senate District 15.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Brenda Lawrence advanced from the Republican primary for South Dakota State Senate District 15.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Alan Spencer (R)

2020

See also: South Dakota State Senate elections, 2020

General election

General election for South Dakota State Senate District 15

Incumbent Reynold Nesiba defeated Thor Bardon in the general election for South Dakota State Senate District 15 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Reynold Nesiba (D)	54.7	4,127
		Thor Bardon (R)	45.3	3,411

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 7,538
= 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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Brian Burge (Independent)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Reynold Nesiba advanced from the Democratic primary for South Dakota State Senate District 15.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Thor Bardon advanced from the Republican primary for South Dakota State Senate District 15.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Brenda Lawrence (R)

2018

See also: South Dakota State Senate elections, 2018

General election

General election for South Dakota State Senate District 15

Incumbent Reynold Nesiba won election in the general election for South Dakota State Senate District 15 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Reynold Nesiba (D)	100.0	3,258

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,258
= 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.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for South Dakota State Senate District 15

Incumbent Reynold Nesiba advanced from the Democratic primary for South Dakota State Senate District 15 on June 5, 2018.

		Candidate
✔		Reynold Nesiba

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.
= 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.

2016

See also: South Dakota State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the South Dakota State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election was held on June 7, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 29, 2016. Incumbent Angie Buhl O'Donnell (D) did not seek re-election.

Reynold Nesiba ran unopposed in the South Dakota State Senate District 15 general election.

South Dakota State Senate, District 15 General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Reynold Nesiba  (unopposed)	100.00%	3,666
Total Votes				3,666
Source: South Dakota Secretary of State

Reynold Nesiba defeated Patrick Kirschman in the South Dakota State Senate District 15 Democratic primary.

South Dakota State Senate, District 15 Democratic Primary, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Reynold Nesiba	56.67%	697
	Democratic	Patrick Kirschman	43.33%	533
Total Votes				1,230

2014

See also: South Dakota State Senate elections, 2014

The general elections for the office of South Dakota State Senate took place on November 4, 2014. A primary election took place on June 3, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 25, 2014. Reynold Nesiba was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Incumbent Phyllis Heineman was unopposed in the Republican primary. Nesiba withdrew after the primary, and Heineman was unopposed in the general election.

Campaign themes

2022

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released October 10, 2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Reynold Nesiba completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Nesiba's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Reynold F. Nesiba is a husband, father, and grandfather He has been teaching economics at Augustana University for 27 years where he serves as Professor of Economics. For the last six years he has also served as State Senator for the people of downtown and the north-end of Sioux Falls. In the state senate he serves on the appropriations committee, government operations and audit committee, retirement law, and legislative procedure. He is married to Erika Nesiba and they each have two sons, two step sons, and one grandson.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I have been and will continue to be a fierce advocate of the initiated measure process. Elected officials should respect the will of the people.
• I’ve been working to eliminate the sales tax on food for 18 years. It is time to make progress on that this coming session.
• Working people in SD need someone who consistently speaks up and fights for their higher wages, safe work places, and the right to unionize.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education is economic development. SD has no early education council. We provide no state funds for pre-K education. Our teachers are 50 of 51 in average pay and based on results deserve to be paid more. We are number one in one thing—the share of students graduating with student loan debt.

We need to do more in South Dakota to support our educators and our families to ensure they have affordable access to education. We should do the same with healthcare.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

SD

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

SD

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

SD

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

SD

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.

2020

Reynold Nesiba did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

2018

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys

Reynold Nesiba participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on June 21, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Reynold Nesiba's responses follow below.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

“

1. Eliminating the sales tax on food with new revenue from the SCOTUS decision announced on June 21, 2018, 2. Increased funding for need-based scholarships, and 3. creating a Pre-K education council.

”

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

“

Protecting and enhancing the initiated measure process for the people of South Dakota. Restoring net neutrality rules for providers contracting with the state.

”

Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Reynold Nesiba answered the following:

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

“

We need to reprioritize and fund Pre-K education, make the pay of our K-12 teachers regionally competitive, and fund need-based scholarships for higher education.

”

Are you interested in running for a different political office in the future?

“

I have no intentions or plans to seek any higher office. I am honored to represent the people of SD's District 15 in our State Senate.

”

2016

Nesiba's campaign website highlighted the following issues:

“	My legislative priorities are to protect the use of ballot measures, to continue to rein in predatory lenders, to properly fund education, and to advocate for economic development policies that prioritize workers and local entrepreneurs over out of state corporations. I am also enthusiastic about working with other citizens and legislators to restore the health of our Big Sioux River.	”
—Reynold Nesiba,

Campaign finance summary

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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.

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Reynold Nesiba campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2022	South Dakota State Senate District 15	Won general	$67,082	$0
2020	South Dakota State Senate District 15	Won general	$41,785	N/A**
2018	South Dakota State Senate District 15	Won general	$1,913	N/A**
2016	South Dakota State Senate, District 15	Won	$15,235	N/A**
Grand total			$126,015	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

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.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of South Dakota scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2024

In 2024, the South Dakota State Legislature was in session from January 9 to March 26.

• Elevate Rapid City

Legislators are scored on their stances related to the Rapid City business community.

• Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Legislators are scored on their votes related to business.

• SD Citizens For Liberty

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

• South Dakota Right to Life

Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues.

2023

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show].

In 2023, the South Dakota State Legislature was in session from January 10 to March 27. Elevate Rapid City Legislators are scored on their stances related to the Rapid City business community. Family Heritage Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Legislators are scored on their votes related to business. SD Citizens For Liberty Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2022

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show].

In 2022, the South Dakota State Legislature was in session from January 11 to March 28. Cannabis Industry Association of South Dakota/New Approach South Dakota/South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws Legislators are scored on their votes related to cannabis. Elevate Rapid City Legislators are scored on their stances related to the Rapid City business community. Family Heritage Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Legislators are scored on their votes related to business. National Federation of Independent Business Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues. SD Citizens For Liberty Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. South Dakota Multi-Housing Association Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to housing. South Dakota Right to Life Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues.

2021

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show].

In 2021, the South Dakota State Legislature was in session from January 12 to March 29. Americans for Prosperity - South Dakota Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues. Elevate Rapid City Legislators are scored on their stances related to the Rapid City business community. Family Heritage Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Legislators are scored on their votes related to business. SD Citizens For Liberty Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. South Dakota Right to Life Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2020

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show].

In 2020, the South Dakota State Legislature was in session from January 14 to March 30. SD Citizens For Liberty Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Family Heritage Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. South Dakota Right to Life Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2019

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show].
In 2019, the South Dakota State Legislature was in session from January 8 through March 29. Family Heritage Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. SD Citizens For Liberty Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2018

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show].

In 2018, the South Dakota State Legislature was in session from January 9 through March 26. Family Heritage Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. SD Citizens For Liberty Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. South Dakota Right to Life Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2017

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show].

In 2017, the South Dakota State Legislature was in session from January 10 through March 27. The legislature held a special session on June 12. American Clarion Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to firearm policy. Family Heritage Alliance Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. SD Citizens For Liberty Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. South Dakota Right to Life Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

Noteworthy events

Tested positive for coronavirus on December 12, 2020

See also: Politicians, candidates, and government officials diagnosed with or quarantined due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic
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On December 12, 2020, Nesiba announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus.

See also

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Candidate

South Dakota State Senate District 15

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by -	South Dakota State Senate District 15 2017-2025	Succeeded by -

[show]

Current members of the South Dakota State Senate

Leadership

Majority Leader:Jim Mehlhaff

Minority Leader:Liz Larson

Senators

District 1

Michael Rohl (R)

District 2

Steve Kolbeck (R)

District 3

Carl Perry (R)

District 4

Stephanie Sauder (R)

District 5

Glen Vilhauer (R)

District 6

Ernie Otten (R)

District 7

Tim Reed (R)

District 8

Casey Crabtree (R)

District 9

Joy Hohn (R)

District 10

Liz Larson (D)

District 11

Chris Karr (R)

District 12

Arch Beal (R)

District 13

Sue Peterson (R)

District 14

Larry Zikmund (R)

District 15

Jamie Smith (D)

District 16

Kevin Jensen (R)

District 17

Sydney Davis (R)

District 18

Lauren Nelson (R)

District 19

Kyle Schoenfish (R)

District 20

Paul Miskimins (R)

District 21

MyKala Voita (R)

District 22

Brandon Wipf (R)

District 23

Mark Lapka (R)

District 24

Jim Mehlhaff (R)

District 25

Tom Pischke (R)

District 26

Tamara Grove (R)

District 27

Red Foster (D)

District 28

J. Marty (R)

District 29

John Carley (R)

District 30

Amber Hulse (R)

District 31

Randy Deibert (R)

District 32

Helene Duhamel (R)

District 33

Curt Voight (R)

District 34

Taffy Howard (R)

District 35

Greg Blanc (R)

Republican Party (32)

Democratic Party (3)