A Strong Voice for District 17
Serving District 17 in the South Dakota House of Representatives has been an honor. I ran for office because I care deeply about the future of our state and the community where my children are growing up.
Since my election in 2022, I have focused on bringing a calm, solutions-oriented approach to the Legislature while representing our district with integrity and respect. Serving on the House Appropriations Committee has given me a firsthand understanding of how state government works and how decisions in Pierre affect local communities.
South Dakota’s extraordinary quality of life is built on the freedoms that come from a small, accountable government. Protecting those freedoms requires thoughtful leadership and responsible decision-making.
I want to ensure that future generations continue to have access to strong schools, affordable housing, and good jobs right here in South Dakota.
I am running for re-election to continue this work and to keep a steady, common-sense voice representing District 17 in Pierre.
Chris is a strong, common-sense voice in Pierre.
Lowered Taxes and Kept the Economy Strong
Supported South Dakota Students and Teachers
Cut Red Tape to Increase Job Opportunities
Chris Kassin
Fiscal Conservative
Pro-2nd Amendment
Pro-Life
Pro-Education
Pro-Jobs
A Strong Voice for District 17
Delivering Practical Results
During his service in the South Dakota House of Representatives, Chris has focused on responsible budgeting, supporting strong schools, and ensuring state government works for the people it serves. His work reflects a focus on turning good ideas into real results for families, schools, and taxpayers across District 17.
Chris’s approach to fiscal responsibility led his colleagues to select him to serve on the House Appropriations Committee, where he helps shape the state budget. In this role, he carefully reviews testimony from state agencies and organizations that rely on state funding, weighing their needs alongside the responsibility to protect South Dakota taxpayers.
He values South Dakota’s long standing commitment to balanced budgets that are honest and transparent, without relying on accounting shortcuts that shift costs to the future. Chris believes fiscal discipline today helps protect kids and grandkids from the burden of irresponsible government spending tomorrow.
That work includes:
Serving on the Joint Committee on Appropriations and participating in key budget decisions
Supporting responsible, balanced budgets that respect taxpayers and protect essential services
Sponsoring a student teacher stipend grant program to support future educators
Advancing legislation to strengthen transparency around ballot questions and unclaimed property
Supporting education funding, workforce development, school safety, property tax relief, and infrastructure needs across District 17
Listening to constituents and bringing their concerns directly into the legislative process
In recognition of his thoughtful approach to public service, Chris was selected by legislative leadership to represent South Dakota in the Emerging Legislator Leadership Program, where lawmakers from across the country share best practices and policy perspectives.
These priorities guide Chris’s work every day
and shape how he approaches decisions at the Capitol.
District 17
Voter Information
Early voting starts April 17, 2026
The primary election is June 2, 2026
Do you know if or where you are registered to vote? Can’t make it to the polls on election day and want to vote early?
Contact your County Auditor or the South Dakota Secretary of State
Clay County Auditor: 605-677-7120
Union County Auditor: 605-356-2101
South Dakota Secretary of State: 605-773-3537
About Chris
Chris Kassin currently serves as Vice President of External Relations at the University of South Dakota Foundation, where he works with alumni, donors, and partners to support students and expand access to education. In addition to his professional role, Chris co owns a small business with his wife, Katie.
Chris previously served as Vice President of Strategy and Athletic Director at Mount Marty University in Yankton. Earlier in his career, he was a men’s basketball assistant coach at the University of South Dakota, where teamwork, discipline, and leadership shaped his approach to both professional and public service.
Chris is a two time graduate of the University of South Dakota, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration. He was also a member of the USD men’s basketball team.
After growing up in several communities, Chris and his family chose to settle in southeast South Dakota. He and Katie live in Vermillion with their two children, Collins and Kellen. Their family is deeply committed to raising awareness and supporting efforts to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, a cause that is personal to them through Collins.
Support Chris
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