South Dakota is one of four states in the US with no out LGBTQ members of the state legislature. At least it was, until this week.

On November 8, 2022, Kameron Nelson was elected to the state house of representatives to represent House District 10. He is the first out LGBTQ man to be elected to South Dakota’s legislature.

District 10 encompasses parts of northeastern Sioux Falls and the Brandon area in Minnehanna County.

Along with Nelson, incumbent Erin Healy was reelected to also represent District 10 in the next legislative session.

Of the 14,217 ballots cast in this race, Healy got 4,613 votes or 32.45%. Nelson finished with 3,510 or 24.69%. Challengers Tom Sutton and John Mogen received 2,980 and 3,114 votes respectively.

See full South Dakota Election Results HERE

"Thank you, District 10! I am grateful for your support, love and encouragement as we campaigned over the past 11 months," Nelson wrote on Facebook Wednesday, "I met so many wonderful people who are eager to make SD better. Thank you for trusting me to represent you in Pierre."

Nelson is a South Dakota native and SDSU grad who works for the LifeScape Foundation in Sioux Falls.

"We must never let our differences detract from what truly binds us; our humanity. Together, we will achieve greatness." - Kameron Nelson

This was the first election in the history of the United States where LGBTQ candidates were on the ballot in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to the advocacy group Victory Fund.

10 Wealthiest Cities in South Dakota

Where are the wealthiest communities in the state? Well, according to a recent study by Homesnacks, the top spot is located right here in the Sioux Empire.

A Survival Guide For Your First Winter in South Dakota

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the rest of the Sioux Empire (AKA southeastern South Dakota) are welcoming thousands of new residents every year.


Many of you new folks will be experiencing your first eastern South Dakota winter. While it doesn't usually get as bad as our Dakota friends up north, I speak from experience when I say it can get a little rough.


So, to help ease you into winter in Sioux Falls and South Dakota here are some winter survival tips:

More From KIKN-FM / Kickin' Country 99.1/100.5