Catherine Barranco

Catherine Barranco earned a bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 2002 and a graduate degree from Oxford University in 2004. Her career experience includes working as an economist.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Catherine Barranco, Republican nominee for South Dakota State Auditor. I hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics. I managed budgets, projections, and reporting for a Walmart corporate division with more than $165 million in annual revenue, and I assisted financial fraud investigations at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I have led as a small business owner and as President of the South Dakota Federation of Republican Women. I have served as SDGOP Data Director as well as numerous board positions. I have two sons, Christopher and William. After my husband's cancer diagnosis, I stepped forward to continue the work we started together: protect taxpayers with competence, integrity, and fiscal discipline. If elected, our family will live in Pierre so I can serve hands on.

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?

Taxpayer dollars belong to taxpayers. As State Auditor, I will pre-audit claims carefully, keep payroll and fund balances accurately, and treat every dollar as money that a South Dakota family worked hard to earn — not a blank check from Pierre.I will work on site with the Auditor’s team, learn the office’s systems thoroughly, and keep the constitutional “checks and balances” function independent of politics. That means accurate payroll and reporting, timely reimbursements and payments, clean fund reconciliations, and saying no when something is amiss. Competence and dedication to the office’s mission are critical as protecting the taxpayers is my top priority.South Dakota deserves an Auditor who will live the job. My family and I will reside in Pierre so I can be boots on the ground in the office. I am honored to have the endorsement of all of South Dakota's State Auditors from the past 24 years, including current Auditor Rich Sattgast, who knows this office better than anyone. I will protect the checkbook, respect the staff, and carry out the duties with integrity, always remembering who the money belongs to: the taxpayers.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Fiscal integrity and taxpayer protection. I care about stopping waste and fraud before money leaves the treasury. The Auditor’s power is specific: pre-audit claims, issue warrants, administer payroll, and monitor funds. I never forget President Reagan's quote, "Every dollar the government spends comes out of your pockets."  I am passionate about fiscal responsibility, financial transparency, fraud prevention, and treating state spending with the same discipline a family or business must use.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Rich Sattgast (SD State Auditor 2019-present, 2003-2010)

Steve Barnett (SD State Auditor 2011-2018)