Katherine Washnok

Katherine Washnok was born in Winner, South Dakota. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Dakota in 2012. Her career experience includes working as a small business owner and as a legislative page and intern in the United States Senate.[1]

Washnok has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

PEO

Junior Achievement

South Dakota Teenage Republicans

South Dakota Young Republicans

South Dakota Federation of Republican Women

South Dakota Republican Party

Aldersgate Church

Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

EDGE Taskforce

Shriners International

BIG Idea Competition

Leadership South Dakota

1 Million Cups Aberdeen

Aberdeen Development Corporation Board of Directors

Sertoma Club

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Katie (Wagner) Washnok earned her formal education at the University of South Dakota, focusing in Political Science both in education and early career accomplishments. Today, with her husband, James, Katie owns and operates several small businesses specializing in motorcycle and automotive custom design and manufacturing, Blackout Industries.

James is a third-generation South Dakota Farmer; together, we operate the family farms at Verdon, SD.

Katie grew up in the Republican Party; her involvement dates back farther than her ability to register with a party. Formally, she has served as State Chairman of the South Dakota Teenage Republicans, National Committee Woman to the South Dakota Young Republicans, member of the South Dakota Federation of Republican Women, Secretary/Treasurer for the Brown County Republicans, and currently serves as Chairman of the Brown County Republicans.

Katie is a community involvement enthusiast, committed to making our corner of the world a better place. She enjoys serving through many facets; in addition to her commitments to the GOP, she is the current President of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 1 Million Cups Aberdeen/Micropolitan Organization team, Junior Achievement classroom volunteer, BIG Idea committee, administrative board and worship leader at Aldersgate Church, to name a few.

Katie, her husband James, and their children, Jett and Whitley, proudly reside in Aberdeen, SD.

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 am a commonsense conservative, lifelong Republican. I am a pro-life, pro-business, pro-second amendment, agricultural advocate with a positive outlook on the continued excellence of our great state.I believe in the ability of individuals and families to make decisions for themselves. I believe in small, efficient, and effective government, with power foremost resting in the hands of the people and their local communities. I believe everyone is entitled to their God-given inalienable rights, civility, and respect. I believe in servant leadership and the critical importance of civic engagement.South Dakota is the best place in the nation to call home. I will work tirelessly to ensure it continues to exceed that expectation and remains the land of infinite variety and endless opportunity for generations to come.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My Top Priories

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Advocating for Dist. 3 & Northeastern South Dakota

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Common sense, collaborative problem-solving

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Agriculture

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Vibrant Economy

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Quality Education & Opportunity

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Local Control

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Healthy Families

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Strong communities

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I admire independent thinkers, those who aren't afraid to blaze their own trail and rattle the necessary cages along the way.

President Teddy Roosevelt, Margret Thatcher, Gov. Bill Janklow, Alice Kundert, Winston Churchill, and Sen Katie Britt, to name a few.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"God Calls Us To Do Hard Things" by Senator Katie Britt

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity, a dedicated and unwavering work ethic, and a commitment to representing your collective constituency, not your personal interests.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have the knowledge and skill to hit the ground running on day one. I also have the existing relationships and connections to form new ones, making me a highly effective voice for Aberdeen and Dist. 3.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Representing their constituency and not their interests or the interests of a particular constituency group. Advocating for the greater Northeastern region of South Dakota's needs in the legislature and making sure the Aberdeen micropolitan area is receiving vital state resources. Statewide connection and collaboration with other legislators and professionals are vital to building the relationships necessary to get the hard work done.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope that when all is said and done, I'll be known as someone who made this corner of the world better. And at the end of my leadership tenure, whenever that may be, I hope to leave a legacy as someone who helped usher in the next generation of leaders, not push against them.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Probably the plane crash that killed South Dakota Governor George Mickelson and seven others on April 19, 1993.

My Mother was very close to Governor Mickelson and received one of the first calls with news of the crash after the First Lady had been informed. I was only about four and a half at the time, but I remember how that event rocked our state, not just at the loss of our Governor but of a truly great man.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I grew up in a family Business; hard work and exceeding expectations were bred into me long ago.

My first job outside of that would have been at a retail clothing store in high school and then into college. Everyone should work retail once in their lives - great life lessons in manners, customer service, and stress management.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Barbie - because she can be anything she wants whenever she wants to be it!

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I can't specifically recall. It was likely something my kids were listening to - that could be anything from ACDC to "Baby Shark."

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Challenges are what you make them.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;

an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

-Winston Churchill

I'm grateful for every opportunity in my life.

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

Two separate branches that work effectively, efficiently, and respectfully of one another.

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

Creating opportunities and incentives to keep our young people in the state, particularly rural areas, and attract more young people to South Dakota.

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

It helps the learning curve, but it is not necessarily necessary. We have a citizen legislature; people are not meant to make a career out of serving in the South Dakota State Legislature.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

100% That's how the most important work gets done. We need someone in this office who can make those key relationships, who is effective and can see the bigger picture of every vote.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

There are several former South Dakota legislators I am proud to call friends and mentors from whom I have had the privilege to learn.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have had many conversations with community members thus far. Our community has some significant concerns, but not one particular story stands out now.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Income Tax.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I'm already working on a few, I don't know which would be first.

What committees interest you?

State Affairs. Agriculture. Local Government. Energy and Commerce. Health and Human Services.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

100% nessicary - this is the People's money, they deserve to know where every penny is being spent.