Tesa Schwans

Tesa Schwans was born in McLaughlin, South Dakota. She earned a high school diploma from Spearfish High School and a degree from Black Hills Beauty College in 1992.

Her career experience includes working as a barber.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born in a small town in midwestern SD. Last of nine to a farmer and rancher, who was taught the value of hard work and persistence. Together my husband and I have 3 children with spouses and 8 grandchildren, who are the joys of our life.

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 constitutional conservative, who believes in the Freedom's our country was founded on.

LIFE

LIBERTY AND

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

I am:

Pro life

Pro 2nd Amendment

Pro Property Rights

Pro School Choice

Pro Small Business

Fiscal Conservative

Pro 10th AmendmentI am a small business owner that has an understanding, of the effects the rising inflation costs have had on our lifestyles and families. They are almost unattainable and our per household costs are getting harder and harder to maintain. We need to find solutions to help cut costs and get more money back into the hands of the hard working people.Against the co2 pipeline and the effects it will have on our natural resources like energy and water.,

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m personally passionate about the abortion petition that was circulated and how the extreme measures they’re taking to get it on the ballot again. My Pro life stance is not only about abortion but also recognizing and create awareness to the extent of sex trafficking and children being trafficked. It is of epidemic proportions and we need to protect the children.

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

I have a few I look up to but first I’d say my 2 sisters and my dearest friends.

They all have a unique spirit to them but they each guide in so many ways. I’d dare to say that they are all well grounded and firm in their respective convictions. I appreciate their honesty and moral compasses.

Then most importantly my family with my husband and our 3 kids, their spouses and our 8 grandchildren. They keep me firmly planted, with what’s real and what’s in front of me. They are the perspective I keep in all I do.

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

Yes… The Bible first then the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

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

Some of the most important characteristics that I look for in an elected official would have to be their moral ethics. And that starts with their faith in God. You will see their principles run parallel with the constitution and biblically.

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

Truth seeker

Grounded in Faith

I listen but am able to discern well

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

We are responsible for being the best representations of our citizens in our districts. To be able to listen and discern and cut thru the noise to make the best decisions for them.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I made a difference to our future and SD children.

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

Kind of not very glamorous but… My first paying job for the summer was a maid cleaning rooms at the super 8 motel in Spearfish. I loved seeing people on vacation and it made me want to travel.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I have a lot of them but..,

Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors and she wrote a book about the women of the Bible. Amazing stories of bravery against all odds.

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

Joy of my life

Chris Stapleton

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

An open one. Honest and respectful on all sides.

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

Fighting illegal drugs coming in controlling crime

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

No not really.

Some would think it helps but my personal opinion is then it can create to far of a disconnection. Which can be misguided between themselves and who they govern.

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

Yes of course. But not so much that you forget why you’re there. I’m not into group think but I can listen and have and discernment.

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

Yes Bethany Soye and Rhonda Milstead

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?

There are so many personal stories out there and it’s really hard to identify one. But when I see the families that struggle with financial stressors and maybe addiction that can lead to mental health. I feel is very real and traumatic. And most don’t know how to talk about it or where to go. Mental health crisis in America has been hard to talk about but one we must acknowledge.

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

Not sure on that

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I would want to start by having conversations with professionals from each branch and then set up steering committees for the cosmetology,barbering,nail,massage and tanning to make decisions on how to monitor these professions and keep them licensed and protected.

What committees interest you?

Not sure yet

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The government only exists because of the governed.., we should always have full transparency and government should be run like a business. If it doesn’t make sense financially we should have other solutions.