Krista Burns, Communications Director

Sioux Falls, SD – Below are the candidates the South Dakota Democratic Party elected as our nominees for constitutional offices during the State Convention on Saturday, June 6th.

Davis was born in Peoria, Illinois. He struggled with homelessness and the difficulties of navigating life in a low-income environment. Through the support of his foster mother, he carved a path forward, eventually enrolling in college as a non-traditional student. He earned his degree in Criminal Justice and later pursued a master’s degree in Public Policy. He is currently pursing a doctoral degree in Law and Policy. TDavis served as a state trooper in both Tennessee and South Dakota. He is a proud husband and father. He is running for Secretary of State to serve with transparency, protect voting rights, and ensure the systems that uphold our democracy work for everyone. 

Public Utilities Commissioner

Former South Dakota legislator and longtime rural advocate Frank Kloucek of Scotland is announcing his candidacy for the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, bringing decades of public service, agricultural experience, and practical problem-solving to the race. Kloucek says the PUC must put South Dakota families, farmers, landowners, and ratepayers first by carefully vetting utility rate increases, ensuring all voices are heard, and promoting responsible energy development. His campaign will focus on accountability, affordability, and fairness—guided by the belief that the PUC should serve “we, not me.”

Commissioner of School and Public Lands

Mettler is a Black Hills State University alum with a PhD in Natural Sciences. She spent 10 years teaching at BHSU, South Dakota School of Mines and Crazy Horse Memorial University. She was the Director of Rising STEAM LLC / Black Hills Bricks Bots & Beakers, running STEAM educational camps for youth. Mettler is also a former Board member of the Booth Society at D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives. She currently works as a Research Specialist for Missouri Breaks Industries Research Inc. in Indigenous Public Health and Wellness. She is also a Fellow of the Sutton Leadership Institute & LEE member. She ran for Spearfish City Council in 2025 and Spearfish School Board in 2026.

Kuipers worked on the Sheryl Johnson for US House campaign in 2024 as treasurer. She also served as the state treasurer for the EMS association. She is a lifelong South Dakotan with experience in farming, emergency medical services, emergency management, law enforcement, health care and small business.

Cool spent nearly four decades as Executive Director of the Council on College Admissions in South Dakota. He ran for South Dakota Auditor in 2018, District 11 Senate in 2020 and South Dakota Secretary of State in 2022. He currently serves as the chair of the Democratic Forum of Southeast Dakota in Sioux Falls. The group hosts a weekly lunch gathering of Sioux Falls-area progressives with speakers and discussions on topics of local and state interest.

Paid for by the South Dakota Democratic Party | www.sddp.org