First openly gay House representative elected in South Dakota – Argus Leader
The LGBTQ Victory Fund has declared Kameron Nelson, who won the election for South Dakota’s District 10 House race with 25% of the vote alongside Erin Healy who had 32% of the vote, as the first openly gay man elected to the South Dakota Legislature.
This announcement also means Nelson is the first openly gay man ever elected to the state House.
“I’m thrilled with the outcome of last night’s election, and just thankful to all of the Minnehaha County Auditor staff and everyone who worked to make sure our elections were free and fair,” Nelson said.
Nelson, who works for the Lifescape Foundation in Sioux Falls, is still wrapping his head around the historic “first” he’s accomplished, he told the Argus Leader on Wednesday morning.
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“A lot of our young people leave the state for a place that’s more inclusive. That’s why I ran,” he said. “I want to make South Dakota that place. I’m so ready for South Dakota to be the welcoming place that I know it is.”
Nelson’s priorities for his first day in Pierre during the legislative session include securing equality for LGBTQ+ people and minorities and “everyone who has ever felt othered.”
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His legislative goals include employment protections for LGBTQ+ people, adoption rights for same-sex couples, education topics like social studies standards, and affordable housing.
“I will be a champion for those kids who travel hundreds of miles to Pierre for a pride festival in the middle of summer,” Nelson said. “Representation matters. It creates a place at the table for people who’ve had our voices stifled for so long. That work is what I’m excited to bring to Pierre.”