Hello, my name is Cooper Garnos and I am running for election in the District 21 State Senate race. I am a teacher, farmer/rancher, current legislator, father and husband, and a small business owner. You have a very important choice to make on November 7th as to who will represent you in our state legislature. I believe I have many common ties with you, the voters of District 21, and will best represent you.


I have had the privilege to serve in the South Dakota Legislature during the past eight years. I have served on the education, taxation, state affairs, and state-tribal relations committees. I have also had the opportunity to serve on the leadership team in the State House of Representatives as a majority whip for the last four years. I have also served on committees on the national level for the National Conference of State Legislators, been a graduating member of the Bohay Institute of Leadership, and have been selected as a member of ACYPL (American Council of Young Political Leaders).
I am a lifelong resident of Lyman County. I graduated from Lyman County High School in 1985, went on to get my Bachelor's degree in education from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, and then earned a Master's degree in education from South Dakota State University. In 2004 I earned an Education Specialist Degree from USF.I am a South Dakotan through and through--raised on South Dakota values and South Dakota beef.
I taught physical education and social studies for 13 years in Presho for the Lyman School District. I work with my Dad and Mom (Owen and Sally Garnos) and brother Quint on our family farm and ranch operation. The Garnos family farm has been in operation for over one hundred years, worked by four generations. During the fall months we are also involved in the commercial hunting business.

My work as a teacher gave me a deeper appreciation of the young people we have here in the middle of the state. We must continue to provide the very best public education we can with the resources available. Technology must be part of that education. Ranchers in the most remote areas of the state rely on computers and fax machines to assist their operations. We are indeed a part of the global community.
I pledge to do everything in my power to retain as much control as possible at the local level regarding the recreational opportunities, the use of the water, development and implementation of water projects, and the preservation of our natural environment.
Property taxes, gaming issues, education, personal freedoms and the protection of our number one industry, agriculture continue to be issues statewide, and I will appreciate your input on any proposals that come before the legislature. Learning to balance the interests of the urban populations and the agricultural sector will be a challenge facing all legislators. Your knowledge and experience can give me a running start in the new legislature.
I am actively seeking your support for election. I would surely appreciate your vote on Election Day, November 7th.

Cooper Garnos - Working Together for District #21. (Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Lyman, Jones, counties)