Meet the Candidate: Casey Crabtree

Crabtree seeking another term in Senate District 8

Sen. Casey Crabtree is running for re-election to the South Dakota Senate in District 8. He has served as Senate Majority Leader for the last two years. He faces Rick Weible in his re-election bid.

District 8 wraps around Brookings and includes the communities of Madison, Arlington, and Volga within its boundaries.

The Dakota Scout sent a series of questions to all legislative candidates running in contested races for the state House and Senate in the June 4 primary election. Candidates were asked to limit their responses to each question to 150 words or less.

Age: 41
City of residence: Madison
Profession: Director of Economic Development for Heartland Energy
Public service/community service experience: State Senate 2020-present, Served as Majority Whip 21-22, following re-election serving as Majority Leader 23-present, Chair of Senate State Affairs, committee member of Commerce and Energy, Legislative Procedures, and the Executive Board. Former Chair of Senate Commerce and Energy and member of the Transportation committee. Served on interim studies on workforce housing, property tax reduction efforts, and legislative redistricting and serving this summer on the select committee legislative relationships with Ellsworth Airforce Base. Ex-Officio Board Member of the Economic Development Professionals Association of South Dakota, Madison Baseball Association Youth Coach, Lake Area Junior Football Youth Coach, Madison Community Foundation Board Member, Former President of the DSU Trojan Athletic Club
Family information: Wife Ashley, two sons Casyn and Callan

1) What's the government's role in facilitating economic development in South Dakota?

South Dakota has one of the strongest economies in the nation and it’s because of our low tax, low regulation business climate. I’m proud of our approach to economic development and will fight to keep government’s role to a minimum.

2) If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Governor George S. Mickelson. Not only did he understand the importance of economic development and creating a better future for the next generation of South Dakotans, but he did it with unmatched charisma that united people across our state. His legacy and impact on our state is something we all can aspire to.

3) Does the "Landowner Bill of Rights" -- adopted by the Legislature amid opposition to carbon pipeline companies using eminent domain -- strike the right balance between the interests of property owners, counties and the ag industry - and should voters get a say when they head to the polls in November?

Agriculture is South Dakota’s number one industry and the backbone of our state’s economy. The legislature worked hard to provide a solution that stood up for landowners and held pipelines accountable – while upholding the constitution throughout the process. I’m confident that if given the opportunity, voters would confirm the unprecedented opportunities and protections this bill provides our state’s rural communities and the future of agriculture.