District 32 Candidates Hold Rapid City Forum

Four legislative candidates gathered at Oglala Lakota College to share their priorities ahead of the election.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Elections

District 32 Candidates Hold Rapid City Forum

Live Poll

Does candidate character matter more than party affiliation when you vote for your local representatives?

Four candidates competing for seats in South Dakota District 32 participated in a public forum held at Oglala Lakota College. The event provided voters in Rapid City the opportunity to engage directly with those seeking to fill the three available legislative spots.

Why it matters

The forum allowed participating candidates to make their final cases to the public as the election approaches. This event served as a critical platform for residents to evaluate the priorities of the individuals seeking to represent their district.

A total of 6 candidates are currently vying for 3 legislative seats in South Dakota District 32. Four of these candidates attended the recent forum, while two did not participate.

The players

Nicole Uhre-Balk

She is a Democratic incumbent Representative currently campaigning in District 32.

Jeff Shelton

He is running for a Senate seat in District 32 as a Democratic candidate.

Sam Hare Sr.

He is an independent candidate with Democratic affiliation seeking a seat in District 32.

Zac Martin

He is a Republican candidate competing for a House seat in the district.

Helene Duhamel

She is a Republican incumbent Senator who did not attend the recent forum.

The details

Candidates Nicole Uhre-Balk, Jeff Shelton, Sam Hare Sr., and Zac Martin addressed attendees during a public Q&A session to outline their legislative platforms. While the forum featured these four individuals, fellow candidates Helene Duhamel and Steve Duffy were not in attendance.

The candidate forum took place on October 21, 2026, at Oglala Lakota College.

Political Context

Some voters and local advocacy groups may express concern over candidate absences at public forums, arguing that full attendance is necessary for informed voting. This opposition often highlights the importance of candidate accountability and transparency during the competitive legislative cycle.

This forum impacts local voters by providing direct insight into the legislative priorities of those who may represent their interests in the state house. Residents can use the information presented by the candidates to inform their decisions on the ballot.

The takeaway

Public forums remain a vital tool for voters to differentiate between candidates seeking legislative office. Attending these sessions helps citizens understand the specific policy goals of their future representatives before casting their final vote.