USD student announces candidacy for state House of Representatives

Brett Ries, a sophomore political science and criminal justice double major, announced his candidacy for a seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 5 on Saturday morning.

A press release from the Ries campaign said he’s running to put South Dakotans first.

“I am excited to begin my campaign for the South Dakota House of Representatives,” Ries said. “The people are getting tired of partisan politics, and I am too. That’s why I’m running, and it’s why my campaign slogan is ‘For the People, Not the Party.”

Part of Ries’ platform is to create positive change, according to the release.

“I aim to transcend party lines and listen to all sides of an issue in order to make effective decisions as a legislator,” he said.

Ries’ main goals are criminal justice, education and government accountability. According to the release, Ries believes what Pierre needs is a researcher, a fighter and a listener.

“I also want to send a message to our youth in South Dakota that you can succeed as a young person in this state,” Ries said. “I hope to motivate them to stay in South Dakota to accomplish their goals.”