Meet the Candidate: Spencer Gosch

Longtime lawmaker seeks return to South Dakota House chamber he once led

(Johnny Sundby)

Former Speaker of the House Spencer Gosch seeks a return to the district he represented as recently as 2023 in District 23. Gosch made an unsuccessful attempt to switch chambers in 2022 to the Senate. He is running in a three-way race this year against incumbent Reps. Scott Moore and JD Wangsness.

District 23 includes the communities of Miller, Mobridge, Eureka, and runs just to the west of Aberdeen.

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: 40
City of residence: Glenham
Profession: Farmer/rancher
Public service/community service experience: Former school board member, House of Representatives 2017-2022 where I served as Speaker Pro Tempore and Speaker of the House
Family information: Wife Ashley, Daughter Teagan (14), Son Brody (11), Daughter Remmy (8)

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

I believe in a free market that allows individuals to be able to respond to economic issues in real time, instead of waiting for bureaucrats and politicians to react at a snails pace. Government needs to repeal the protectionist policies it has implemented in the past with a smaller, less evasive approach to the economy as a whole.

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

My wife and kids. Family is a gift from God that is not to be taken for granted.

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?

SB 201 is an example of government overreach. In no way does it protect any rights, but rather takes away local control. We need to have a real conversation regarding eminent domain reform. Individual freedom and liberty should always prevail.