VIEWPOINT | My family's strength will carry on for South Dakota, too
Guest column by David Barranco
For generations, the people of South Dakota have relied on strong faith, traditional values and principled leadership. Throughout our history, steadfast men and women of character have stepped forward in moments of challenge to serve a cause greater than themselves.
Over the past five months, my family and I have faced a terrible ordeal. Following a sudden intestinal rupture, I underwent intensive treatment and fought through a difficult recovery. Every moment, Catherine and our sons stood beside me with unwavering strength and love. Because of them, I was able to resume my State Auditor campaign and continue the work about which we care so deeply.
We believed the worst was behind us. But after additional testing and consultations, doctors delivered devastating news: I have been diagnosed with Stage IV cancer.
My family and I will face this disease with faith, determination, and gratitude for each prayer and every day we are given. But after much reflection and many difficult conversations, I reached an inescapable conclusion: the people of South Dakota deserve a State Auditor who can devote full energy and focus to this office. I can no longer make that promise.
South Dakota deserves a leader who steps up when it matters. That’s why I asked my wife, Catherine Barranco, to carry on what she and I started and assume my candidacy. I couldn’t be happier or prouder that she will continue our mission to ensure South Dakota’s taxpayer-funded checkbook is balanced with transparency, integrity, and fiscal prudence.
Rest assured, Catherine gets it. She understands what’s at stake and what South Dakota needs. She stood beside me through every challenge and every success — as my wife, my closest adviser, and my trusted partner in public service. I can say with utmost sincerity that Catherine is exceptionally qualified to serve as State Auditor.
With both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics, she has the financial and analytical expertise essential for this position. She’s proven it in the private sector. For example, at Walmart’s corporate office, she managed financial projections, reporting, and operational decision-making for a division exceeding $165 million annually. That work demanded precision, accountability, and sound judgment.
Catherine is a proven leader. As president of the South Dakota Federation of Republican Women, she guided an organization of 500 members, 30 committees, and 15 clubs. During her term, SDFRW achieved record growth in membership, fundraising, and statewide engagement.
She brings valuable investigative and oversight experience. At the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Catherine assisted in financial fraud investigations that uncovered previously unknown criminal activity and contributed to successful prosecutions.
While I am stepping away from this race, I am not stepping away from the fight for South Dakota’s future. That fight continues through the person I trust most in this world. Catherine Barranco possesses the integrity, intelligence, experience, and leadership South Dakota deserves in its next State Auditor.
Her commitment to conservative values is longstanding and proven. As State Adviser for the South Dakota Teenage Republicans, Catherine rebuilt and revitalized the organization from the ground up, expanding outreach, strengthening operations, and supporting Republicans across the state. As Data Director for the South Dakota Republican Party, she helped candidates succeed through strategic organization, analytics, and grassroots coordination.
Catherine has served on the boards of the South Dakota Republican Party, the Minnehaha GOP and the National Federation of Republican Women, consistently fighting for the principles we believe in: protecting taxpayers, defending constitutional freedoms, supporting the unborn, and preserving opportunity and fairness for future generations.
To every person who supported me, prayed for my family and our blessed state, and stood beside our campaign: I ask you now to stand with Catherine.
Together, we’ll continue fighting for the future of our great state.
David Barranco is an attorney and a Sioux Falls City Councilor representing the Southwest District since 2022. In 2025, he announced his candidacy for GOP nomination for South Dakota State Auditor.
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