July, 23, 2024, Yankton, SD – Yankton School District Board President Sarah Carda announces that she is running to be State Senator for District 18 on the Democratic ticket after the withdrawal of former candidate Dennis Menke. “I’m excited to step into the State Senate race and would be honored to represent District 18 in Pierre. I will be a strong, sensible voice focused on the issues and concerns of District 18,” said Sarah Carda.

Sarah Carda is the current President of the Yankton School District School Board. She has served on the school board for 11 years. Sarah is a former Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs at Mount Marty University. Sarah is running to make public education a priority in Pierre. “Education is important to me because I have seen what a good education can do for kids and families. All South Dakota kids deserve a good, quality public education. In the last two years, the South Dakota legislature has worked to pass legislation to end public schools as we know it. We need a strong voice in Pierre to fight for public education.”

In addition to local involvement on school board and the Sacred Heart church community, Sarah has been an advocate in state government, serving on the South Dakota Department of Education Special Education Advisory Panel and SD Council on Development Disabilities. Sarah said, “I was deeply honored to be appointed to these committees by former Governor Daugaard and Governor Kristi Noem. If elected, I’ll continue to work with anyone who has a good idea, regardless of political affiliation, just like these committees worked together to advocate for vulnerable children in our state.”

Dennis Menke is excited to be replaced by a young, dynamic candidate who is focused on Yankton. “I endorse Sarah Carda for State Senator wholeheartedly. She’s shown to me that she will work hard and be a great voice for our communities in District 18.”

Former legislators Bernie Hunhoff and Ryan Cwach will take leading roles in Sarah Carda’s campaign. Bernie Hunhoff will serve as campaign committee chair. Ryan Cwach will serve as the campaign treasurer. They issue this joint statement: “We are excited to get to work to help elect Sarah Carda. We’ve spent our fair share of years in Pierre. Sarah has the right attitude to make a difference for Yankton and South Dakota.”

Sarah is married to David Carda, a current city commissioner. They have 3 children together. “Yankton was a great place to raise our family. I want to go to the Pierre to focus on maintaining and strengthening or public schools, lowering costs such as child care and long term care, and incentivizing good paying jobs to the region. I look forward to meeting with and learning from our voters through the campaign.”