Kent Roe
Kent Roe is a Republican member of the South Dakota House of Representatives representing District 4, having assumed office on January 14, 2025. Born and raised on a dairy farm near Hazel, he earned a degree in Animal Sciences from SDSU in 1988, later built and sold a trucking business, and now works as a Certified General Appraiser specializing in farmland through his company Forseti Appraisals, Inc. He lives in Hayti and serves his community through boards including the Sioux Rural Water System and Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System.
Why they’re
Sensible
Kent Roe came to the legislature with deep roots in agriculture, small business, and rural water systems — exactly the background District 4 needs. He has shown real independence, voting no on HB 1052 over constitutional due-process and Interstate Commerce Clause concerns even when the bill was popular, and championing data center investment as a path to long-term economic diversification for rural northeastern South Dakota. His explicit stand that South Dakota cannot afford to "sit out" the data economy reflects forward-looking pragmatism, and his pro-family, pro-limited government record earned him Sensible South Dakota's endorsement.
Key positions
“If we choose to sit this out, we don't stay neutral, we fall behind. The jobs, the investment, the long-term tax base will simply go to Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and North Dakota.”
“I refused to support legislation that is both vague and arbitrary in its language, punitive in its intent, and dispiriting to entrepreneurs regardless of their industry.”
“HB 1052 likely offends the Interstate Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and completely disregards local control.”
“I have been a son, father, husband, and now grandfather. I have been the boss, and I have been the employee. I have failed, and I have succeeded.”
“I give 110% every time, and I am capable of starting something new and succeeding.”
Also running for
SD State House · District 04
Every other candidate filed for this seat, listed for transparency. Our Sensible slate reflects the full field — not just a single pick.
“A farmer's voice for District 4's rural communities”