Ryan Kohl
Ryan Kohl is a Milbank-area farmer, former Air Force officer who served during the Global War on Terrorism, and former educator in the Grant-Deuel school system. He holds a degree from South Dakota State University and lives in Milbank with his wife Kimberly and their three children. With a background spanning military service, public education, and agricultural production, Kohl brings a uniquely cross-sector perspective to his 2026 Republican primary bid for SD House District 4.
Why they’re
Sensible
Ryan Kohl is exactly the kind of candidate District 4 has been missing: a working farmer who has also served in uniform, taught in the public schools, and put down deep roots in Milbank. He has identified a genuine gap — District 4 lacks a farmer among its current representatives — and is running to close it. His platform of value-added agriculture, public education support, and investment in small rural communities is grounded in lived experience rather than talking points. Sensible South Dakota sees in Ryan Kohl the kind of practical, multi-dimensional citizen-legislator who makes northeastern South Dakota stronger.
Key positions
“District 4 is rooted in agriculture, yet it lacks a farmer among its current representatives. I intend to bring that essential perspective to the legislature to ensure our rural economy remains viable for the next generation.”
“I will do all I can to help District 4's small, rural communities thrive — from value-added agriculture to public education to local infrastructure.”
“We need to ensure our rural economy remains viable for the next generation so our kids have a future right here at home.”
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.
“Pro-small business, pro-limited government for District 4”