Sydney Davis
Sydney Davis is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist from Burbank, Clay County, where she and her husband Garrett raise cattle. A fourth-generation South Dakotan active in 4-H and FFA growing up, she earned her B.S. in Nursing from SDSU and her M.S. in Nursing from Mount Marty College. First elected to the SD House in 2020, she moved to the Senate in 2022 and now serves as Vice Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee.
Why they’re
Sensible
Sydney Davis brings an unusual combination of credentials to Pierre: a working CRNA who understands rural healthcare from the exam-room side, and a cattle producer who knows ag policy from the pasture. She has used both vantage points well — authoring SB 240 (2026), a near-unanimous appropriation for county rural-access infrastructure, and championing reforms to reduce prior-authorization red tape for rural clinics. The South Dakota Farmers Union recognized her with its 2026 Service to Agriculture Award. District 17 — Clay and Union counties — gets a legislator who shows up, knows the material, and keeps the focus on practical results.
Key positions
“Strong, healthy communities start with access to good care close to home.”
“I think our state can benefit from having healthcare providers from small and rural communities help shape policy. It takes all perspectives to keep the public safe, costs low, and maintain access to quality care that our smaller and rural communities deserve.”
“Family farmers and ranchers need strong advocates willing to be a loud voice for the needs of our state's largest industry.”
“I have spent my life working in health care, raising cattle with my family, and being part of this community. It gives me a real understanding of the values and challenges we face.”
Also running for
SD State Senate · District 17
Every other candidate filed for this seat, listed for transparency. Our Sensible slate reflects the full field — not just a single pick.