Katherine Washnok

Katie (Wagner) Washnok earned her formal education at the University of South Dakota, focusing in Political Science both in education and early career accomplishments. Today, with her husband, James, Katie owns and operates several small businesses specializing in motorcycle and automotive custom design and manufacturing, Blackout Industries. James is a third-generation South Dakota Farmer; together, we operate the family farms at Verdon, SD.

Katie grew up in the Republican Party; her involvement dates back farther than her ability to register with a party. Formally, she has served as State Chairman of the South Dakota Teenage Republicans, National Committee Woman to the South Dakota Young Republicans, member of the South Dakota Federation of Republican Women, Secretary/Treasurer for the Brown County Republicans, and currently serves as Chairman of the Brown County Republicans. Katie is a community involvement enthusiast, committed to making our corner of the world a better place. She enjoys serving through many facets; in addition to her commitments to the GOP, she is the current President of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 1 Million Cups Aberdeen/Micropolitan Organization team, Junior Achievement classroom volunteer, BIG Idea committee, administrative board and worship leader at Aldersgate Church, to name a few. Katie, her husband James, and their children, Jett and Whitley, proudly reside in Aberdeen, SD.

• I am a commonsense conservative, lifelong Republican. I am a pro-life, pro-business, pro-second amendment, agricultural advocate with a positive outlook on the continued excellence of our great state.
• I believe in the ability of individuals and families to make decisions for themselves. I believe in small, efficient, and effective government, with power foremost resting in the hands of the people and their local communities. I believe everyone is entitled to their God-given inalienable rights, civility, and respect. I believe in servant leadership and the critical importance of civic engagement.
• South Dakota is the best place in the nation to call home. I will work tirelessly to ensure it continues to exceed that expectation and remains the land of infinite variety and endless opportunity for generations to come.

My Top Priories
- Advocating for Dist. 3 & Northeastern South Dakota
- Common sense, collaborative problem-solving
- Agriculture
- Vibrant Economy
- Quality Education & Opportunity
- Local Control
- Healthy Families
- Strong communities

I admire independent thinkers, those who aren't afraid to blaze their own trail and rattle the necessary cages along the way.
President Teddy Roosevelt, Margret Thatcher, Gov. Bill Janklow, Alice Kundert, Winston Churchill, and Sen Katie Britt, to name a few.

"God Calls Us To Do Hard Things" by Senator Katie Britt

Honesty, integrity, a dedicated and unwavering work ethic, and a commitment to representing your collective constituency, not your personal interests.

I have the knowledge and skill to hit the ground running on day one. I also have the existing relationships and connections to form new ones, making me a highly effective voice for Aberdeen and Dist. 3.

Representing their constituency and not their interests or the interests of a particular constituency group. Advocating for the greater Northeastern region of South Dakota's needs in the legislature and making sure the Aberdeen micropolitan area is receiving vital state resources. Statewide connection and collaboration with other legislators and professionals are vital to building the relationships necessary to get the hard work done.

I hope that when all is said and done, I'll be known as someone who made this corner of the world better. And at the end of my leadership tenure, whenever that may be, I hope to leave a legacy as someone who helped usher in the next generation of leaders, not push against them.

Probably the plane crash that killed South Dakota Governor George Mickelson and seven others on April 19, 1993.
My Mother was very close to Governor Mickelson and received one of the first calls with news of the crash after the First Lady had been informed. I was only about four and a half at the time, but I remember how that event rocked our state, not just at the loss of our Governor but of a truly great man.

I grew up in a family Business; hard work and exceeding expectations were bred into me long ago.
My first job outside of that would have been at a retail clothing store in high school and then into college. Everyone should work retail once in their lives - great life lessons in manners, customer service, and stress management.

"The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom

Barbie - because she can be anything she wants whenever she wants to be it!

I can't specifically recall. It was likely something my kids were listening to - that could be anything from ACDC to "Baby Shark."

Challenges are what you make them.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
-Winston Churchill
I'm grateful for every opportunity in my life.

Two separate branches that work effectively, efficiently, and respectfully of one another.

Creating opportunities and incentives to keep our young people in the state, particularly rural areas, and attract more young people to South Dakota.

It helps the learning curve, but it is not necessarily necessary. We have a citizen legislature; people are not meant to make a career out of serving in the South Dakota State Legislature.

100% That's how the most important work gets done. We need someone in this office who can make those key relationships, who is effective and can see the bigger picture of every vote.

There are several former South Dakota legislators I am proud to call friends and mentors from whom I have had the privilege to learn.

No

I have had many conversations with community members thus far. Our community has some significant concerns, but not one particular story stands out now.

Income Tax.

Yes

I'm already working on a few, I don't know which would be first.

State Affairs. Agriculture. Local Government. Energy and Commerce. Health and Human Services.

100% nessicary - this is the People's money, they deserve to know where every penny is being spent.