SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(Press Release)—Billy Mawhiney, local nonprofit leader, husband, father and proud citizen of the Wyandotte Nation, has formally announced his campaign for the United States House of Representatives.

Currently serving as the Executive Director of the South Dakota Afterschool Network, Mawhiney is a longstanding and passionate champion for communities across South Dakota. Raised in rural Missouri and now living in Sioux Falls with his husband and two children, Billy has dedicated his career to strengthening nonprofits, afterschool programs, and rural communities.

“Billy sets the bar high when it comes to being generous to South Dakotans. From his advocacy alongside Tribal voices to his leadership on child care and education—I am confident South Dakotans can rely on him to show up. He understands rural communities in a way that is so rare. We need Billy’s steady voice representing South Dakota,” says South Dakota State Senate Minority Leader Liz Larson.

On why he is running for Congress, Mawhiney added: “I’m not a career politician. I think folks are tired of politics. I’m running for Congress because for nearly two decades I’ve called South Dakota home and I believe we deserve someone who understands our daily lives–someone who will always put people ahead of politics. I represent the families who have entrusted their children with the programs I’ve led and the communities who’ve never had someone like them at the table.”

Former South Dakota State Representative Linda Duba said, “He listens. South Dakotans deserve representation in our government like Billy. He also has a longstanding history of establishing critical services for South Dakota families. I know Billy will articulately and passionately fight for our needs, and ensure there are spaces for students to thrive. Billy is dedicated to improving the lives of South Dakotans, he’s a listener, like I said; but more importantly he’s a doer.”