Sioux Falls Childcare Advocate Announces Bid for U.S. House

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1 hour ago
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"I’m Billy Mawhiney—dad, husband, public servant, and someone who’s never forgotten where he came from.

I was raised on a small farm in rural Missouri, in a town of just over 100 people. Life out there taught me what really matters: hard work, honesty, and showing up for your neighbors when they need you. Those lessons have stayed with me every step of the way.

Now, I live in Sioux Falls with my family. My husband Kyle, a South Dakota native, and I have spent the last 18 years together building the community we want to live in for our two kids. We’re raising our family with the same values I was raised with: work hard, speak up, and take care of your community.

Over the years, I’ve worked to strengthen and expand childcare, especially in the afterschool and summer sector, helped grow local nonprofits, and supported families and kids who just need someone in their corner. I’ve sat with parents who couldn’t find childcare, walked alongside young people finding their voice, and fought to bring more resources to rural communities like the one I came from. My experience is grounded in real-life moments, and that’s exactly why you can trust it.

I’m also a proud citizen of the Wyandotte Nation. My roots trace back to the people who helped shape places like Kansas City and Detroit, and who’ve always believed in the strength of community and the responsibility we carry for each other. Our language comes from the Northern Iroquoian family, and while I didn’t grow up speaking it or grow up with life on the reservation, I carry our values with me in everything I do. Being Wyandotte grounds me, it’s why I believe so deeply in showing up, in listening, and in building something better for the next seven generations.

I’m not a career politician, I'm just a hard worker and I’m running for Congress because I believe South Dakotans deserve someone who understands their daily lives—and who will always put people ahead of politics. Our communities are worth fighting for, and I’m ready to take that fight to Washington."

To contact Billy, you can email him a hi@billyforsd.com or call him at 605-299-5305.