Meet André
Leadership Begins Long Before Public Office
Long before I considered running for office, I learned what it means to serve others.
My father came to the United States in 1989, where he met my mother, and together they raised our family in central Sioux Falls. My mom was a nurse, and my dad served as an addictions counselor, school counselor, and hospice chaplain.
Our home was rarely quiet.
It was often filled with refugees, single mothers, families new to Sioux Falls, and people simply looking for a place to belong. Whether it was a warm meal around the dinner table, a spare bedroom, or even a driveway where someone could park an RV for the summer, my parents believed the blessings we had were meant to become blessings we shared.
Growing up in that environment taught me lessons that have stayed with me my entire life.
Hospitality.
Compassion.
Curiosity.
Generosity.
Most importantly, I learned that healthy communities are built one relationship at a time
These communities are built: by listening well, caring deeply, and investing in the people around us.
Building a Life in District 15
Carrie and I were both raised in South Dakota.
She grew up in Gregory before attending Augustana University. I graduated from Lincoln High School before continuing my education at Creighton University.
Although we spent a few years in Nebraska, South Dakota always felt like home.
For the past eight years we've been blessed to build our lives in District 15.
This is where we've raised our four boys—Israel, Theodore, Elijah, and Oliver. It's where we've found lifelong friends, worshipped, volunteered, coached youth sports, and become part of a community we deeply love.
You may have seen us at the baseball field, the soccer pitch, wrestling tournaments, or 605 Ninja. When we have a free weekend, we're usually exploring one of our incredible state or national parks together.
District 15 isn't simply where we live.
It's where we're raising the next generation of our family.
Solving Problems That Matter
For more than a decade, I've worked alongside family-owned businesses, school districts, cities, counties, healthcare providers, and employers across South Dakota and the Upper Midwest.
Every day I help organizations navigate one of their greatest challenges: providing quality healthcare while balancing the needs of employees, families, and taxpayers.
That work has given me a front-row seat to many of the issues affecting our communities today.
I've seen the impact of rising healthcare costs on working families.
I've worked with organizations expanding access to mental and behavioral healthcare.
I've helped employers address workforce shortages and employee retention.
I've partnered with people tackling addiction recovery and improving access to care.
I've learned that meaningful progress rarely comes from the loudest voice in the room.
It comes from listening carefully, understanding different perspectives, and bringing people together to solve problems.
Why I'm Running
District 15 is one of the most unique communities in South Dakota.
It's home to established neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, downtown Sioux Falls, churches, schools, parks, nonprofits, and families from many different backgrounds who all want the same thing: a safe community, opportunity for their children, and a bright future.
I believe thoughtful leadership begins by listening.
It means respecting taxpayers.
It means strengthening neighborhoods.
It means supporting the institutions that help communities flourish.
It means bringing people together to solve problems instead of creating new divisions.
After spending my career helping organizations navigate difficult challenges, I believe those same principles belong in public service.
That's why I'm running to represent District 15 in the South Dakota House of Representatives.
I'd be honored to earn your trust.
A Few Things You Might
Not Know About Me
Husband to Carrie and proud father of four energetic boys.
Graduate of Lincoln High School and Creighton University.
Deacon and Treasurer at our church.
Youth baseball and soccer coach.
Favorite South Dakota destination: Custer State Park.
Always happy to talk over a cup of coffee.