Getting accepted to the South Dakota Legislative internship for the 2026 session felt like stepping into something I already understood. I arrived with strong opinions, my own expectations, and a fair amount of confidence, but that didn’t last long. At first, I had every reason to feel prepared.
Through past involvement, I had attended committee hearings, testified on bills, built relationships with legislators, and gained what I thought was a solid understanding of how the process worked.
Serving as a legislative page, participating in and staffing TeenPact, shadowing Norman, and leading the SDSU College Republicans all gave me a strong foundation. So I thought I knew what to expect.
I didn’t.
The Capitol is full of people from all walks of life—Republicans, Democrats, Christians, atheists, parents, grandparents, West River, East River, moderates, conservatives—you name it. We send all these people to Pierre in the hopes that they’ll find common ground, represent us well, and promote positive changes for South Dakotans.
While that sounds good in theory, the reality is far more complicated.
Lessons from the Majority Leader’s Office
Interning for House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach was one of the most impactful parts of my experience. His office was constantly moving, and I watched him navigate challenges within the party with steadiness and resolve. During my time there, I saw conflict up close, hard conversations, difficult votes, pressure from every direction, and the toll leadership positions take on people and their families.
What stood out for me was a deeper realization: we cannot expect a system to consistently produce godly outcomes if the hearts shaping it are not being transformed.
This truth can easily lead to discouragement, but it shouldn’t lead to disengagement.
In fact, it points us to something greater.
People, Not Politics
One of the most important lessons I learned is this: politics is not the starting point of change, people are. Laws reflect hearts, and real, lasting change begins when hearts are transformed by Christ. But that doesn’t mean Christians should step back from the public square. It means we step in with the right perspective.
Throughout the legislative session, I wrestled with a question: “How hard do we push in a world that isn’t meant to last?”
Scripture reminds us that this world is broken and temporary, and that we eagerly await Christ’s return. But that future hope isn’t a reason for inaction, it’s a call to faithful obedience here and now.
Conversations with leaders like Norman, Chaplain Jarvis Wipf, and Speaker Jon Hansen continually brought me back to this truth: yes, the world is broken, but God still calls His people to be present in it.
Lessons From Scripture and History
Jarvis pointed me to the book of Acts, where we see Paul deliberately traveling to major cities, Corinth, Rome, Caesarea, Tarsus. In Acts 1:8, Jesus calls His followers to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, places of cultural and political significance. Paul recognized that one of the most effective ways to impact a nation for Christ was to focus on these hubs, where leaders gathered, commerce flowed, and change happened in real time.
Capital cities matter. Presence matters. Faithful witness matters.
No, our efforts are not in vain. Our hope doesn’t rest in a perfect legislative outcome, it rests in Christ’s finished work on the cross. True transformation begins there, and from that foundation, it can ripple outward into every sphere of life, including government.
Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Even when results aren’t immediate or discouragement looms, we are called to remain faithful.
Stewardship and Responsibility
As Christians, we often talk about stewardship. Throughout Scripture, we see men and women stepping into difficult arenas—not because it was easy or guaranteed success, but because God called them to be faithful with what was placed before them.
The government is no different.
Not everyone is called to run for office. But every believer is called to be a good steward—to pray, speak truth, build relationships, stand for what is right, and be a light in places that desperately need it.
Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” If we long to see righteous leadership, we cannot withdraw from the places where leadership is formed and exercised. There will always be a vacuum.
Instead, we step forward with courage and conviction, recognizing that we are called to defend Truth, pursue justice, and love mercy. God has called us to carry out this responsibility.
Looking Ahead
As we wait for Christ’s return, may we take seriously the call of Micah 6:8—to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God—and the charge of Proverbs 31:8-9 to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
During my time in the legislature, witnessing the process up close, building connections, and yes, making an insurmountable amount of coffee, the lessons learned, convictions strengthened, and fire in my belly remain key takeaways I wouldn’t have gained anywhere else.I’m glad to be back with Family Voice and look forward to advancing the Kingdom through advocacy for faith, family, and freedom.
