When Brandon Wipf heard that current District 22 Senator David Wheeler was going to accept an appointment as a judge in the Third Judicial Circuit, he had ideas of others who could be a good fit for the role. Then, friends approached him to consider putting his name forward to Governor Larry Rhodens office as a potential person to take Wheelers chair. That began a multi-month journey that ended on Thursday, when Rhodens office announced Wipf as the appointee to serve as District 22 Senator.
Like a good farmer, Wipf recalled the passage of time by relating it to seasons on his farm.
I was actually planting corn when I heard about the vacancy, Wipf chuckled. It took about a week of talking with my family to make sure we were all ready for this. You know, going into 2025, I didnt have this on my bingo card!
Wipf continued, I had always thought that someday I would be interested in running for the legislature, but I thought that would be down the road a ways.
Despite moving forward his vision a few years potentially, Wipf is excited and ready for his new responsibilities to District 22 residents. He also stated that Governor Rhoden discussed a desire to have someone who could not only fill out the term but also potentially serve the district beyond 2026 as well, so it would be a commitment to say yes for Wipf.
Its a real honor to be chosen, for sure, Wipf stated. Im really excited, but I also know I have a lot of learning to do to get myself up to speed.
He added, I am lucky, though, because I have a few months to figure things out. Most people, when they get elected, have just a couple of months and then theyre in their first session.
Wipf noted that his fall will likely include a special session regarding building and funding a new prison, but that will help ease him into his duties rather than being thrust right into full session.
Looking at his fellow District 22 legislators, Rep. Lana Greenfield of Doland and Rep. Kevin Van Diepen of Huron, Wipf was excited for the potential teamwork that could come from working together.
I think we have a great representation of who the people of our district are – weve got a farmer, weve got a retired teacher, and also a former law enforcement professional, Wipf observed. That really speaks to the things we value here.
He also said that hes been in contact with a few former, well-respected legislators who remain in the Huron area and have offered to mentor him as he begins the legislative journey.
Without that (his fellow District 22 legislators and the former legislators) around me, I would have had a lot less confidence going into this, Wipf remarked. Ive got good backup when I run into something I dont understand. Ive got some great people to call.
One thing that heartened Wipf during the process was the support that he received in his nomination from the agriculture community. Wipf has served on multiple agriculture boards in the state.
I was really lucky to get great support from the agriculture groups in the state, Wipf explained. It really made me feel good because Id worked really hard for farmers for more than ten years. I didnt realize the reputation I was building. Now, I hope to earn all that support.
Looking back at two of the major statewide issues in the last session, Wipf discussed his thoughts on the new prison and on property taxes.
The thing about farmers is that we think in generations and decades, for instance, on the prison, I would be one of the voices making sure were building something thats going to last, he said. I hope to bring that long-term thinking perspective to the table in those discussions.
During legislative coffees this past spring, two other issues were very important to the people of District 22 – libraries and public television.
Things like the public library in Huron, Head Start, and public television made me into the guy I am today, Wipf observed. Theyre really near and dear to my heart. Im going to take every opportunity to remind my colleagues that we have to think about the kids whose families dont have the resources. We need good public education. We need good public libraries.
The extent that public education came under fire during the last session was concerning, Wipf continued. Im just really glad that we have people in our community who care that much about our schools.
He concluded his thoughts, The kids were educating now are the ones who are going to be taking care of us. Were building a future for ourselves, too.
The discussion as Wipf motored a tractor through his farm in Spink County turned to carbon pipelines and legislative action taken in that regard last year.
When I think about the pipeline issue and the way it divided our community, Im always going to be a person who wants to boost economic development because I do want jobs in our community, Wipf began. However, when we look back at the way that Summit, in particular, sent folks out into the community early on that did not treat people with the respect that they deserve, and it may have cost Summit the opportunity to do business in the state.
Weve got to make sure were building peoples support for economic development, but also make sure that its being done the right way, Wipf continued. Im disappointed the way the whole thing ended up because it paired those who supported the project with that behavior toward the people. Im hopeful we can move forward.
On a personal note, Wipf stated that he has lived in the community for all of his life. He is married to his wife, Mandy, and they reside at Lake Byron, and he farms 30 miles north of Huron. Hes looking forward to bringing a farmer perspective to conversations in the legislature.
I hope to represent this district very well and to earn the trust of the community, Wipf stated. There are a few areas that Im an expert in, but Im keenly aware that there is plenty I need to learn. I look forward to this growth opportunity.
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