The Party that Embraces Open Borders and Places America Last

Last night, I watched the State of the Union address, which included several moments recognizing heroism, sacrifice, and patriotism. The USA men’s hockey team was honored for its gold medal victory. A 100-year-old Navy veteran from South Dakota and an Army Chief Warrant Officer were recognized with the Congressional Medal of Honor, and two members of the West Virginia National Guard were awarded the Purple Heart. One of those medals was presented posthumously to the family of a service member killed by an Afghan national who was resettled in the United States during the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.

Another notable moment came when President Trump acknowledged Erika Kirk following the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk. The President reaffirmed that America is “one nation under God” and called on Congress to “firmly reject political violence against our fellow citizens.” Throughout the nearly two-hour address, the President highlighted the heroism and patriotic spirit of everyday Americans.

President Trump also urged Congress to pass legislation in honor of Delilah Coleman, a seven-year-old critically injured by an illegal alien from India who had been issued a commercial driver’s license. He called on lawmakers to prohibit the issuance of CDLs to illegal aliens. Repeatedly, the President drew attention to how failures at the southern border have negatively impacted ordinary Americans—many of whom have lost loved ones due to illegal immigration or due to the influx of fentanyl brought in by narco-terrorists.

The President further stated that, due to increased border security and enhanced law enforcement activity, crime in Washington, D.C., has declined significantly since he took office. What I found deeply troubling, however, was the visible refusal by Democrats to acknowledge or applaud when the President recognized Americans harmed by illegal immigration. At one point, the President asked members of Congress to stand in agreement with what he described as a fundamental principle: that the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. I did not observe any Democrat stand in support of that statement—an action the President described as “shameful.” See photos below from the televised State of the Union Address when the President asked members of Congress to stand in support of protecting American citizens over illegal aliens.

I recognize that this was a polarizing moment in his speech, particularly at a time when our nation needs to be unified. However, the contrast revealed what I believe to be a fundamental divide: one side prioritizing border security and enforcing the rule of law, and the other embracing open borders and placing America last.

If elected as your state senator, I will always stand up for American citizens who work hard, respect the rule of law, and value the freedoms secured by those who have sacrificed for this country. I will put Americans first—and South Dakotans first, every day. Not special interests. Not corporate elites. Not paid lobbyists.

I will fight relentlessly for hardworking South Dakotans with integrity and transparency, while remaining fully accountable to the voters. Earning your vote is an honor, and serving you as your next state senator is a privilege I will never take for granted.