Steve Barnett (politician)

Steve Barnett is an American Republican politician who serves as the Secretary of State of South Dakota. He previously served as state auditor of South Dakota (2011-2019).

Steve Barnett
29th Secretary of State of South Dakota
Incumbent
Assumed office January 5, 2019
Governor	Kristi Noem
Preceded by	Shantel Krebs
27th Auditor of South Dakota
In office January 8, 2011 – January 5, 2019
Governor	Dennis Daugaard
Preceded by	Rich Sattgast
Succeeded by	Rich Sattgast
Personal details
Born	Aberdeen, South Dakota, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Education	University of South Dakota (BA) University of Sioux Falls (MBA)

Biography

Barnett graduated from Roncalli High School in Aberdeen, South Dakota, from where he is a native. He is the grandson of Joseph H. Barnett, who served as Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives in 1975 and 1976.

Barnett graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of South Dakota and with a master's degree from the University of Sioux Falls.[1][2] He served as a Constituent Services Representative for Senator John Thune from 2005 until 2010.[3]

Barnett was first elected auditor in 2010, defeating Democratic state senator Julie Bartling with 61% of the vote.[4] He was reelected in 2014, defeating Libertarian Kurt Evans with 80% of the vote.[5]

Barnett was elected Secretary of State of South Dakota in 2018.

Personal life

Barnett and his wife, Nicole, have 3 children: Emma, Henry, and William.[3]

References

1. "State Auditor". South Dakota Republican Party. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
2. Legislator Historical Listing. South Dakota Legislative Research Council.
3. "Steve Barnett's Biography". Project VoteSmart. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
4. "South Dakota Election 2010". The New York Times. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
5. "Election Results: Statewide Races". South Dakota Secretary of State. Retrieved November 5, 2014.

External links

• State Auditor website