Senator Theresa Two Bulls
Candidate for South Dakota State Senator, Senate District 27
Enrolled Member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe

Senator Theresa Two Bulls lost her reelection bid to the South Dakota State Senate.

Senator Theresa Two Bulls is seeking re-election to South Dakota’s State Senate District 27. She is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and was an INDN’s List endorsed candidate – and winner – in 2006.

Senator Theresa Two Bulls has worked with State Representative Jim Bradford in proposing two critical pieces of legislation for South Dakota’s Indians.  The first bill would reauthorize the construction of nursing facilities on American Indian reservations so that Indians living on reservations would no longer have to choose between staying close to their family or receiving needed healthcare.  The second bill would expand funding for tribal colleges to provide more educational opportunities for South Dakota’s Indian youth.

Senator Two Bulls’ legal experience includes the protection of voting rights for American Indians. When the legislature passed a redistricting plan that would have diluted the American Indian vote and, therefore, would limit participation in local government, Senator Two Bulls fought back. She collaborated with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and filed a lawsuit on grounds that legislation violated the Voting Rights Act. As a result, the Federal Court sided with Two Bulls and the ACLU and granted an injunction last year.

Senator Two Bulls uses the skills she learned in the courtroom to advocate in the legislature for the disadvantaged and for working families, despite the obstacles presented by the Republican dominated legislature. She called on Congress to restore funding for the Urban Indian Health Program and proposed expanding health insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices.  Furthermore, Senator Two Bulls has consistently proposed legislation and advocated for health care for victims of rape and an increase in the minimum wage.

State of the Race:
Senator Theresa Two Bulls' proven leadership in the State Senate and her advocacy for South Dakotans will only get stronger as she continues to serve in the legislature. She will face a Republican opponent, Craig Hanrahan, in the general election, so she needs our help! INDN’s List is proud to support her race and hopes you will join us in helping Senator Two Bulls win in November’s general election!