Billie Sutton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Billie Sutton
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| Minority Leader of the South Dakota Senate | |
| In office January 5, 2015 – January 8, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Jason Frerichs |
| Succeeded by | Troy Heinert |
| Member of the South Dakota Senate from the 21st district |
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| In office January 3, 2011 – January 8, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Julie Bartling |
| Succeeded by | Rocky Blare |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Billie Harmon Sutton
March 16, 1984 Burke, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Kelsea |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Wyoming (BA) |
Billie Harmon Sutton (born March 16, 1984) is an American who used to be a professional rodeo rider and later became a politician. He was a member of the South Dakota Senate from 2011 to 2019. During his time there, he served as the leader for the minority party. In 2018, he ran for Governor of South Dakota but lost the election.
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Billie Sutton's Early Life and Rodeo Career
Billie Sutton grew up in Burke, South Dakota, on his family's ranch. His family had lived in South Dakota for five generations. This is where he first became interested in rodeo.
Billie went to college at the University of Wyoming. He was a very successful rodeo rider there. He even became the university's top rodeo points earner of all time. In May 2008, he graduated with a degree in finance.
After college, Billie competed as a professional rodeo rider. He was part of the PRCA circuit and was ranked among the top 30 bronc riders in the world.
A Life-Changing Accident
In 2007, when Billie was 23 years old, he had a serious accident at a rodeo in Minot, North Dakota. His horse flipped over in the chute before a ride. This accident caused him to become paralyzed from the waist down.
Even after the accident, Billie finished his college degree. He then returned to his hometown of Burke. There, he started working as an investment consultant at a bank.
Billie Sutton's Political Journey
In 2010, Billie Sutton was elected to the South Dakota Senate. He represented District 21. He quickly became an important part of the state government.
From 2013 to 2015, he served as the Assistant Minority Leader in the Senate. This means he helped lead the political party that had fewer members. In 2015, he became the main Minority Leader for the South Dakota Senate.
Running for Governor
In May 2017, Billie Sutton announced that he would run for Governor of South Dakota. He made this announcement at his family ranch in Burke. Michelle Lavallee, who used to be a Republican, joined him as his running mate for lieutenant governor.
Billie Sutton lost the election in 2018. He received 47.6% of the votes, while his opponent, Kristi Noem, received 51.0%. This was one of the closest governor elections in South Dakota in many years.
Who Supported Billie Sutton?
Many people and groups supported Billie Sutton when he ran for governor. Two major newspapers in South Dakota, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader and the Rapid City Journal, endorsed him.
He also received support from several well-known Republicans. These included former U.S. Senator Larry Pressler and former State Senate Majority Leader Dave Knudson.
What Were His Main Ideas?
Billie Sutton is known as a moderate Democrat. This means his political ideas are often in the middle, not too far to one side. He supports gun rights and focused a lot on fighting against corruption in government.
Billie Sutton's Personal Life
Even though his rodeo career ended after his accident, Billie Sutton still loves horses. He enjoys riding horses with his wife, Kelsea.
Billie and Kelsea have three sons. They also had a daughter named Lenore, who was born on July 8, 2020, but sadly passed away a week later. In August 2022, a community splash pad in Burke was opened. It was named Lenny's Lily Pad to honor their daughter.
