About Senator Castleberry

Jessica is a lifetime resident of District 35. She attended Rapid Valley Elementary School (where she served as student council president in the 5th grade), Dakota Middle School, and graduated from Rapid City Central High School.

Appointed to the Senate by Governor Kristi Noem, Jessica rose to the challenge this year in Pierre. She protected the 2nd Amendment and earned an endorsement from the NRA and A rating, earned a 100% pro- business scorecard from Elevate Rapid City, a 100% pro-life scorecard from SD Right to Life, served on the taxation committee and fought to keep your taxes low, and spoke up to protect personal liberties.

Jessica is committed to the community of District 35 and the State of South Dakota. She is a Christian, a Republican, a Constitutionalist, a fiscal conservative, an accomplished small business owner, and a proud mom to three wonderful teenagers. She is thrilled to have this opportunity to represent her community and neighbors that she loves.

Revised District 35 map

contact jessica

Jessica stands ready to assist you however she's able. She wants to hear what is happening in your community.

Protecting Gun Rights

Jessica is endorsed by the NRA and has an A rating

In 2022, Jessica prime sponsored HB 1052, An Act to place limitations on the enforcement of federal laws and directive related to firearms and ammunition

Jessica comes from a family of avid gun owners who believe in the rights of Americans to protect themselves- that right shouldn't be infringed in anyway.

In 2021, Jessica prime sponsored Senate Concurrent Resolution 607,

Affirming the Legislature's support of the constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

protecting low taxes

In 2022, Jessica prime sponsored HB 1253 in the Senate, to provide property assessment freeze and reduction of property assessment for certain seniors, and to revise qualifications for a property tax exemption. She also prime sponsored draft HB 1039, a Grassland Tax Relief Bill to help our South Dakota ranchers.

Jessica serves on the Senate Taxation Committee

protecting the unborn

In 2022 Jessica prime sponsored HB 1113, An Act to prohibit threats made with the intent to coerce an abortion and to provide a penalty therefor.

In 2020 and 2021, Jessica earned a 100% Pro Life Scorecard from South Dakota Right to Life.

Jessica's life work has been to support children and families. In 2021, she prime sponsored SB 83, An Act to require the provision of information regarding perinatal hospice.

Proven leadership

Jessica serves as the Vice-Chair of Senate Transportation, the Vice-Chair of Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, and was selected for the State Legislative Leadership Emerging Leaders Program in July of 2021 and the National Conference of State Legislatures Emerging Leader Program in December of 2021.

Protecting freedom and the constitution

Jessica believes in the United States of America.

Jessica opposes attempts to socially engineer our society and its relation to race, racism, and power through critical race theory.

Jessica opposes Unconstitutional vaccine mandates.

Jessica opposes Marxism, and is prepared to confront the current threat of communism in our country. In 2022, Jessica prime sponsored HB 1012 legislation to prohibit Critical Race Theory during orientation, professional development and trainings at institutions of higher education.

Support for veterans, the military, and law enforcement

Jessica is the Vice-Chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee

In 2021, Jessica prime sponsored

HB 1166 to make an appropriation of $3.8M to provide for infrastructure to support Ellsworth Air Force Base and to declare an emergency for the construction of the Liberty Wellness Center. She also co-sponsored HB 1056 to establish Purple Star Schools in South Dakota- state-sponsored recognition designed to emphasize the importance of assisting military children with school transition and developing programs that recognize the value of military service and civic responsibility.

community involvement

Jessica spends time with her constituents.

You can find her attending networking and community meetings, fundraisers, and volunteering at community events throughout our area. Jessica believes legislators should be accountable, accessible, and professional. Look for Jessica out on her voter-cycle, or stop by and say hi when you see her out and about!

Agriculture

Jessica supports a strong and viable economy for agriculture and recognizes the contribution farmers and ranchers make to South Dakota. In 2022, Jessica prime sponsored HB 1039, a Grassland Tax Relief Bill to help our South Dakota ranchers.

Protecting Women and Children

Jessica is dedicated to protecting and supporting women and children. In 2022 Jessica was the Senate prime sponsor of SB 46, An Act to protect fairness in women's sports. Jessica

co-sponsored An Act to prohibit eligibility for a suspended imposition of sentence for the crime of rape and prime sponsor legislation to address new technology in revenge porn.

In 2021 She prime sponsored SB 126 to establish the crime of possession, manufacturing, or distribution of obscene childlike sex dolls.

Jessica believes parents have the first and primary responsibility of educating their children. She supports access to locally controlled, quality education.

Quality of life

Jessica promotes quality of life for all South Dakotans. In 2022, Jessica prime sponsored legislation to improve quality of life for the elderly, disabled and homeless through better use of current funding.

economic development

In 2020 and 2021, Jessica earned a 100% Pro Business Scorecard from Elevate Rapid City.

She supports the creation of new jobs and economic development that will enable our youth and adults to stay in State of South Dakota. She opposes government overreach, and excessive taxation and overregulation.