Meet Liz

Liz Larson grew up in Sioux Falls and is a working mom running for State Senate in District 10. Liz has a passion for community empowerment and wants to use it to make the world a better place—starting right here in our own backyard.

With over 20 years of experience in project management and policy advising in the United States and abroad, Liz is experienced with setting goals, building coalitions and getting the job done. Her experience is rooted in the values she grew up with – integrity, compassion, and hard work. Liz is the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and wife of a law enforcement officer. She’s a mom to two wonderful children and understands what’s at stake for the next generation. Liz is a true South Dakotan and lover of the outdoors. She caught her first walleye in Big Stone Lake in the 1980’s and has been reeling in fish– or hunting and hiking– ever since. Liz feels truly blessed to have grown up experiencing the natural wonders that South Dakota has to offer.

Liz was inspired to start a career in international work by her principal at Horace Mann Elementary who showed her the importance of helping those around her, and giving back to the community. Liz went on to work for nonprofits and social enterprises including Oxfam America, Mercy Corps, a World Bank initiative, and the United Nations. Liz worked on post-tsunami economic recovery in Indonesia, agricultural extension and community finance in Cambodia, microfinance in India and Nepal, and inclusive financial services in the Pacific Islands. Now, Liz is ready to make a difference in her own community and state— fighting for issues that South Dakotans care about in the state legislature.

She is running because she wants to use her passions to make the world a better place – Liz is running to build a better South Dakota guided by thee values of integrity, compassion, and hard work. She will bring smart solutions to issues that matter to South Dakotans advocating for affordable health care, quality education, and an economy that works for everyone.