John Carley, a small business owner, devout Christian, and now Republican state senator for South Dakota, is poised to make a significant impact on the state’s political landscape. His journey from founding a successful technology company to running for state senate demonstrates his unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel through all available means. Carley’s victory in the state primary in June, coupled with the absence of a Democratic opponent in November, solidifies his win in the general election this week for South Dakota State Senate District 29.
Carley shared how much of his journey is intertwined with his history at NRB. As a long-time member and leader, he benefited from NRB’s public policy sessions, his role on the President’s Council, the association’s Washington, D.C. events, and mentorship from NRB’s seasoned leaders.
Carley believes that his involvement in NRB was instrumental in his decision to run for office. He credits the organization for providing him with the knowledge, connections, and motivation to engage in public service. “Hopefully I can continue to honor that,” he said, by bringing “NRB’s mission into state politics.”
Carley’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1995 when he founded Trinet Internet Solutions Inc. As the company’s president, he has led the way in providing innovative digital marketing solutions to businesses, especially Christian ministries. While studying biomedical engineering, computer science, and business in college, Carley developed a passion and recognized the potential for using emerging technologies to reach a global audience with the Gospel. It was during this time that a friend introduced him to NRB.
While NRB had limited involvement in internet technology at the time, Carley saw an opportunity to partner with the organization to leverage the power of new technology to spread the Gospel. Despite his own limited resources, he made it a priority to attend NRB conferences.
“The first two or three years I ever came to NRB, I would, beg, borrow, and barter to find a very inexpensive exhibit hall pass, as a starting business with very little money,” Carley remembers.
Carley’s early involvement with NRB proved to be mutually beneficial. He chaired the organization’s Internet Committee, where he played a pivotal role in advocating for the use of internet technology to reach a wider audience. He also served on the NRB Board of Directors and its Executive Committee and today continues to contribute as a member of the Board of Governors.
Today, Carley is actively involved in teaching others how to utilize AI and other cutting-edge technologies. He also works to integrate traditional media like TV and radio with digital platforms to create a more impactful message.
Carley’s passion for using technology to spread the Gospel led him to explore new avenues of ministry. He re-established Elk Creek Resort, a picturesque retreat center in South Dakota’s Black Hills near Mount Rushmore, and the Petrified Forest of the Black Hills, a creation museum and hiking trails to showcase the wonders of God’s creation. Carley’s ministry vision expanded to combine both in-person and digital outreach, leveraging the museum as a platform to share the Gospel creatively.
“As far as we know, it’s the only attraction in the entire area that is actually communicating a creation worldview of our beginnings,” he said.
Although South Dakota has a conservative political history, Carley felt that the authentic Christian worldview was not sufficiently represented in state politics. His decision to run for state senate marked his first foray into politics. Despite finishing in second place in the 2022 election against the long-standing incumbent, he felt called to try again in 2024.
The primaries in South Dakota are challenging, as they are the most crucial faceoffs between incumbents and challengers. In June, Carley achieved a victory with around a margin near 60/40, which he attributed to the guidance of the Lord.
“It’s very nice to run in a general election and only have your name on there and not be running against the Democratic opponent,” he said.
Carley’s platform centered on three key principles: constitutional liberties, cutting spending and taxes, and cherishing family values. He stressed the need to protect the rights outlined in the First and Second Amendments, pro-life policies, faith-based initiatives, and support for veterans. Campaigning across the state’s largest county, Carley covered both rural and urban areas to educate constituents on these values. Carley utilized his experience in digital platforms to promote his campaign on all mediums, as well as conducting interviews on NRB member stations like Bott Radio and about evangelism on Salem News.
Carley was unapologetic about integrating his faith prominently in his campaign for two main reasons: to honor the Lord and to challenge the superficiality of cultural Christianity by living out a life rooted in genuine faith and devotion to Christ.
“You know, the Lord’s in control anyway,” Carley said. “I wanted to share that I’m not just a cultural Christian like some Republican candidates, but in God’s mercy, daily walking, trusting the Lord in faith, and wanting to bring that Christian worldview to state politics.”
Carley believes that Christian involvement in politics is crucial to both advance good policy and prevent bad laws from being passed.
“God is our original law giver, and we need to make sure we influence laws and lawmakers to reflect this worldview,” he said. Carley encourages all Christians to remain informed, participate, and take seriously their civic responsibility to vote and pray for good Christian leaders to run for office at every level. His current position plays a critical role: “We review 5 to 800 [bills] per year in the state. And a lot of those pass as laws.”
In the run-up to the general election, Carley focused on campaigning for the presidential race and for specific ballot initiatives in South Dakota. One of the key issues he was involved with was keeping abortion off the state constitution, an effort which proved successful.
As a remarkable example of how faith, media, and business can intersect, Carley’s commitment to serving others make him a valuable asset to South Dakota and a role model for all Christians seeking to engage in public service.
Learn more at his campaign website CarleyforFreedom.com. Trinet Internet Solutions has been an NRB member since 2008.