Catherine Barranco

Background

Barranco is the Republican nominee for State Auditor in the 2026 general election and is from Sioux Falls. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics, and her stated professional experience includes financial work for a Walmart corporate division and assisting with financial-fraud investigations at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Sources: South Dakota Voter, South Dakota Argus Leader

What the candidate has said

Statements are attributed to the linked sources.

• Efficiency and savings

  Her campaign says she would identify savings, improve government efficiency and create opportunities for tax relief.

  Catherine Barranco for State Auditor

• Financial oversight

  Barranco says she would use Project BISON’s financial-system tools to strengthen pre-audits of claims and vouchers and identify problems earlier.

  South Dakota Voter

• Audit review

  She says she would add sharper review and analytics, including a dedicated effort to identify waste, fraud and inefficiency.

  South Dakota Voter