South Dakota
Current officeholders from Open States people data (CC0). Look up your own ballot by ZIP.
2026 statewide races
Your options: South Dakota Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Who they are
What they say they'll do
- BUILDING BACK RURAL SOUTH DAKOTA
- STRONG EDUCATION
- AFFORDABLE HOUSING
What they've done
Who funds them
In short
Who they are
What they say they'll do
What they've done
Who funds them
In short
Compare where they stand, issue by issue
Quotes are taken from each campaign's own website (first sentences of the section, unedited). Topics are assigned by keyword; we do not summarize or score positions. "No public position found" means we did not find the topic on the campaign site, not that the candidate has no view.
As our state grows, people are being priced out of the housing market. South Dakotans deserve access to safe, affordable housing. As governor, I will: Support local solutions to increase housing availability in both rural and growing communities.source
Every South Dakotan deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare, regardless of where they live. As governor, I will: Fight to keep rural hospitals open and long-term care facilities thriving. Address crucial workforce shortages straining our healthcare system.source
South Dakota believes in the investment of a strong public education sector, something every student deserves. As governor, I will: Recruit and retain great teachers in classrooms across the state. Strengthen rural schools and keep them at the heart of their communities.source
South Dakota needs to be a government that works for the people, not one that hides from them. As governor, I will: Work to make government open, honest, and accountable to the people. Communicate clearly and directly with constituents about decisions that affect their lives.source
In South Dakota, we're proud of our rural culture. But for too long it's been taken from us. Let's invest back in ourselves. As governor, I will: Invest in Main Street businesses and local economies that are the backbone of rural communities.source
No candidate in this race addresses on their site: Taxes & government spending, Social Security & Medicare, Immigration & the border, Crime & public safety, Guns, Abortion, Energy & environment, Foreign policy & defense, Veterans, Housing, Roads, transit & infrastructure.
Statewide officials now
What does a governor do?
Runs the state government. Proposes the state budget, signs or vetoes bills passed by the legislature, and appoints the heads of state agencies. Usually 4 years (2 in NH and VT).
- State budget, schools and Medicaid funding
- Signs or vetoes state laws
- Leads emergency response and the state National Guard
Open States lists only some statewide offices for some states; missing offices are coming soon.
State House (70 members)
What does a state representative do?
A member of the lower chamber of the state legislature (called the House, Assembly or House of Delegates). Writes and votes on state laws for a smaller district than a state senator. Usually 2 years.
- State budget and taxes
- Roads and schools
- Local issues raised by constituents
State Senate (35 members)
What does a state senator do?
A member of the upper chamber of the state legislature. Writes and votes on state laws and the state budget, and in many states confirms the governor's appointees. Usually 4 years.
- School funding and state taxes
- State criminal laws
- Drawing district maps (in many states)
Mayors
What does a mayor do?
Leads a city. In 'strong mayor' cities (like Chicago) the mayor runs city departments and proposes the budget; in others the city council and a city manager hold more power. Usually 4 years.
- Police and fire departments
- City budget and property tax levy
- Streets, water and garbage
Larger cities only, where Open States has current data. City council, county and school board: coming soon.