Gov. Rhoden Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration after Historic Storms

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden formally requested a presidential major disaster declaration for eight South Dakota counties and two reservations in response to a mini-derecho, a tornado, and a historic windstorm.

“I saw the devastation first-hand in both Highmore and Huron from these severe storms, and I had eight state agencies on the ground to assist in the responses,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “This request would provide several million dollars in federal funding to help these communities recover. I thank President Trump in advance for his consideration and his help.”

Beadle, Bennett, Buffalo, Day, Hand, Hughes, Hyde, and Stanley Counties, along with the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Reservations, were included in the request. The request covers a storm system that went through South Dakota from June 28^th until July 3^rd. The damage estimate to public property is $4,564,928, exceeding federal thresholds for disaster assistance.

The weather produced sustained high winds and extreme gusts of 131 mph in Highmore that is being evaluated for both state and national records. The Storm Prediction Center is now classifying the June 29^th storm as a mini-derecho, which downed trees and power lines, damaged public infrastructure, and left residents without power for days.

Governor Rhoden previously declared a state of emergency on June 30, 2026, which started the disaster process by requesting technical assistance for a preliminary damage assessment by FEMA.

Damage included roads, power systems, parks, recreation areas, and public facilities, with Hyde and Beadle Counties experiencing particularly devastating impacts. Hyde County estimates $2.8 million in damages, and Beadle County accounts for almost $900,000. These two counties account for over 80% of the damages from the storm system.

If approved, the Presidential declaration would provide Public Assistance funding for repairs at a cost share of 75% federal, 10% state, and 15% local. In addition, it would make Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding available in the future.

A copy of the Executive Order is available here. A copy of the request to the President is available here. A copy of the Preliminary Damage Assessment by county and damage type is available here.

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100 Farmers and Ranchers Endorse Governor Rhoden

Pierre, SD – Today, 100 farm and ranch operations from across South Dakota launched Farmers and Ranchers for Rhoden ahead of the July 28 Republican runoff election. The coalition brings together farmers, ranchers, and agricultural families from communities across South Dakota to support Governor Larry Rhoden — a lifelong rancher who has spent decades working for agriculture and rural South Dakota.

“South Dakota agriculture isn’t just an industry to me. It’s my life,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “I grew up on a ranch and raised my family on that same ranch. While being Governor prevents me from doing ranch work as much as I’d like, I understand the work. There’s meaning to working with your hands to make something – and there’s a risk and responsibility that comes with making a living off the land. I understand that because I’ve lived it my entire life.”

As governor, Rhoden has made strengthening agriculture and rural communities a central priority of his administration. He has defended private property rights, expanded opportunities for South Dakota producers, supported value-added agriculture, strengthened rural infrastructure, and ensured that state government understands the challenges facing farmers and ranchers.

Rhoden said the support of fellow farmers and ranchers is especially meaningful to him: “I’m honored to have the support of these 100 South Dakota fellow ag producers. These families feed the world, sustain our rural communities, and carry on South Dakota’s way of life. Ag will remain king in South Dakota for as long as I am Governor.”

The members of Farmers and Ranchers for Rhoden include:

• 3J Cattle Company, Midland;
• Aamot Farms, Lyman County;
• Anderson Ranch, Lemmon;
• Andrews Ranch, Red Owl;
• Arcadia Farm, Ward;
• Benson Hay Farm, Hurley;
• Brian and Sandra Beyers, Roscoe;
• Bieber Red Angus, Leola;
• Chad Blindauer, Mitchell;
• Bogue Farms, Lincoln County;
• Bolton Ranch, Dallas;
• Walt Bones, Parker;
• Bones Hereford Ranch, Parker;
• Jacob and Kassie Boomsma, Hitchcock;
• Joel and Dianne Brandt, Clear Lake;
• Casey and Francie Brink, Union Center;
• Lynn Broadwine, Baltic;
• Bruns/Olen Farms, Falling Feathers Lodge, Warner;
• Butzer & Sons LLC, Alcester;
• Callen and Sandrine Brink, Union Center;
• John and Melanie Cammack, Cammack Buffalo Ranch, Stoneville;
• Cammack Ranch, Union Center;
• Deering Ranch, Hereford;
• DeWaard Farms, Armour;
• Diamond Farms, Davison County;
• Diamond W Land and Cattle, JD, Tina & Ben Wangsness, Hand County;
• Justin and Nicole Dikoff, Onaka;
• Doerr Farms, Gettysburg;
• Eagle Pass Ranch, Highmore;
• Cody and Sarah Edgar, Rockham;
• Chris and Kristi Efling, Highmore;
• Scot Eisenbraun, Eisenbraun Farm Partnership and Eisenbraun Cattle Co., Wall;
• Even Farms, Humboldt;
• Jim and Carol Faulstich, Highmore;
• Foster Hog Farm, Garden City;
• Randy and Cindy Frederick, Hayti;
• Travis and Renae Gebhart, Meadow;
• Glen Spring, Triple S Land & Cattle, Union Center;
• Bob Goodnow, Armour;
• Grand Slam Pheasant Hunts & Cody Korzan Farms, Kimball;
• Grant & Nancy Simons, White Owl;
• Troy and Stacy Hadrick, Hadrick Farms, Faulkton;
• Hadrick Ranch, Faulkton;
• Hainy Farms, Jerauld County;
• Hexad Farms, Parker;
• Jim and Joni Hunt, Dupree;
• Mike Jaspers Farms – Hutchinson, McCook and Marshall counties;
• Jensen Farms, Clay County;
• Jerry and Stephanie Sauder, Bryant;
• Judge & Lisa Jessop, Presho;
• Jarrod Johnson, Minnehaha County;
• Ketelhut Farms, Pukwana;
• Klumb Farms LLC, Davison County;
• Jared and Katie Knock, Willow Lake;
• Krogstad Brothers Farm, Minnehaha County;
• L&L Thompson Ranch, Glenham;
• John Lake, Lake Farms, Gettysburg;
• Lakeview Ranch, Pierre;
• Lakness Land and Cattle, Hayti;
• Lazy TV Ranch, Selby;
• LeBrun Farms, Colman;
• Jim Lintz, Hermosa;
• Madsen Ranch, Midland;
• Marvin Post, Brookings County;
• MDM farms, Parker;
• Travis Mockler, Centerville;
• Todd Mortenson, Mortenson Cattle Company, Hayes;
• Lyle and Garnet Perman, Rock Hills Ranch, Lowry;
• Lyle Perman, Rock Hills Ranch, Lowry;
• Peterson Farms, Salem;
• Prairie Home Angus, Prairie Home Enterprises, Faith;
• Propst Farms, Corsica and Winner;
• Prouty Pork & Land Co., Hamlin County;
• John & Linda Rittberger, Fairburn;
• Kevin and Holly Robling, Pierre;
• Roe Farms, Hazel;
• Roseland Ranch and R&R Pheasant Hunting LLC, Faulkton;
• Brett and Karen Runge, Wessington;
• Runia Farms, Hamlin County;
• Greg Ryken, Yankton;
• Sandcreek Partnership and Roberts Farms, Stanley and Lyman counties;
• Jim Schmidt, Lincoln County;
• Dave Scott, Geddes;
• Derrick Scott, Geddes;
• Scott Menning, Corsica;
• Travis & Melissa Shaffer, Hayes;
• Jim and Jodi Shaw, Shaw Ranch, White Owl;
• Les and Ann Shaw, White Owl;
• Kevin Smalley, Hills View Lodge, Eureka;
• Chuck Spring family, Diamond S Ranch, Union Center;
• Steve Breding, Chamberlain;
• Stockmen’s Livestock, Yankton;
• Stomprud Angus Ranch, Meade County;
• Symens Bros., Amherst;
• Tammy Basel, Union Center;
• The Lemmel Ranch, Mud Butte;
• Tim Hammel, Hammel Ranch, Fall River County, Fall River County;
• Tweet Farms, Madison;
• Waletich Farms, Britton;
• Wipf Grain Co, Spink County;

The South Dakota Republican gubernatorial runoff election is tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Learn more about Governor Rhoden’s results to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free at RhodenResults.com.

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Don’t you hate it when your convention results stink?  What do you do?

Really. What do you do? Republicans are saddled with Heather Baxter for Secretary of State, and I’m sure I’ve got a potted plant around here or one of my dogs that could fill in nicely.  But it doesn’t work this way. The majority has spoken. The results were certified, and we all move forward.

Except in the case of the State Democrat party. They’re having what you might call a “do-over” convention and they’ve provided notice to the Secretary of State that they’re getting together via zoom to make it happen:

The rumor is that they are going to try to fill the blank spot in the Attorney General race they left empty. And who knows, maybe they could dump some of their turkey candidates and put better ones in there.  But doesn’t that kind of go against Democratic principles?

Noting the language in their 7/20 letter…

ln accordance with SDCL 12-5-17, this letter serves to notify the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office that the South Dakota Democratic Party will convene its biennial State Convention on Monday, August 10,2026 at 7:00 P.M. CDT.

This is not the first time they’ve cited this law. Because here’s the prior notice..

In accordance with SDCL 12-5-17, this letter serves to notify the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office that the South Dakota Democratic Party will convene its biennial State Convention on Saturday June 6, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. CDT. The 2026 South Dakota Democratic Party State Convention will take place at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel located at 3200 W Maple Street in Sioux Falls.

Two conventions? What does the law they’re citing – 12-5-17 have to say about it?

12-5-17. Biennial state conventions–Time and place–Notice to secretary of state.

Each political party shall hold a state convention in each even-numbered year for the purposes stated in § 12-5-21. The state central committee of each political party shall determine the time and place of the convention. The chair of the committee shall notify the secretary of state at least fifteen business days prior to the date chosen.

Read that here.

Following the nomination is the certification of candidates:

12-5-22. Majority required for nomination by convention–Certification to secretary of state.

Nominations by a state convention shall be made by a majority vote of the votes cast and shall be certified to the secretary of state by the officers of the convention, within three days of the close of the convention. No certification may be received by the secretary of state later than the second Tuesday in August.

Read that here.

In fact, here’s the document they filed:

Looking at SDCL 12-5-17, here’s what I notice..

Each political party shall hold a state convention in each even-numbered year.

In a plain reading of the statute, I take a State Convention to be singular. As in one.     Giving further support to the finality of the convention, I look to that second statute, 12-5-22.

Nominations by a state convention shall be made by a majority vote of the votes cast and shall be certified to the secretary of state by the officers of the convention, within three days of the close of the convention.

Which they did, as they certified the results of the convention after the close of the convention.

Yet now South Dakota Democrats want to come back for another bite at the apple and to have another convention. I’m not familiar with any precedent for a political party conducting dual-conventioning when they decided they didn’t care for their results and sought a do-over.

If that’s the case, why haven’t we had it successfully happen in the past?  This looks like the party bosses trying to substitute their judgement for those of the broader Democrat flock.

I have no doubt that this will end up in court potentially delaying the ballot as it’s fought over.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – LOOKING BACK & AHEAD
by State Sen. Glen Vilhauer

The South Dakota Legislature Joint Committee on Appropriations met recently to get a financial update on the State’s financial situation. Two main items were on the agenda-one looking back and the other looking forward.

The state’s fiscal year ended on June 30th and reflected a surplus of $69 million. This resulted from revenues being $30M than estimated and expenditures being $39M less than budgeted. Sales tax growth of 6.6% for the year was the main driver of the revenue increase. Unspent funds of $32M by the Department of Social Services accounted for the largest component of the expenditure side of the equation. While significant, this surplus deviates only about 2.5% from the overall budget for the year. It is a budget that is mandated to be balanced and is also prepared 15-16 months ahead of time. I would like to compliment the staffs of the Bureau of Finance and Management (BFM) and the Legislative Research Council (LRC) for guiding the legislature throughout the budgeting process and bringing us across the finish line so close to actual. I have been asked recently on a number of occasions as to what happens to this surplus? This excess will remain as part of the state’s general fund reserves to be used as the need arises for possible future expenditures. A couple recent examples is the funding of the new prison currently under construction and a recent transfer of $56M to jump start the property tax reduction brought about the decision to allow the sales tax rate to revert back to 4.5% starting next July 1st. Without these reserves the state would not be able to take advantage of options deemed necessary by the governor and legislature.

Now that the 2026 fiscal year is behind us we turned our attention to the 2027 year which ends on June 30th of next year. As mentioned before, the state is required to operate on a balanced budget, and this was passed by the legislature and signed by the governor late during the recent legislative session. The revenue forecast adopted would require an overall 1.5% increase in revenue with a needed sales tax increase of 3.0%-3.5% to accomplish this. Again, the numbers utilized for this forecast were projected 15-16 months ahead of some months of the new year. We need to keep our fingers crossed that the strong performance that we have experienced since the beginning of this calendar year carries over in future months. BFM and LRC staff will be closely monitoring this as the year unfolds and will keep the governor and legislature updated on a regular basis.

A few other items that were brought to our attention and briefly reviewed:

• The State maintained its AAA credit rating as determined by a couple of the key credit rating agencies. This is critical if the state needs to borrow money and also benefits counties, cities and schools if a borrowing need arises.
• The South Dakota Retirement System also finished a strong year with earnings on its investments of 11.9% while remaining 100% actuarially funded. This remains one of the strongest public retirement systems in the country for the benefit of the 100,000+ members covered.
• Per capita spending as measured by the general and other funds activity is $1,200 lower than any of the other states in our surrounding area.

In general, this reflects a state that is on solid financial footing and is being well managed by those involved in its operations. This includes multiple audits on various aspects of state finances. We heard a lot of rhetoric throughout the recent primary election cycle about the financial status and operations of our state finances. It was reassuring to hear from those that are closest to the numbers that the sky is not falling and that our citizens’ dollars are being spent prudently. Many states cannot say that. We can!!!

(no, really. I don’t think this is a joke – pp)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Luke Blindert Announces Bid to Serve as Toby Doeden’s Lieutenant Governor

Sioux Falls, SD — July 26, 2026 — Luke Blindert today announced his intention to serve as Republican gubernatorial candidate Toby Doeden’s choice for Lieutenant Governor, saying South Dakota Republicans deserve a leadership team that is prepared to lead boldly and decisively. With Representative Jon Hansen choosing not to join Toby Doeden’s ticket, Blindert said he is stepping forward to fill that role.

Blindert said he believes Republican voters deserve a running mate who is willing to make a decision, stand beside Doeden, and publicly commit to the race instead of remaining on the sidelines while others speculate about what comes next.

“You know what I think of this whole thing?” Blindert said. Blindert said he is prepared to serve as Lieutenant Governor if selected by Doeden and believes the Republican ticket should be settled so voters can focus on choosing the next governor of South Dakota.

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Building a Legacy
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
July 24, 2026

Since the day I took office, I have challenged everyone in my administration to focus on keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free. If we all link arms and pledge to chase opportunities together, our state will remain an example to the nation. And if years from now, someone remembers the work we accomplished together, then that’s just a bonus. Ultimately, it comes down to building a strong future for our kids and grandkids – that’s the legacy we’re building.

The passing of someone like T. Denny Sanford causes me to pause and think about what it means to build a legacy. T. Denny was the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history. His contributions will impact our state for decades – maybe centuries. If you know of a student that has benefited from the Build Dakota Scholarship or Freedom Scholarship, or perhaps know someone that has been helped by Children’s Home Society, or someone who has benefited from access to high quality healthcare in our rural state; then you have experienced a piece of Denny’s impact on the quality of life of South Dakota.

We are called to serve each other. The list of goodwill that Mr. Sanford has spread is difficult to inventory in just a few words. But ultimately, when he saw a need, he stepped in to make a difference. This shows his heart of service. Whether it is millions of dollars, hours of our time, or use of our best talents, we don’t do these things to be remembered. We do them because they are right.

When I think about the people that have left a good legacy, it is easy to see a commonality of a passion to leave this earth better than they found it. They also share an understanding of the reward for a willingness to slow down. They never confuse motion with progress. Instead, they remain focused on the long game. It can be difficult to move methodically while the “idea fairies” are flitting around in circles, but discipline is a must.

When I look back at my time in public service, all the way back to serving in the National Guard, there are moments that rise higher in my memory. But none of the moments on the list matter without hard work and integrity. And integrity is measured, in part, by the people who surround us. I’ve been credited with many successes, but oftentimes the people around me deserve the credit. The day I was sworn in as Governor, I thanked our people for this privilege, my wife, Sandy, for her loyal support, and the Good Lord for guiding my mind and my heart. I still feel this gratitude every day as I serve as Governor of the great state of South Dakota.

Whether in basic training camp, an evening school board meeting, hours in the House and Senate Chambers in Pierre, or traveling the state as Governor to understand what South Dakota needs, I know this to be true: the opportunity of our state is not limited by my vision, or even the vision of any one person – not even T. Denny Sanford. Our opportunity is as broad as the South Dakota prairie and as high as the Black Hills. If we work hard and put others first, things tend to work out. If we do the job with integrity, it will stick with people. If we are creating value that outlasts a lifetime, that’s when we have the honor to build a legacy.

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Public Service, Not Personal Gain
by Congressman Dusty Johnson

BIG Update

Members of Congress should not be allowed to buy and sell individual stocks. Insider trading is already illegal, and some Members have spent time in prison for it. We should go further, though, banning members from making stock transactions that are legal for other citizens. It looks lousy for a Member of Congress to trade stocks in advance of congressional action, even when based on publicly-available information.

The Stop Insider Trading Act passed the House this week with my support. This bill prohibits Members, their spouse, and dependent children from buying individual stocks while in office and implements an advanced notice requirement for any Member looking to sell already-held stocks. I’ve been among those leading the charge to pass this commonsense legislation through the House.

BIG Idea

Prediction markets have been around for centuries, adapting to the demands of the marketplace and emerging technologies. As chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development, I held a hearing this week to examine whether our current guardrails are keeping up with the times.

Tens of billions of dollars in transactions are taking place in this space every month. Sports-related prediction markets have grown exponentially in the past few decades. I’m looking forward to continuing the committee’s work as we examine the unique nature of these markets and the federal government’s role in their regulation.

Click here or the image above to watch Johnson’s remarks

BIG News

Every year, Congress must pass the annual defense bill or National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This year’s NDAA passed the House with my support to ensure our military is ready to meet the modern challenges of today and tomorrow. The bill includes full funding for the Ellsworth B-21 Raider strategic bomber program, provides our servicemembers with a 5-7% pay raise, and strengthens our role in countering China’s threat.

The bill also secures our supply chain and expands our production capacity so our troops will have what they need when they need it – and not rely on China. A strong United States military means a safer country and safer world. I was proud to support this legislation to keep Americans secure for generations to come.

Attorney General Jackley Releases 2028 Draft Ballot Explanation Allowing Exceptions for Direct Sale of Homemade Dairy Products

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released a draft ballot explanation for a proposed initiated measure that would allow exceptions for the direct sale of homemade dairy products. The measure is proposed by Brenda Anderson of Custer.

The initiated measure would require 17,509 valid petition signatures to qualify for the 2028 general election ballot. The draft explanation can be found here:

Attorney General Jackley takes no position on any such proposal. He has provided a fair and neutral explanation on the proposed initiated measure to help assist the voters.

This proposed initiated measure would allow dairy producers to sell homemade, raw dairy products directly to consumers. Under this proposal, raw dairy products would be exempt from state laws on licensing, permitting, inspecting, testing, and state packing and label requirements.

State law requires the Attorney General to draft a title and explanation for each initiated measure, initiated constitutional amendment, constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, or referred measure that may appear on an election ballot. The Attorney General’s explanation is meant to be an “objective, clear, and simple summary” intended to “educate the voters of the purpose and effect of the proposed” measure, as well as identify the “legal consequences” of each measure.

Once the Attorney General has filed and posted the draft explanation, the public has 10 days to provide written comment. The explanation was filed today July 24, 2026, and the deadline for comments on this explanation is Aug. 3, 2026, at the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota. The final explanation is due to the Secretary of State on Aug. 13, 2026. To file written comments for a draft Attorney General’s explanation please use one of the following methods below. Copies of all received comments will be posted on this website.

Comments may be submitted via mail, or through hand delivery, to the Attorney General’s Office at:

Office of the Attorney General
Ballot Comment
1302 S.D. E. Hwy 1889
Pierre, SD 57501

Comments that are hand delivered must be received by the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota, by Aug. 3, 2026. Comments that are mailed must be received by the Aug. 3, 2026 deadline to be accepted. Comments may also be emailed to ATGballotcomments@state.sd.us by the close of business on Aug. 3, 2026. Comments should be clearly expressed in the body of the email. The Attorney General’s Office will not open attachments in an effort to prevent malware or other digital threats. Please include your name and contact information when submitting your comment. The title of the comment must be included in the subject line of the email.

The draft ballot explanation can be found here: https://atg.sd.gov/docs/July%2024%202026%20ltr.MJJ%20Draft%20AG%20Statement.%20IM%20Direct%20Sales%20of%20Dairy%20Products.pdf

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Securing the Border for Good
By Sen. John Thune

Under President Biden, the southern border was a mess. Thousands of illegal immigrants were crossing the border every single day, Border Patrol agents were overwhelmed, and the consequences of this chaos were affecting communities around the country, including in South Dakota. The worst part: It was avoidable. But President Biden chose not to enforce our laws and secure the border, and chaos reigned as a result.

Border security isn’t a choice, it’s an obligation. After he took office last year, President Trump wasted no time securing the border. We saw illegal crossings drop precipitously, and border agents weren’t spread so thin anymore, so they could spend more time stopping cartels and other criminals. The police chief in Sioux Falls has even said that “some of the measures taken within the southern border are paying dividends within our community.”

This is the way things should be, and last summer Republicans provided resources in the Working Families Tax Cuts to ensure the border stays secure for years to come. This landmark bill provides the resources necessary to finish the border wall and deploy additional barriers and technology to secure the border. There was funding to support hiring new border agents and to bring on more immigration judges to address the massive backlog in immigration cases.

Those resources are making a difference. Thanks to President Trump and the Working Families Tax Cuts, as of the end of last month apprehensions at the southern border are 94 percent lower than they were under the Biden administration. Border Patrol is seeing a few hundred border crossings on a typical day – compared to as many as 10,000 in a single day at times under President Biden. And not a single illegal immigrant has been released from the border in more than a year.

Meanwhile, Democrats continue to embrace open borders. After complicity with the Biden border crisis, Democrats opposed the border security measures in the Working Families Tax Cuts. Then, earlier this year, Democrats took an even more radical position: defunding Border Patrol and ICE. Fortunately, their radical position did not carry the day.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Rapid City with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. It was great to meet the South Dakotans working in federal law enforcement and to hear about the work that they are doing with South Dakota law enforcement to keep our communities safe – work made possible by a program we bolstered in the Working Families Tax Cuts.

The security of our country and our communities is an important responsibility. Without it, nothing else much matters. I appreciate the law enforcement officers in South Dakota who go to work every day to keep us safe, and I’m proud to be working to support them and provide safer streets for South Dakotans and for all Americans.

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Press Release:

Jamie Smith and Sue Roust Endorse Curt Deedrich for Minnehaha County Auditor

Curt Deedrich’s campaign kickoff marked a significant milestone with the back-to-back endorsements of State Senator and former mayoral candidate Jamie Smith and longtime Minnehaha County Auditor Sue Roust.

These endorsements represent more than support for a campaign—they reflect a shared vision for the future of Minnehaha County elections. Their confidence reinforces a commitment to restoring integrity, professionalism, transparency, and public trust in the election process.

“I am truly honored to receive the endorsements of Jamie Smith and Sue Roust,” said Curt Deedrich. “Jamie has demonstrated unwavering leadership and a deep commitment to serving our community, while Sue’s decades of dedicated service as Minnehaha County Auditor have earned the respect and trust of countless citizens. Their belief in this campaign means more than words can express.”

Deedrich emphasized that the campaign is focused on bringing people together and moving beyond division.

“Together, we can move beyond unnecessary drama and focus on what truly matters—serving the people of Minnehaha County with fairness, transparency, and respect. This campaign is about restoring confidence in our elections, strengthening public trust, and ensuring every voter knows their voice matters.”

Deedrich concluded by expressing his sincere gratitude to both leaders.

“Jamie and Sue, thank you for your trust, your leadership, and your confidence in this campaign. I am deeply grateful for your support, and I look forward to working together to usher in a new chapter defined by collaboration, accountability, and exceptional public service.”

As the campaign continues, Deedrich remains committed to building an election office that serves every citizen with professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the democratic process.