If you recall, former reporter Austin Goss had been rumored to be looking to run for State Auditor in the 2026 SDGOP State Convention contest back this last February.
However, according to a story this weekend at the Aberdeen insider, that’s looking to not be the case anymore, as he’s announcing that he’s moving in a column titled “Austin Goss: The final page in the South Dakota chapter“
Now, it’s time for my family and me to head back east. While I was serving on active duty military orders for most of this year, we faced a series of emergencies that made one thing clear: in the event of another extended activation or deployment, my immediate family needs to be closer to extended family.
Read that story here (subscription required).
With Goss moving, that means the sole candidate in the contest for State Auditor remains Sioux Falls City Councilman David Barranco.

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Goss.
The state fair had a lot of people recruiting for Auditor and SOS.
Yes— David was at the Fair today with his family. Good guy.
Maybe he could go to work for Noem.
Never did trust that guy.
Barranco will be a fantastic auditor!
I had the pleasure of working with Austin Goss when we covered the 2024 and 2025 sessions of the South Dakota Legislature for the SD Broadcasters Association member stations. He was an outstanding reporter, always digging hard. Austin was also an excellent colleague. I wish him and his family the best of luck in their move back East.
I’m tired of the Austin Goss hate. He’s a good guy who did good work and made one mistake. Dakota News Now has been far worse after his departure.
Rumor at the state fair is that Greenfield is eying Auditor.
That’s a much bigger office so I don’t see it. I think he rides it out at public lands until Klumb wants it.
Brock said he supports David.
Austin Goss is a good person. A dedicated father and spouse. His family decisions make sense, but sad to see him go
We need another candidate for auditor. This guy isn’t ready to run a state department.
Baranco needs to support empowering the state auditor.
I’ve heard over the weekend Treasurer Haeder might be considering a run for Auditor.
He should run for PUC. He’s become a legend for those who care about property rights.
I asked Josh. He backs David for auditor.