From KELOland:
Ahead of the runoff election, KELOLAND News is once again teaming up with Emerson College Polling. We’ll be releasing the results this morning at 10 a.m. Central Time on KELOLAND.com
Rounds Introduces DNI Nominee Jay Clayton at Senate Intelligence Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today delivered the introduction for Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton at his nomination hearing in front of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Rounds first met Jay through his role on the Senate Banking Committee when Clayton was nominated and confirmed to be Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2017.
“Jay is a consummate professional with a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors,” said Rounds. “The Senate previously confirmed him on a bipartisan basis to serve as the SEC Chair, and I’d like to think we were proven correct in judging his character the first time around.”
“Jay’s time at the SEC and in the private sector has given him valuable experience with issues that the DNI faces on a daily basis: cyber threats from state and non-state actors, illicit finance, economic competition with China, and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence by both our adversaries and our own intelligence community,” continued Rounds. “He brings valuable insight into each of these areas that will serve him well.”
Click HERE to watch Rounds’ full introduction. Read Rounds’ remarks as prepared for delivery below.
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Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Today, I have the privilege of introducing the Honorable Jay Clayton, President Trump’s nominee to serve as the next Director of National Intelligence.
I first met Jay through my role on the Banking Committee when he was nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate to be Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2017.
He’s a consummate professional with a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors. The Senate previously confirmed him on a bipartisan basis to serve as the SEC Chair, and I’d like to think we were proven correct in judging his character the first time around.
It’s no surprise President Trump would select him to serve in his cabinet. The DNI has to be a trusted, unbiased voice to provide ongoing intelligence to the President. I believe Jay will do great work in this role.
Jay is an accomplished lawyer with decades of experience, and he currently holds one of the most high-profile and demanding posts in the Department of Justice as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
He’s made the most of his time in New York by prosecuting some of America’s worst enemies and threats to our national security: Mohamed Al-Sadia, the Iranian-Iraqi national responsible for over a dozen terrorist attacks in Europe and two attempted attacks in America, Nicolas Maduro, and multiple other narco-terrorists.
These efforts required extensive coordination with the intelligence community and larger national security enterprise, including the Department of Justice, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If confirmed, Jay’s experience at the helm in New York will serve him well as DNI.
Mr. Clayton chaired the SEC through a period of significant uncertainty for financial markets during the depths of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020.
His success in leadership roles at the SEC and DOJ is strong evidence of his ability to be an effective coordinator as the Director of National Intelligence.
Many of the most pressing national security threats we face today are cross-cutting issues that involve technology and economics and go beyond the IC’s traditional focus on foreign military capabilities and foreign leadership intentions.
Jay’s time at the SEC and in the private sector has given him valuable experience with issues that the DNI faces on a daily basis: cyber threats from state and non-state actors, illicit finance, economic competition with China, and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence by both our adversaries and our own intelligence community. He brings valuable insight into each of these areas that will serve him well.
Jay holds a TS/SCI clearance and has worked in highly classified compartmented environments requiring discretion and security compliance. As a result, he knows first-hand the critical importance of Section 702 of FISA. His extensive experience working across agencies is a quality needed as DNI. He has a working relationship with CIA director Ratcliffe that will make for a smooth transition into this leadership role.
While Jay may not have served in the intelligence community, he has the right mix of practical experience working with the IC, including experience with the Justice Department and coordination with the Department of the Treasury. His professional background is important to the growing demands being placed upon the IC related to technology and economic competition. Furthermore, his diverse experience in the private sector, the SEC and as a U.S. attorney in a very active district give him the wealth of management, leadership, and organizational experience to succeed in coordinating with all the different equities that make up the Intelligence Community.
In closing, I offer my strong endorsement for Mr. Clayton to serve as the next Director of National Intelligence. Thank you.
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Mayor-elect Erickson Appoints Chief of Staff
SIOUX FALLS–Mayor-elect Christine Erickson has selected Jim David to serve as her Chief of Staff in the mayor’s office.
In this role, David will serve as a senior advisor to Erickson and oversee strategic initiatives, policy development, intergovernmental relations and operational coordination.
“During my eight years on the City Council, I had the opportunity to work closely with Jim and see firsthand his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service,” said Erickson. “He is someone I trust and a leader who understands both the challenges and opportunities facing our city. I am confident he will serve the residents of Sioux Falls exceptionally well as Chief of Staff.”
David brings 14 years of experience with the Sioux Falls City Council, where he served as Chief of Legislation and Policy and most recently as Chief Administrative Officer. During his tenure, David managed City Council operations, guided legislative and policy initiatives, provided strategic counsel to councilors, and shaped decisions on issues affecting Sioux Falls residents. In these roles, he developed extensive experience in municipal operations, public policy, intergovernmental relations, and community engagement.
“I’m honored by the opportunity to serve as Chief of Staff,” said David. “I look forward to working with Mayor-elect Erickson and the city team to build on the strong foundation in place and continue moving Sioux Falls forward in a thoughtful and effective way.”
David is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in political science. Prior to joining the City Council in 2012, he served as Director of Operations for the Better Business Bureau and as Public Affairs Manager for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, where he gained experience in public policy, business advocacy, and community engagement.
David’s start date as Chief of Staff will be Monday, July 20, 2026.
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SIOUX FALLS–Sioux Falls Mayor-elect Christine Erickson released the following statement regarding the concession of opponent Jamie Smith in the 2026 mayoral election:
“Thank you to Jamie for a spirited campaign. He truly loves Sioux Falls. Jamie and I were friends before the election, and we’ll remain friends in the years ahead. Jamie was gracious when we spoke earlier today, and I’m glad he remains committed to a bright future for Sioux Falls. Now is the time for our community to move past the election and come together to make our city even stronger. Sioux Falls is a city for all, and I’m excited to get to work for everyone in our great city.”
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Thune Calls on Democrats to Support the Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act
“Democrats have allowed the politics of obstruction to determine so many of their actions for the last year and a half. I certainly hope that Democrats won’t now put politics ahead of support for our men and women in uniform.”
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:
Click here to watch the video.
From KELOland news, it appears that Jamie Smith is conceding his loss, and is not going to challenge the new Mayor, Christine Erickson’s win in the runoff:
Sioux Falls candidate for mayor Jamie Smith made an announcement Tuesday he’s conceding from the Sioux Falls Mayoral race.
“I’m here today to announce that I will not challenge the results in court and I will concede the race for Sioux Falls Mayor,” Smith said.
From my mailbox, apparently the Pennington County commission is telling the Pennington County GOP they can hand count if they want. But they have to meet a few conditions first:
Someone explain to me how bringing in an additional 230 people (46 precincts times 5 people) versus one centrally located machine is a “great savings for the county?”
I’m sure this will go well.
South Dakota Elected Officials Named Leadership in Commerce Award Winners
Washington, D.C., July 13, 2026 – The Cigar Association of America (CAA) has named South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) and House Majority Leader Will Mortenson (R-24) as winners of its inaugural Leadership in Commerce Award for their work in support of breaking down barriers in support of the industry
“Leader Mortenson was pivotal in the South Dakota Legislature this year in working to license cigar bars,” said CAA President Scott Pearce. “And Gov. Rhoden signing the bill (HB 1215) into law made a huge difference. Both Gov. Rhoden and Leader Mortenson demonstrated vital leadership to support small businesses in South Dakota. And it is exactly this type of leadership we are recognizing with our inaugural Leadership in Commerce Awards,” said Pearce.
“Getting together and enjoying a cigar is an American tradition. I spent my career fighting for common sense and freedom. As I wrap up my service in the Legislature, I’m honored to receive this award. I know just how I’m going to celebrate it!” Majority Leader Mortenson said.
Backed by registered lobbyists in 47 states, CAA has seen a wave of successes in state capitals during the 2026 legislative sessions; additional awards will be announced in the coming weeks.
About the Cigar Association of America (CAA): Founded in 1937, the Cigar Association of America is the leading national trade organization dedicated exclusively to protecting and promoting the interests of cigars, their manufacturers, importers, distributors, and adult consumers.
Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Senator Lindsey Graham
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide effective immediately until 6 pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026, as a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Lindsey Graham.
This announcement is consistent with President Trump’s order, which can be found here.
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Law Enforcement Voices Support for Gov. Larry Rhoden
Pierre, SD – Today, the Fraternal Order of Police and several South Dakota sheriffs endorsed Governor Larry Rhoden in his re-election campaign.
“I have such tremendous respect for the men and women of law enforcement who work so diligently to keep South Dakota safe,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “My brother is a life-long sheriff’s deputy, and my son is a deputy sheriff, so when law enforcement comes under attack, it’s personal to me. I’ve delivered results to support law enforcement and improve public safety, and if I have the privilege to serve for four more years, I will continue to do so.”
Governor Rhoden received endorsements from the following sheriffs: Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller, Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Swenson, Corson County Sheriff Alan Dale, Edmunds County Sheriff Jonathan Waldner, Perkins County Sheriff Kelly Serr, Potter County Sheriff Curt Hamburger, Walworth County Sheriff Josh Boll, and Ziebach County Sheriff Gary Cudmore.
“I’ve spent my career working to keep our communities safe, and I know how important it is to have leaders who stand with law enforcement,” said Sheriff Brian Mueller. “Governor Rhoden has consistently supported the men and women who wear the badge and has made public safety a priority. That’s why I’m proud to endorse him for Governor.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Governor Rhoden on important public safety issues, from securing a new location for the State Penitentiary to expanding the Highway Patrol’s presence in our region,” said Sheriff Steve Swenson. “He listens to law enforcement, values our input, and follows through on keeping our communities safe. That’s why I’m proud to endorse him for Governor.”
The Fraternal Order of Police stated, “Governor Rhoden is delivering real results for law enforcement and public safety,” including:
“These are not just promises. These are proven results that support our officers, improve public safety, and make South Dakota a safer place,” continued the Fraternal Order of Police.
Learn more about Governor Rhoden’s results to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free at RhodenResults.com
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