Author: @SoDakCampaigns

Stephen Saint Launches District 30 Bid: “I’m Not Here to Sit Quietly”

CUSTER, S.D. Stephen Saint, a Black Hills businessman and Army veteran, is officially in the race for State Representative in District 30, and he’s launching with a message that’s likely to resonate with voters who are tired of talk and looking for results.

Saint, owner of Fort Welikit Campground, says his campaign is grounded in real world experience, not political theory, and he’s not shy about saying it.

“I don’t talk about policy like it’s an idea on paper,” Saint said. “I deal with the consequences of it every single day. When government gets it wrong, I feel it immediately, in payroll, in costs, and in whether my business can grow or not.”

A former U.S. Army serviceman and deputy sheriff, Saint says accountability isn’t optional, it’s expected.

“I’m not running to be quiet or to go along with anything,” he said. “I’m running to speak up, push back when needed, and make sure District 30 actually has a voice in Pierre.”

Saint is running on a platform centered on property rights, real tax relief, and strong support for local law enforcement, search and rescue, fire departments, and ambulance services, saying those on the front lines of public safety deserve consistent backing, not just words during campaign season. He also emphasizes ensuring rural communities aren’t sidelined when decisions are made at the state level.

He’s also putting a spotlight on protecting the VA in Hot Springs, calling it a priority that requires more than words.

“We don’t need more promises, we need follow through,” Saint said. “If something matters, then you fight for it. If something’s broken, you fix it. That’s how I’ve run my business, and that’s how I’ll serve.”

With deep roots in the Black Hills and a reputation for being direct and results oriented, Saint is making it clear early he’s not easing into this race.

“I’ve spent my life stepping up when it counts,” he said. “This is no different.”

District 30 just got a candidate who isn’t interested in waiting his turn.

And it won’t take long to see who’s ready for that and who’s not.

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Remember Terry Gleason, who had announced earlier that he was running for Governor as an independent?  (He was the one on the sex offender registry.)

Tonight it appears he might be pursuing other dreams. Because this week he filed paperwork to run to become president of the United States.

On Facebook, a page claiming to be set up for the race gives the impression he is also abandoning being registered as a republican and is choosing to run as a democrat, as per this Facebook page with three followers:

Well, good luck there.

Jason Fleming Announces Campaign for South Dakota House, District 35

BOX ELDER, S.D. — Jason Fleming has officially announced his campaign for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 35, bringing with him a lifetime of service, leadership, and deep commitment to the communities of Box Elder and the greater Black Hills region.

Fleming’s story is rooted in service. After dedicating 21 years to the United States Air Force, he returned home with the same sense of discipline, responsibility, and mission-focused leadership that defined his military career. Those values carried directly into civilian life, where he built Veteran Roofing and Veteran Painting into trusted local businesses known for hard work, integrity, and dependable service.

His path has always extended beyond business. Over the years, Fleming has remained deeply involved in the growth and well-being of the community through leadership roles with the Box Elder Fire District Board, the Rapid City Summer Nights Board, the Box Elder Economic Development Board, and the Douglas School System’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative. His involvement across public safety, education, economic development, and civic engagement reflects a long-standing belief that strong communities are built by people willing to step forward and serve.

As District 35 continues to grow around Box Elder, Rapid Valley, and the Ellsworth Air Force Base region, Fleming’s campaign is centered on ensuring that growth is guided responsibly and with local families in mind. His priorities include property tax relief, support for first responders and law enforcement, protection of parental rights, advocacy for military families, and policies that keep housing and community growth affordable.

At the heart of Fleming’s campaign is family. He and his wife, Andrea, are raising their three children — Isiah, Ian, and Lena — in the Black Hills, where they have built their life around faith, service, and community involvement. That personal investment in the future of the region continues to shape his vision for District 35 and his belief that South Dakota values must remain strong as the area expands.

Fleming’s campaign reflects a natural continuation of the life he has already lived — one defined by service to country, dedication to community, and a commitment to leaving the next generation with something stronger than what came before.

Voters can learn more, volunteer, or contribute to the campaign by visiting VoteJasonFleming.com.

Wyatt DeJong Announces Candidacy for South Dakota House of Representatives in District 21

(Hamill, S.D.) – Rancher and educator Wyatt DeJong announces his Republican candidacy for District 21 South Dakota House of Representatives.

District 21 includes the counties of Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory and Tripp.

“I’m running for the House because I believe in honoring the people who built South Dakota while making sure the state’s values continue for future generations,” said DeJong. ”My priorities include using education to grow leaders, strengthen the state’s ag industry and promote new ideas that support local communities, service and family values.”

DeJong and his wife Zana are the parents of two young boys and ranch with his family near Hamill, S.D. The graduate of South Dakota State University (SDSU) brings experience as a rancher, educator and leader in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization as he prepares to represent constituents of District 21.

Today, DeJong is part of his family’s operation, DeJong Ranch, established in 1948. He credits his faith, family and upbringing for shaping his commitment to service.

“With deep roots in agriculture and a passion for developing future leaders, I’m running to ensure South Dakota remains a place where families can thrive, communities can grow and the next generation is prepared to lead,” said DeJong.

The Republican Primary Election is June 2, 2026.

For more information, please contact Wyatt DeJong’s campaign at www.wyattdejong.com or follow him on social media.

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Johnson Announces Safer South Dakota

• Offender Accountability: On Day 1, Johnson will create the Supervision and Release Task Force, with representatives from law enforcement, the judicial branch, and the Board of Pardons and Paroles to improve probation and parole supervision of offenders. The task force will also aim to reform the commutation and clemency process in South Dakota to help ensure violent criminals are prevented from repeatedly harming the public. This task force will be co-chaired by Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar and former Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom. The South Dakota State Fraternal Order of Police was consulted and will have a member on the task force.
• Consequences for Drug Dealers: As Governor, Johnson will introduce legislation to create real consequences for dealers of fentanyl and methamphetamine by creating a presumption of distribution for offenders possessing large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
• Parental Notification: Johnson will introduce legislation to explicitly require schools to provide parental notification when a minor has an overdose or drug-related emergency. Other states, including Virginia, have implemented similar steps to make sure parents are notified when their child needs help.
• Real-Time Tracking for Overdose Data: As Governor, Johnson will commit to providing real-time tracking for overdose data and providing yearly updates to the state legislature. This will ensure community advocates and elected officials can better identify gaps that can be addressed in real time. Thanks to the leadership of Republicans in Congress and President Trump, national overdose deaths are down 19.7%. But in South Dakota, these rates are only down 11.7% and opioid-related deaths are on the rise.

Looks like the C-listers are even getting on the ballot this year.

Justin McNeal, who TWICE failed to get on the ballot last election – both as a Republican and an Independent – managed to get petitions in to run for US Senate against incumbent Senator Mike Rounds in the primary.

Also joining him on the ballot at the moment is Congressional wannabe James Bialota Jr, who championed exercising stand your ground laws against a 12 year old, and currently has a jury trial set for 4/16 on a 5/12/25 charge of ENTERING OR REFUSING TO LEAVE PROPERTY AFTER NOTICE, and DISORDERLY CONDUCT.  On a separate charge from October 21, 2025, for ENTERING OR REFUSING TO LEAVE PROPERTY AFTER NOTICE, there’s an evidentiary hearing set for May 9.  Or, have the hearings become a big maybe?

In the past, criminal charges have been pended while candidates have been running for office (remember Annette Bosworth?) because courts do not want to be seen interfering in elections.  So we’ll see if these court cases find justice frozen while the election plays out for the brief period until Bialota loses.

The not-ready for prime time candidates are on deck. Get ready for the election’s sideshow to begin!

Here’s the state of the primary elections for the state legislature, so far.  If the candidates are in Red (or the one in Blue) there is a primary.

At the moment, there are only 3 districts without a legislative primary of one sort or another at the moment. Three. Than means, in 32 other districts, there will be legislative primaries in June. WOW.

In case you missed one of the last gasps of the Jon Hansen for Governor campaign this last week. As communicated by a text blast.. because that’s all he could afford:

Hansen claimed he won the debate based on the on-line, and definitely unscientific poll. How unscientific? Just hear from one of his supporters:

They voted for him 3 times.

Not the kind of poll results I’d be blasting out there trying to claim a win.

Bahmuller, Peterson, and Schoenfish to Seek Re-election for District 19

Alexandria, Salem, and Scotland— District 19 legislators Rep. Jessica Bahmuller, Rep. Drew Peterson, and Sen. Kyle Schoenfish jointly announced today that they are seeking reelection to the South Dakota Legislature, running on a record of conservative leadership and a continued commitment to rural communities, strong families, agriculture, and responsible government.

Jessica Bahmuller, a municipal finance officer in Alexandria, was first elected to the South Dakota House in 2022. She has focused on fiscal responsibility, local control, rural health care, support for agriculture and small business, and bringing practical small-town experience to Pierre. She and her husband, Aaron, are raising three children in Alexandria.

“Serving you has been an absolute honor. We truly have the best district and people in the state. My oldest two children are preparing for college and I want to ensure they can return to District 19. Your best interest is always my interest,” said Jessica Bahmuller.

Drew Peterson is a fifth-generation farmer and cattle producer from rural Salem, where he and his wife, Lauren, also raise their two young children. He was first elected to the State House in 2022. Since then, Peterson has prioritized our rural communities, farmers, and ranchers, and has fought for access to quality education, healthcare, public safety, and public infrastructure.

“I am grateful to raise my children in the same community that I grew up in, here in District 19. I want that same opportunity for all of our children and grandchildren—to return to our hometowns, build a life and career, and keep our rural way of life strong,” said Drew Peterson. “I will continue fighting to protect rural taxpayers, limited and local government, and our conservative pro-life and 2nd amendment values.”

Kyle Schoenfish, a Certified Public Accountant from Scotland, served in the South Dakota House from 2013 to 2019 and was appointed to the Senate in 2020 before winning reelection. He works at Schoenfish & Company, Inc., in Parkston, serves on the Board of Directors for the Institute of Lutheran Theology Seminary College in Brookings, and is a graduate of Scotland High School and Dakota Wesleyan University. He has built a reputation as a steady, knowledgeable voice on education, fiscal policy, and the needs of rural South Dakota.

“I appreciate the opportunity to continue serving the district I grew up in. I  will keep standing strong for our rural and family values, and supporting our constitutional rights,” said Kyle Schoenfish.

Together, Bahmuller, Peterson, and Schoenfish are committed to protecting District 19’s rural way of life, defending taxpayers, supporting agriculture and small business, and making sure South Dakota remains a place where families can build a future.

District 19 includes Bon Homme, Hanson, Hutchinson, McCook, and Turner counties. The 2026 South Dakota primary is on June 2, 2026.

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Nick Kotzea of Sioux Falls is having a big fundraiser on Monday April 13th for his race in.. well, District 13. And as you can see from the flyer, Nick has a lot more than 13 sponsors for the event:

If you can’t make it, you can always send a donation to his campaign through www.votekotzea.com.