Author: @SoDakCampaigns

You can’t make this stuff up.

In the last day or so, Gubernatorial Candidate Toby Doeden joined Taffy Howard, the person who has been arm-in-arm with him since day 1 of his campaign and joined the fight against the Rapid City sports complex tax increment finance district.

Doeden’s PAC, which he has financed almost exclusively and has used in conjunction with all of his political efforts sent out a text blast to Rapid City residents and derided the Rapid City Destination District TIF that’s coming up for a vote on January 20 as “corporate welfare.”

Certainly gubernatorial candidate Toby Doeden can say whatever he wants (as he often does). But once again, Doeden demonstrates that he is the case study for “do as I say, not as I do.”  Because just a short time ago, in 2023 – just before he voted in his first Republican primary – Doeden applied for and agreed to a Tax Increment Finance development agreement with the City of Aberdeen:

In case you don’t believe me, read the receipts for yourself, complete with documents signed by Toby Doeden, Developer:

Toby Doeden – Plaza Rentals Aberdeen TIF Application by Pat Powers

Wait-a-minute… Gubernatorial wannabe Toby thinks TIFs in Rapid City are “corporate welfare”, but TIFs in Aberdeen are magically good when he signs them?   And what about the Rapid City Destination District’s chief opponent Taffy Howard?

Howard is one of the organizers of the group opposing the Destination District, which claims ” This TIF district directly impacts taxpayers and threatens future funding for our schools and infrastructure, all while keeping our property taxes high” and that “tax breaks are handed out at the expense of our community’s future.”   In fact, Howard has already declared that she’s going to bring legislation to limit tax increment finance districts, because she claims “they help build private business.”

Yet, at the same time Taffy has openly endorsed Toby Doeden as a candidate:

I believe the quote she has is claiming he’s a “forward-thinking, successful businessman.”   Yet nothing about his use of TIF funding. That seems to be a pretty egregious sin of omission.

Of course, Doeden’s group calling out TIFs as corporate welfare might pale against other forms of corporate welfare that are out there. Such as the corporate welfare of $1.1 Million in free money his other business – the Aberdeen Auto Center – received from COVID loans.  Loans which ended up being forgiven, so they truly were corporate welfare. Especially in Toby’s case.

So when Toby Doeden’s PAC sends out text messaging blasts slamming the Liberty Land district as “corporate welfare,” Toby Doeden would be the expert on corporate welfare. Because when it comes to corporate welfare, there’s not many who know better in South Dakota how to go get some.  Clearly, the Doeden for Governor campaign’s new rallying cry is “TIF’s for me, but not for Thee!”

It’s ok for Toby. But what about us peasants? I thought Taffy says that’s being a “forward-thinking, successful businessman.”   

Just keep that in mind when you consider how to vote.

Gov. Rhoden and DOH Secure $189.4 million for Rural Health

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and the Department of Health (DOH) announced they secured $189.4 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, a five-year federal initiative that focuses on strengthening healthcare systems in rural communities.

“A rich rural heritage is one of South Dakota’s greatest strengths, and this is one of the most significant healthcare infrastructure investments in our state’s history,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “These resources will help us modernize rural healthcare, support the workforce that delivers it, and ensure that all South Dakotans have access to quality care – no matter where they live.”

The RHT Program was established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and provides $50 billion in funding over five years (FY 2026–2030) to support state-led strategies that improve access, innovation, and long-term sustainability in rural health.

South Dakota’s successful application and award were made possible through extensive engagement between the Governor’s Office, the Department of Health, the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations, the state’s three major hospital systems, the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board, provider associations, and rural communities statewide.

“This award reflects South Dakota’s collaborative approach – bringing together healthcare systems, Tribal nations, community organizations, and state government to build solutions that work for rural communities,” said Secretary Melissa Magstadt.

Governor Rhoden will share additional specifics on the RHT Program in his State of the State Address on January 13, 2026.

For more information about South Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Project, visit the DOH website.

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Attorney General Jackley to Introduce Bills on Election Integrity and Government Transparency

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces plans to introduce legislation dealing with election integrity and the state’s open meeting laws during the 2026 Legislature.

“These measures are designed to help preserve and enhance the public’s confidence in government,” said Attorney General Jackley.

The proposed bills are:

1. Election Integrity

Attorney General Jackley’s proposal would prohibit foreign nationals from contributing or donating financially to state campaigns.

“Foreign interests should never have a role in influencing South Dakota elections,” said Attorney General Jackley. “This legislation reinforces President Trump’s executive order and ensures that our campaign process remains transparent and accountable to the people of South Dakota—not foreign entities.”

2. Open Meeting Laws

The three separate bills promote government transparency. They require that a proposed agenda must contain a statement of the items scheduled to be considered by a public body during any official meeting; revise the requirements for executive or closed meetings and require the posting of an agenda of any official open meeting on a state website at least seventy-two hours before the meeting is scheduled to start according to the agenda.

“These proposals were recommended by the Advisory Task Force Committee on Open Meetings Laws that I created to promote government transparency,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I appreciate the committee’s work to provide clearer direction to boards and commissions to inform the public.”

The two media representatives on the committee, David Bordewyk, Executive Director of the South Dakota NewsMedia Association, and Steve Willard, Executive Director of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association, say the proposals make sense.

“In the past, such open meeting requirements have not been clearly stated and that has caused confusion,” they said. “We believe these measures will help both government officials and the media do their jobs while also continuing to accurately inform the public on issues that are important to them.”

Attorney General Jackley plans to introduce a total of 10 bills during this session which starts Jan. 13, 2026. Announcements of additional bills will be made as the bills are filed.

Once filed, the Attorney General’s bills can be found here:

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Senator Sydney Davis and State Rep. Chris Kassin will be holding a series of pre-legislative session meet & greet events across District 17 next week to talk about the upcoming legislative session. If you’re in the area, here are the details:

Starting on Tuesday, January 6 at P’s Pizza in North Sioux City, on Wednesday, January 7 at the Union Bean in Elk Point, and at the Vermillion Rotary Club Meeting, and on Thursday, January 8th at the VCDC Conference Room in Vermillion, the pair will be talking with local residents about a number of topics, including the 2026 state legislative session.

If you’re in the area, check it out and give two of the South Dakota legislature’s most active legislators input on what you’d like to see the legislature address in the coming weeks. Or just come and say hi, and give them your support!

Controlled Substances in Penitentiary, Protection of Youth From Illegal Substances, AI Adult Pornographic Images Part of Attorney General Jackley’s Legislative Package

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces three issues that his office has worked on throughout 2025 — controlled substances in the state penitentiary, protection of youth from illegal substances, and Artificial Intelligence-generated pornographic images, are centerpieces of his legislative bill package that will be introduced in the 2026 South Dakota Legislature.

“These issues require stronger legislative action, and it is my duty as Attorney General to bring these bills to the Legislature for its consideration,” said Attorney General Jackley.

The proposed bills would:

1) Controlled Substances Within the Penitentiary

Revise provisions related to possession and ingestion of controlled substances within the penitentiary system.

The Attorney General’s Office this year investigated eight prison inmate drug overdose deaths and has filed charges in three of the cases. Attorney General Jackley said controlled substances coming into the penitentiary continue to be a problem that must be addressed.

“We need tougher laws to stop the use and delivery of controlled substances into our penitentiary system,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Strengthening our laws will enhance the deterrent effect and better protect both correctional officers and inmates.”

2) Protecting Minors, Young Adults from Illegal Substances

Revise provisions regulating delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, THC-O acetate, and hexahydrocannabinol for those under the age of twenty-one.

Attorney General Jackley announced in September charges had been filed against five vape shop owners for the sale of illegal products.

“Our investigations discovered dangerous substances that need age restrictions to better protect our minors and young adults, much like we do with tobacco and alcohol,” said Attorney General Jackley.

3) AI Generated Pornographic Images

Revise a provision related to criminal invasion of privacy, prohibit the creation and distribution of digitally fabricated pornographic material of a non-consenting individual.

“In 2024, my legislation that dealt with AI-generated pornographic images involving minors was approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Recent investigations have shown the need to further protect non-consenting adults falling victim to similar AI generated pornography.”

Attorney General Jackley plans to introduce a total of 10 bills during this session which starts Jan. 13, 2026. Announcements on additional bills will be made as the bills are filed.

Once filed, the Attorney General’s bills can be found here:

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With education quickly rising to the top as an issue of concern this next legislative session after a zero-funding increase announcement in the Governor’s budget address, it’s interesting to note that the person who had been on staff dedicated to the issue of education has departed for greener pastures.

As noted to me by a lobbyist this AM, Sarah Hitchcock, who had been noted on the website as his education staffer…

..is no longer on the Governor’s staff website, and her “focus on education” bio line has now been added to the expanding list of policy advisor duties for the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mackenzie Decker:

It does appear that Hitchcock is continuing her work in government affairs, and is now serving as the Education Freedom Campaign Director for the AFPI, the American First Policy Institute:

You can see the bio for yourself here.

Obviously, it’s not anything earth shattering by any means. But it’s a new element of the story for the administration which will be going into a legislative session where education may be the biggest hot-button issue that they face in light of the zero-funding increase proposal for K-12 students.

A facebook post that impacts one of the more highly visible 2026 statewide political races seems to have quietly slipped by without notice.  Fitness center owner Heather Baxter of Rapid City, currently a state representative of District 34, had announced back in September that she would be running for Secretary of State.  But now, it looks like that it’s not the only office she’s running for.

Baxter, who had carried legislation for election conspiracy group SD Canvassing in 2025, and promises to continue to do so has been widely viewed as the special interest group’s choice in the next election after current Secretary of State Monae Johnson worked with the South Dakota legislature on election security reforms, and would not accede to the group’s demands on election equipment, many of which would run afoul of federal law. But in a facebook post from Baxter that is now just being noticed – it sounds like Baxter might not be quite “all in” on running for Secretary of State.

Because she’s announced that she’s also going to be running to retain her current legislative seat at the same time she’s running for statewide office:

If this is the case, why isn’t she also running to be Rapid City Mayor, fighting for a place on the school board and throwing in for a water or conservation district for good measure?  Double-dipping on running for 2 offices has caused some controversy in past conventions, but this seems to be the most extreme example to date with this announcement coming 6 months before the convention race, and before legislative petitioning begins.

I suspect this is not the last we’re going to hear about this.

After mostly taking Christmas off to enjoy the family, I’m doing a brief scan of candidate filings, and there are a few new ones popping up, as well as seasoned veterans staking out their claims as we inch towards petition circulation starting on Thursday, January 1.

• Republican State Senator Glen Vilhauer of District 5 has announced his Re-election campaign, as you see below.
• Republican Danny Brown of Madison has filed a statement of organization for District 8 House.
• Democrat Jeff Shelton of Rapid City has filed a statement of organization to run for District 32 Senate.

And I know there are many more to come, including those who have told me they’re in, but want to announce in their own time.

Are Democrats going to run someone with experience or public standing for Governor? We’ll see.  There are a lot of candidates to come.

Stay tuned and keep watching dakotawarcollege.com!

Vilhauer Announces Plans for Senate Reelection

Current District 5 Senator, Glen Vilhauer, has announced his plans to seek reelection to that position. Vilhauer was elected in November of 2024 and serves on the Senate and Joint Appropriations Committee. Says Vilhauer, “It’s been an honor to represent the citizens of this District and I look forward to continuing that commitment.” The 2025 legislative session was the first for Vilhauer and he cites the following among his efforts this past year.

• Fighting for public education and the State’s Technical Colleges, including Watertown’s Lake Area Technical College.
• Supporting our military and state and national defenses as it relates to the South Dakota National Guard.
• Working to keep State oversight out of City, County and School decision making.
• Striving to enhance economic opportunities in rural communities across the State.

His long history of public service includes 10 years in the SD Army National Guard, 9 years on the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System board of directors, 8 years on the Watertown City Council, 4 years on the SD Retirement System board of trustees and numerous other state and local boards.

Vilhauer is a retired Certified Public Accountant. He and his wife, Darla, have lived in Watertown for 45 years. They have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.

District 5 includes the City of Watertown and the 4 surrounding townships.

Early voting begins April 17^th with the primary election being held on June 2^nd.

“With the experience I am gaining in Pierre, l can continue to be a strong, effective advocate for District 5,” says Vilhauer.

Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Orv Smidt

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in honor of former state legislator Orville (Orv) Smidt. He served in the South Dakota State House of Representatives from 1999 to 2005, and he served in the South Dakota State Senate from 2005 to 2009.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm CT on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at GracePoint Wesleyan Church in Brookings, SD.

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