After impossibly losing even more elections including seats they had held in Democrat Majority districts, South Dakota Democrats mustered up the feigned moral authority to take a shot at Governor Kristi Noem as she is nominated to be a cabinet secretary in the Trump administration.
SD Democratic Party Chair Shane Merrill issued the following statement after it was announced Gov. Kristi Noem will likely be nominated for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. pic.twitter.com/CjFOBsyJXF
I had produced a few of these pins for the Noem campaign, which have now taken on a bit more rarity and value now that Larry will be our Governor within a matter of weeks. (Kind of thinking it might be time to update them.)
My contacts in the beltway tell me that the Senate Majority Leader decision could come in the next hour, hour and a half, so keep your fingers crossed and say your prayers that US Senator John Thune will be successful in his election! Governor Noem in the Cabinet, and Senator Thune Leading the Senate – South Dakota is taking over DC!
I have started the 2026 candidate list in the menu above, so if you hear of anyone out doing some congressional exploring, or letting a trial balloon loose to run for State Auditor, give me a shout! And pay particular attention, because there are several offices where no one is running for anything yet. Lots of opportunities afoot for up and coming politicians.
Political odds-makers and betting websites are ranking the race to for Senate Majority leader, and Senator Thune has gone from a 40% chance to over 60% and climbing to be the next US Senate Majority Leader as we approach the hard vote that will be coming today amongst Republicans. Who would have thought nearly 20 years after defeating Senator Majority Leader Tom Daschle that Senator Thune himself would rise to lead that body in that role?
According to political betting websites Kalshi and Polymarket, Thune is going to happen.
John, true Republicans in South Dakota are excited about the possibility, and we are excited for your leadership for our state and our country.
Johnson Congratulates Governor Noem on Selection to Serve as Homeland Security Secretary
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) released the following statement:
“My friend Kristi Noem is a fantastic choice for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. She knows how important it is to protect our country and has demonstrated strong work ethic as South Dakota’s governor. I’m confident Kristi will secure the southern border and keep America safe.”
SD News Watch has an interesting story out today on what may be in store for the 2026 elections. But.. they’re leaving out 1/3 of the story as they have nothing on the man who will likely start off the race as the next Governor.
First off – on Dusty Johnson:
“Let’s never forget that this country was not built on anger and fear,” said the fourth-term congressman. “This country was built on courage and imagination and optimism and freedom.”
Powerful words from a 48-year-old Pierre native who is amassing funds and political support to take the next step in his career and run for South Dakota governor in 2026.
Johnson has high favorability and low unfavorability as does the other man likely to get into race:
The News Watch poll showed that 24% of respondents didn’t recognize his name, despite the fact that the former U.S. attorney has twice served as attorney general and ran for governor in 2018, losing in the Republican primary to Noem.
Jackley’s favorability was 42%, but 40% were neutral and just 13% unfavorable, meaning he has room to grow as the 2026 election cycle takes shape.
Jackley’s strident stances on border control, abortion bans and gun ownership could be a precursor to running to the right of Johnson in a gubernatorial primary, much like Noem did to Jackley in 2018.
The article cites a belief that Marty is going to tack to the right, although it remains to be seen that he’s running differently than he has in the past, as Marty certainly would not be considered liberal.
The Attorney General has been actively courting backers, and as I’ve been told, he’s spending time at Mar-a-lago in recent days likely talking to Team Trump to back his effort for Governor over that of Dusty Johnson. However, Dusty Johnson has a strong collaborative relationship with Governor Noem.
But with those factors in play, the story i already out of date at the time of publication as it doesn’t touch on the Larry Rhoden factor – which might be one of the most important considerations of all in the Dusty/Marty matchup. Larry obviously has the closest relationship of all with Governor Noem, at the same time he may be more in line with the further right voters than Marty.
If the poll was to be taken again in 6 months assuming the Noem appointment moves forward, who knows how this playing field looks?
Stay tuned. With the paint barely dry on the 2024 election, 2026 has already begun.
Final Explanation Released for Proposed 2026 Initiated Measure to Limit Property Tax Assessment Increases
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released the final ballot explanation for a proposed 2026 initiated measure that would limit annual property tax assessment increases for non-agricultural property. The ballot explanation can be found here.
Attorney General Jackley is not responsible for the language of the measure and takes no position on the proposal. State law requires the Attorney General 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 proposed measure is sponsored by Joe Hurley of Sioux Falls. This proposed initiated measure would limit annual property tax assessment increases on all non-agricultural land to no more than 2.25 percent of a base amount. If the measure is approved by voters, the new limit would start with the 2027 assessment.
Attorney General Jackley’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. Attorney General Jackley has provided a fair and neutral explanation of the initiated measure to help assist the voters.
The initiated measure would require 17,509 valid petition signatures to qualify for the 2026 general election ballot.
For more information regarding ballot measures, please visit the Secretary of State’s website.
