Driving Innovation in National Defense
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
April 10, 2026

South Dakota has never been a place that sits on the sidelines. When there’s work to be done, we roll up our sleeves and get after it. The highest charge of government is to keep our people and their freedoms secure, so we’re rolling up our sleeves and getting it done.

In my State of the State address, I proclaimed that national security would be South Dakota’s “next big industry.” That wasn’t just a slogan. It was a recognition of what’s already happening here – and of the opportunities in front of us.

National security starts with food security, and nobody does that better than South Dakota. A nation that can’t feed itself is subject to the control of nations that control the food supply. Thankfully, South Dakota feeds the world. Our hardworking farmers and ranchers do incredible work to feed families across America and around the world. That’s a responsibility we take seriously. And we’re expanding that mission.

We’re continuing to grow our value-added agriculture. In the last year, we moved forward with the first, second, and third largest economic development projects in South Dakota history with Smithfield, CJ Schwan’s, and High Plains Processing in Mitchell. These three facilities will all play a big role in food production and value-added ag.

But our opportunities in national security stretch far beyond food security.

Ellsworth Air Force Base is getting ready for the B-21 bomber, which will play a major role in defending our nation for decades to come. Our cybersecurity sector is growing by leaps and bounds, driven by the strength of Dakota State University. Across our state, we’ve got businesses, workers, and leaders who are already contributing to this mission every single day.

South Dakota is already doing the mission. We have all the pieces. And now, we are bringing them together to seize this opportunity.

I’m proud to announce the creation of the South Dakota Defense Institute. This will be a central hub for our next big industry, a central point of contact for national defense contractors and contacts with the federal government, and a place where opportunities are identified, pursued, and followed through.

Our focus will be on understanding our strengths and where we have room to grow. We will build relationships with partners and agencies. The South Dakota Defense Institute will play a direct role in supporting businesses and strengthening collaboration between industry, education, and government.

We’re investing $6 million from the Future Fund to get it up and running over the next five years and investing in a building in Rapid City’s Innovation District. Our students, researchers, and industry leaders can work side by side to make a real difference, not only in South Dakota, but across America.

South Dakota is strong, safe, and free – and with the South Dakota Defense Institute, we will help keep America strong, safe, and free.

We’re not waiting around. We’re rolling up our sleeves and building something that matters.

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Rep. Curt Massie Announces Re-election Campaign for District 33 House

RAPID CITY, S.D. — State Representative Curt Massie announced today that he is seeking re-election to the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 33.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of District 33,” Massie said. “I am grateful for the trust they have placed in me and look forward to continuing to represent them in Pierre.”

Massie and his wife, an elementary school teacher, are lifelong South Dakotans who raised their family in the state and remain committed to its values. As a lifelong Republican, Massie has consistently supported conservative principles, including lower taxes, strong property rights, and responsible government.

During his time in office, Massie has prioritized tax relief and support for South Dakota businesses and landowners. In 2025, he sponsored and passed House Bill 1245, which provided tax relief for small businesses by exempting guaranteed payments from sales tax. He also passed Senate Bill 15, strengthening landowner representation by giving the Landowner and Outfitters Alliance, representing more than two million acres, a stronger voice on a state policy advisory committee.

This past legislative session, Massie brought Senate Bill 125 to the House floor to establish a homeowner tax reduction fund, ensuring property tax relief dollars are used exclusively for that purpose. The proposal originated from the Legislature’s Property Tax Summer Study and was designed to prevent those funds from being redirected to other uses. The framework of the bill was later incorporated into additional property tax relief measures passed this session.

Massie also worked closely with local first responders to address critical public safety needs. When the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, the Black Hawk Volunteer Fire Department, the Summerset Police Department, and other agencies raised concerns about serious radio communication problems, he went to work to find a solution.

Even when the Governor’s office initially said support would not happen because it was not inthe budget, Massie brought together the Governor’s office, state agencies, and fellow legislators to find a path forward, ultimately securing funding to address those communication problems and make District 33 safer.

That is the kind of leadership District 33 needs, and that is why it is so important to send Massie back to Pierre to keep working for you.

As a former state tax auditor, Massie brings extensive knowledge of South Dakota tax law. With the state assessing more than $36 million in unpaid taxes last fiscal year, primarily from large out-of-state companies, Massie pledges to work on solutions that ensure those companies better understand their tax obligations and pay the taxes they owe, so South Dakotans can pay less in taxes.

Massie is seeking his third term in the House and asks for your continued support and vote in the upcoming Republican primary election on June 2, 2026.

For more information, visit www.curtmassie.com or follow the campaign on Facebook.

Experienced Leader and Fourth-Generation Rancher Gary Cammack Announces Re-election Bid for District 29 House

UNION CENTER, S.D. – Today, Gary Cammack, a lifelong Meade County rancher, retired small business owner, and proven legislative leader, officially announced his candidacy for re-election to the South Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 29.

Cammack brings decades of private-sector experience and a distinguished record of public service to his re-election campaign. Since first being asked to serve on the Meade County Commission in 2012, Cammack has consistently championed the values of fiscal responsibility and common-sense governance.

“When I began my service on the Meade County Commission, I quickly realized that success in public office is no different than success in business: it’s about serving the people,” said Cammack. “Today, South Dakota is a land of incredible opportunity. However, we need steady, experienced leadership to ensure those opportunities for the people of South Dakota. I am running for re-election because the decisions we make in Pierre today will shape our state for the next century.”

After his election to the South Dakota State Senate in 2014, he was chosen by his peers to serve as President Pro Tempore and later as Senate Majority Leader in 2020. In 2022, he was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives.

A dedicated steward of the land, Cammack is widely recognized for his commitment to South Dakota’s natural resources. In 2018, he received the prestigious Leopold Conservation Award, an honor reflecting his family’s early adoption of rotational grazing and the planting of over 30,000 trees on their ranch.

“Our family believes the health of the range and the vitality of our wildlife is the true barometer of a ranching operation,” Cammack added. The effects of our conservation efforts, or lack thereof, will be evident 100 years from now. I bring that same long-term perspective to the State Capitol.”

Gary and his wife, Amy, have been married since 1972. They are the proud parents of four sons and have ten grandchildren, all of whom fuel Gary’s passion for protecting South Dakota’s future.

Absentee Voting Begins April 17, 2026, the Republican Primary Election is June 2, 2026

For more information, to volunteer, or to donate to the campaign, please visit garycammacksd.com or on Facebook.

From Jeff Monroe, he has announced that he is out of the State Treasurer’s race, and is lending his support to Melissa Hull, who is currently an employee of the office:

Good morning Pat. Since you’re the go-to for publicity, I’d just like to let you know that I withdrew my candidacy because of health problems and it’s going to be another year until full recovery. South Dakota doesn’t need somebody who isn’t going full tilt. 

Melissa Hull talked and she was very interested so told her I’d step aside and would fully support her.

Jeff is a good guy, and I certainly hope for his speedy recovery. We’ll see what the race brings to the contest being sought by Heath Shields, and now Melissa Hull.

Remember the Scott Hoy law office commercial that got the attention of the national zeitgeist because it was kind of confusing? Where there was a dialog between him and the camera about video games where you were supposed to know what he was talking about?  The postcard I just received from D7 Candidate Dennis Willert is just like that.  Because I don’t know what in the hell he’s talking about.

Dennis at one time was a Daschle Democrat working for the Senator, at some point later changed to Independent where he remained up until a month or two ago, and is now a Republican Jon Hansen follower running to the right of the current incumbent State Representatives Roger DeGroot and Mellissa Heermann.

Confused yet? Here – let me confuse you more:

“You feel it. Something needs to change.”  “Costs are rising. Our morals and values are being diminished. Property tax feels harder. Family businesses are under pressure.”   “GRIT • GUTS • GRACE”

I’m very confused. Like in the Scott Hoy commercial, I have no idea what he’s trying to say. There are so many mixed messages here, like a string of incomplete catch phrases.

It’s like there’s an anti-incumbent economic message contemplated here, but what does the legislature have to do with things costing more, a.k.a. inflation? Is he talking about the Republican Governor doing something bad to the economy triggering inflation, or President Trump?

Costs are rising? Economic message. Family businesses under pressure.. along those lines. Then, “property tax feels harder,” which is kind of an economic message. Or someone must be doing something with the notice from the equalization office that I don’t want to know about.

Then we veer to a hard right with the random line about our morals and values being diminished… so.. It’s not just economic? It’s about people in our geographically tiny Brookings district being immoral?  Maybe during the pub crawl, but trust me. I’m an SDSU grad. It used to be a lot wilder around here – even back when you couldn’t get beer on Sunday. Brookings is the least immoral town I know, to the point you can’t even shoot fireworks on the 4th of July!

Then we have a tagline of GRIT • GUTS • GRACE? Is that like Faith • Family • Freedom, except too many are using that already overused tagline, or Hobby Lobby sold out of the faith • family • freedom signs, so an alternative was needed?

That phrase seems to be well liked by female podcasters talking about their personal journeys.. and not so much about politicians. Although at least one person was using it in 2024 politically.

Are you even more confused now? Now you get where I’m coming from.  And why candidates need to read through – and maybe bounce what they’re doing off of someone – before they hit print.

Authenticity is key. What’s authentic about declaring one’e self to embody grit, guts and grace in a political campaign? I just finished working on a postcard for a candidate who was deployed in the gulf war, and I’ve done work for candidates who are cancer survivors. Certainly people who you would consider to have guts and grace. And yet they manage to not need silly throwaway taglines.  Campaign communications should strive to be clear and concise. Don’t try to be everything to everyone.  

Or else your message may get a little muddled in the translation.

• Strong: The largest property tax cut in South Dakota history, the lowest unemployment rate in America, the 2nd fastest-growing GDP in America, the 3rd fastest-growing incomes in America, and strong investments in education and rural healthcare;
• Safe: Decreasing crime rates and banning sanctuary cities – not to mention the success of Operation: Prairie Thunder and getting the prison across the finish line; and
• Free: The most pro-life state in America, the most pro-2nd Amendment state in America, and the 2nd lowest taxes in the nation.

I’ve got filming from the Rhoden event here the other day that I managed to get on to my computer for cleaning up… and that’s where it sits, because it has been so completely crazy.

Spent yesterday as yet another day in a row dropping off signs, picking up signs.. and then my pickup breaks down putting a hard stop in that process for a few days, until I can get a repair done.  Last week it was needing 4 new tires. And we’re just getting started. Ugh.

In the middle of all my woes, the political scene has continued to increase in temperature.

Senator Arch Beal, who had taken ill before session due to a stroke, has withdrawn his bid to return to the State Senate while he recovers, leaving a free run on the GOP side for Kari Shanard-Koenders, facing a democrat running in the fall. Shanard, is the daughter of former State Senator George Shanard who served 18 years in Pierre; from 1975-1992.

Former legislator Patricia Shiery who was attempting to make a comeback against Senator Casey Crabtree fell flat on her face as her petitions were decertified.  Crabtree now has no current opponent for the fall.  I’m sure Casey is heartbroken over the matter.. Thoughts and prayers.

I might have mentioned before that the legislature’s church lady, Representative Bethany Soye, has withdrawn from the race, & is out and done trying to put librarians in jail. (for the moment.) At least until they cast themselves back into sin.

Both Bill Shorma and Les Heinemann are out, having ran interference so others could get their petitions in.

Plus those last minute petitions have been certified; carpetbagger Justin McNeal for Senate, James Bialota for the position of lunatic running for congress who you shouldn’t ever think of voting for, and angry Aberdonian Toby Doeden all made it on the ballot. Which goes to show you how easy it is to get on the ballot in our state.

Racers, you can start your engines – because the sprint to June 2nd is on!

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.