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.
Mitchell, S.D. – Today, gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Dusty Johnson announced Safer South Dakota, an initiative which aims to hold drug dealers accountable and reduce South Dakota’s drug overdose deaths through targeted prevention and accountability.
“As I speak with law enforcement and victims, it’s clear South Dakota can do better,” said Johnson. “My plan ensures we have increased accountability and the improved tools needed to tackle the drug epidemic and go after drug dealers.”
Safer South Dakota will focus on the following areas:
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.
Support for Safer South Dakota:
“Dusty’s proposals will make South Dakota safer. He’s always listened to law enforcement, and his plan will help us protect our communities together,” said Steve Cotton, Charles Mix County State’s Attorney.
“This state needs bold leadership to tackle our toughest challenges. Dusty Johnson is the right person for the job. I look forward to working with him and other members of this task force to keep our communities safe and hold offenders accountable,” said Kevin Thom, former Pennington County Sheriff and former Director of the S.D. Division of Criminal Investigation.
“We owe it to our communities to be both tough and smart on crime. This plan establishes a statewide task force that strengthens offender accountability through more effective supervision, enhances our ability to combat drug distribution, and invests in meaningful prevention efforts. This is an important first step towards building safer neighborhoods—not just for today, but for the long term,” said Daniel Haggar, Minnehaha County State’s Attorney.
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.
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.
MADISON, S.D. — The South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) elected a new slate of officers for the upcoming term.
Jeff Partridge of Rapid City was elected as the new Board President, succeeding Tim Rave, who has held the position since 2023. Partridge is president of Partridge Financial Services and previously served on the Rapid City Common Council and in the South Dakota Legislature, including service on the Joint Appropriations Committee. He was previously serving as Board Vice President.
“I’m grateful for the thoughtful leadership of our previous Board presidents and the solid foundation they established,” said Regent Partridge. “I am eager to focus on the future, making decisions and implementing changes now to guarantee ongoing success for future generations.”
Randy Frederick of Hayti was elected Board Vice President. Frederick served 12 years in the South Dakota Legislature, including six years as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2023 and previously served as Board Secretary.
Miles Beacom of Sioux Falls was elected Board Secretary. Beacom is Chief Executive Officer of PREMIER Bankcard and serves on numerous business, community, and higher education boards. Beacom was appointed to the Board by Governor Rhoden last year.
The newly elected officers will begin their terms upon the conclusion of the Board of Regents’ April meeting, held April 1-2, 2026.
Senator Mike Rounds’ WEEKLY ROUND[S] UP: March 23-29, 2026
Welcome back to another edition of the Weekly Round[s] Up. It was an eventful week in the D.C. office with many South Dakotans stopping by. In just four days, I met with 17 different groups of South Dakotans visiting DC to advocate for issues that are important to them. It’s always good to see these groups out here! Beyond that, we took a number of votes on the Senate floor to address various topics including voter ID, government funding and the conflict in Iran. More on these and the rest of my week in the Weekly Round[s] Up:
South Dakota groups I visited with: Major General Mark Morrell with the South Dakota National Guard; South Dakota Dentists with the American Dental Association; South Dakota Doctors for America FDA Task Force; the University of South Dakota’s Center for Disabilities, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities; Barry Dunn, President and Daniel Scholl, VP for Research & Economic Development at South Dakota State University and Dr. Stephen Gent; South Dakotans with the Association for Career and Technical Education; Kevin Nyberg and Erik Nyberg with Nyberg’s Ace and Dakota Workwear; South Dakota Agricultural & Rural Leadership; South Dakota Science and Technology Authority; Bret Afdahl, Director of the Banking Division at the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation; Lemmon High School students; Jennifer Beving, State Director, South Dakota Americans for Prosperity; South Dakota Trucking Association; Brianna Mount, Associate Professor at Black Hills State University; South Dakotans with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians; and Dr. Tim Ridgway with the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Met with South Dakotans from: Aberdeen, Arlington, Aurora, Brookings, Chamberlain, Claremont, Deadwood, Gettysburg, Lead, Lemmon, Leola, Nemo, New Underwood, Philip, Pierre, Rapid City, Redfield, Reliance, Rosebud, Sherman, Sioux Falls, Tabor, Vermillion, Volga, Walker, Watertown, White River and Winner.
Other meetings: Robert Kadlec, Assistant Secretary of War for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense, Policy and Programs; Tim Teter, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, NVIDIA; Admiral Rich Correll, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command; and Michael Smith, Senior Executive, Ares.
This past week I spoke on a panel at the 2026 Hill & Valley Forum with Sean Cairncross, National Cyber Director and Joe Lin, Co-Founder of Twenty.
I also attended our weekly Senate Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday hosted by Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia.
Hearings: This past week, I attended four hearings. I chaired a Cybersecurity Subcommittee Hearing. You can watch my opening remarks here. In another hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, we heard from the U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Strategic Command as we prepare for the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. You can watch my questions here. Lastly the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs committee held a hearing titled “Export-Import Bank Reauthorization” with John Jovanovic, President and Chairman of Export-Import Bank. Watch my questions here.
Briefings: I chaired one Cyber Education & Briefing Seminar and attended one Senate Armed Services Committee briefing.
Votes taken: 12 – This past week I voted to confirm Markwayne Mullin to be Secretary of Homeland Security. I am confident he will do a great job in continuing to secure our border and keep our homeland safe.
In addition, early Friday morning the Senate passed legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This package would fund operations and personnel for critical programs housed under DHS, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the United States Coast Guard. Opposition from Democrats means that ICE and Border Patrol are left unfunded through this package, but their operations will still be funded through the reconciliation package passed last summer. It’s our goal to continue this funding to protect our borders and secure our homeland through a second reconciliation package this summer. I look forward to working with the House of Representatives to fund DHS and end this government shutdown.
I also cast several procedural votes this past week, including legislation related to the SAVE America Act, a resolution to fund DHS, a resolution submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to “Reproductive Health Services,” a Congressional Review Act resolution and a War Powers Act resolution.
Lastly I voted for Colin McDonald to be an Assistant Attorney General, James Hurtt and Kelli Knight to be the Coast Guard’s permanent commissioned teaching staff.
You can read more details about the votes I took on my website here.
Steps taken: 62,942 steps or 28.62 miles.
My Staff in South Dakota Visited: Martin and Mitchell.
Video of the Week: On Monday I joined Bloomberg to talk about the SAVE America Act and the conflict in Iran, click here to watch.
(Hamill, S.D.) – Rancher and educator Wyatt DeJong announces his Republican candidacy for District 21 South Dakota House of Representatives.
MADISON, S.D. — The South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) elected a new slate of officers for the upcoming term.