While there’s a lot of rumors flying in the race for Governor in 2026, the race for Congress in 2026, US Senate, etc.,  don’t forget about the other, earlier contest that’s set to happen that year – the race for Mayor of Sioux Falls.   With current Paul TenHaken term limited, and his name floated in speculation for one of the “big 3” what does the field look like to run for one of the most partisan/non-partisan political offices in South Dakota being in charge of our state’s largest city?

In talking with insiders, here’s what the field for mayor looks like as of November 2024.

• The big dog in the race at the moment will likely be either SD Auto Dealers/Trucking head/former Legislator/former Councilwoman Christine Erickson OR former Legislator/At-Large Councilor and current small businessman Alex Jensen.  Erickson and Jensen would not run against the other, and either one represents a massive ability to pull in funding from far and wide across the state.  The question would be who likes their current job well enough to give the other a go-ahead?
• Erika Beck, Chief of Staff to Mayor Paul TenHaken and former vice president of development for Lloyd Companies is said to be strong in the hunt. Rumor is that she might have current Mayor TenHaken as a supporter, but that depends on a lot of factors, especially if he’s running for higher office himself. He might just need to stay out of it.
• Current City Councilor Rich Merkouis’ name has come up in discussions, as has Marshall Selberg’s. The question is whether either one could bring in the level of fundraising to support this kind of effort, as races in Sioux Falls grow more and more expensive and require deeper organization than ever before.
• You may also add a local Democrat’s name in there to represent those interests, as well as older names in city politics such as Mike Huether’s, but time is most likely getting away from the former mayor to make a comeback. Other former candidates such as Jim Entenman are said to already be a no.

Whoever comes through the contest might be in the training grounds for higher office after they’re done, as having an inside track to an office governing more and more of the state does come with a lot of publicity.

Stay tuned, as this list will absolutely be shifting in the coming months.

I love being Governor of South Dakota, and President Trump knows that I’ll help him however I can. pic.twitter.com/snMprlo3Ba

— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) November 9, 2024

2025-2026 SENATE MINORITY LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCED

PIERRE – The newly-elected Senate Democrat caucus met November 9, 2024, to determine legislative leadership for the 2025-2026 Legislative term.

The following members were elected to minority leadership positions in the Senate:

• Minority Leader: Liz Larson
• Assistant Minority Leader: Jamie Smith
• Minority Whip: Red Dawn Foster

Legislator information is available on the LRC website.

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West River Republican group South Dakota Strong is hosting a Christmas Party event on December 13 in Rapid City.

Find out more at SDStrong.org

Every Veteran Has A Story to Tell
By Sen. John Thune

Generations of Americans have stood up and answered the call of duty to defend our nation. They and their families have made great sacrifices to keep us safe and to defend the freedoms we hold dear. This month, we celebrate Veterans Day as well as Military Family Appreciation Month. These celebrations are a chance to honor those who have served and reflect on what their service has meant for our country.

South Dakota boasts a rich heritage of military service. Many families have a connection to somebody who has served, and thousands of veterans call South Dakota home. Every veteran has a story to tell.

For me, I heard those stories at home. My dad, Harold, joined the Navy in 1942. He flew F6F Hellcats off the U.S.S. Intrepid in World War II, participating in multiple missions in the battle for the Pacific. A number of years ago, I had the chance to interview my dad for the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project. He was a distinguished pilot in his own right, but during our interview he kept turning the conversation to those he served with, men like Cecil Harris, the Navy flying ace from Cresbard, South Dakota, and others in his squadron. Like many of his generation, it just wasn’t in him to boast about himself.

I also had two uncles who served in World War II. My Uncle Gil on my dad’s side was aboard the U.S.S. Boggs at sea off the coast of Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was attacked. My mom’s brother, Les Bodine, enlisted in the Marine Corps and served on an underwater demolition team, a precursor to the Navy SEALs, performing dangerous missions in the Pacific Theater. He would serve for more than two decades, including during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

As a senator for South Dakota, I have the privilege of meeting many of the veterans in our state. Throughout the year, several Honor Flights bring South Dakotans to see the memorials dedicated to their service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. It’s humbling to meet them and hear their stories and what the monuments mean to them.

I also have the honor of presenting veterans and their families with the medals they earned in the Armed Forces. Just recently, I presented Vietnam War medals to the family of Percy Good Eagle in a ceremony at McLaughlin High School. It’s always inspiring to see the community gather to honor a South Dakotans’ service to our country.

There’s no shortage of stories, every veteran has one. In South Dakota, and around the country, heroes walk among us. I hope you will take the opportunity this month to learn a veteran’s story. You’re likely to be inspired.

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Protecting our Freedoms
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
November 8, 2024

BIG Update

Our nation’s veterans served to protect our freedoms – like our freedom to vote, to own a firearm, and to express our religion and speech. We are all a part of the greatest country in the history of the world, which has remained that way because of those who were willing to fight for and defend freedom. Our military is the best in the world because of the strength of our servicemen and women. This Veterans Day, be sure to thank a current or former servicemember for their sacrifice to keep America great.

Our servicemembers and their families deserve the best support we can provide. If you or a family member need help receiving veterans benefits or navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office by visiting dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency or call 605-275-2868 to see if we’re able to help.

Johnson meeting veterans on the Midwest Honor Flight

BIG Idea

I recently joined the South Dakota Biotech Association for their annual summit that focused on how our state impacts the world. Through agriculture research, exports, healthcare partnerships, and more, South Dakota provides valuable outputs that grow the national and global economy. During the summit, we talked about immigration, outpacing China’s economy, and investing in cyber and research development in America.

BIG News

President Donald Trump will be the 47^th President of the United States. I look forward to partnering with Trump and Congress to secure the border, grow our economy, protect our freedoms, and improve the lives of South Dakotans. It’s time to leave behind the burdensome policies of the Biden Administration. Let’s get America back on track.

President Trump and Johnson

2025-2026 HOUSE MINORITY LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCED

PIERRE – The newly-elected House Democrat caucus met November 8, 2024, to determine legislative leadership for the 2025-2026 Legislative term.

The following members were elected to minority leadership positions in the House of Representatives:

• Minority Leader: Erin Healy
• Assistant Minority Leader: Eric Emery
• Minority Whip: Kadyn Wittman
• Minority Whip: Nicole Uhre-Balk

Legislator profiles can be viewed on the LRC website. Information is updated as it is received.

Keeping South Dakota Free
By: Gov. Kristi Noem
November 8, 2024

Just a few days ago, America went to the polls to vote. People in counties, towns & cities, and states across the nation made decisions about what they want their communities to look like moving forward.

As a nation, we chose to send President Donald J. Trump back to the White House. On the night of Election Day, I was with President Trump as the results came in. I actually watched his victory speech with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, our neighbor. He and I agree – our states are very happy to welcome President Trump back.

South Dakota made some decisions for our state, as well.

South Dakotans also voted on a wide range of ballot measures, voting most of them down. My takeaway from that trend is that our people love our state and don’t want to see widescale change – and I agree with them!

For example, South Dakotans voted to keep primary elections the way that they’ve always been. They didn’t want radical California-style elections. Republicans should choose Republican candidates – and Democrats should choose Democrat candidates.

The people also voted for LIFE. In fact, our state has the highest birth rate in the nation – and I believe this is because our people have hope. Earlier this year, I proclaimed 2024 as “Freedom for Life Year” in South Dakota, but that commitment doesn’t end when the calendar turns to 2025. South Dakota will continue to take care of moms and their babies both before birth and after.

Our citizens also rejected legalizing recreational marijuana – again. I’ve never met anyone who got smarter by smoking dope, and I’m glad that our state won’t have to deal with the public safety and mental health challenges that so many states are facing as a result of legal marijuana.

Our people also rejected IM 28. Now, I support eliminating the grocery tax, and the people of South Dakota also support lower taxes, but they seemed to understand that this particular measure was terribly written and would have many unintended consequences. I appreciate their wisdom and discernment.

One ballot measure did pass, and I’m glad that it did. Amendment F puts in place work requirements to qualify for Medicaid Expansion. That’s common sense – you should work to qualify for these benefits.

Our people elected legislators – some new, some who have been here for quite some time. I wish them all the best and look forward to working with them in the upcoming legislative session on behalf of the people of South Dakota.

You all blessed me with the greatest job in the world, and it is my true honor to serve you. Together, we’ve built the greatest state in America – a beacon of Freedom to the rest of the nation. Thank you for voting to keep our state strong and Free. God bless you all!

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Senate Caucus elections are happening right now…  Senator Jim Mehlhaff was just selected as Senate Majority Leader… and Karr won the vote for Senate President Pro Tempore.

First round for Assistant Majority Leader between Helene Duhamel and Carl Perry ended in a tie. And Perry won in Round 2. How did these Senators look at them and decide “I want the one who went to the crazy rally in Sioux Falls?”

Watch for more updates, as more caucus election info leaks comes out.

MORE:

Whip candidates are Sue Peterson, Randy Deibert, Kevin Jensen, Steph Sauder, Sydney Davis, California Carley, and that idiot Tom Pischke.

And with the final vote, Whips are Sue Peterson, Kevin Jensen, Randy Deibert, and that idiot Tom Pischke.  How does Tom Pischke go from being kicked out of caucus for trying to have just about all of the Senate arrested to being a whip?

Many are ok, but there are a few inmates now leading the asylum.

Hearing early rumors that the House of Representatives took a hard right turn at today’s caucus elections, with Jon Hansen as Speaker, Karla Lems as Speaker Pro Tem, Scott Odenbach as Majority Leader, and Marty Overweg as Assistant Majority Leader.

I’m waiting for more info as it comes out. It sounds as if there was a “caucus before the caucus” to influence how some GOP House members should vote.

At the very least, this next session will provide those who cover politics in South Dakota plenty to write about.

(7pm.. they’re just starting to vote on whips).

Hearing that whips are Soye, Jamison, Les Heinemann and Jessica Bahmuller. And Brandei Schefbauer picked up the last spot.

And there you go.