Thune: The SAVE America Act Protects Our Elections and Our Youth
“[Democrats] will be forced to defend their outrageous positions on these issues – and explain to the American people why common sense and the Democratic Party have parted ways.”
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:
Click here to watch the video.
Senator Mike Rounds’ WEEKLY ROUND[S] UP: March 8 – 14, 2026
Welcome back to another edition of the Weekly Round[s] Up. This past week was an exciting week as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed the Senate. Our office helped author nearly 25% of this legislation which modernizes rural housing programs and cuts unnecessary red tape that has been slowing housing development. This is the first major update to the Rural Housing Service in over a decade and it is now on its way to the House of Representatives for final passage. Additionally, I hosted many South Dakotans in the office for meetings, attended hearings, briefings, speaking engagements and more. More on this and the rest of my week in the Weekly Round[s] Up:
South Dakota groups I visited with: South Dakota School Nutrition Association; South Dakotans with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; David Reiss, Executive Director of Central South Dakota Enhancement District and Lynne Keller Forbes, Executive Director of Southeast Council of Governments; South Dakota Bankers Association; South Dakota Soybean; Matthew Brakke, Agent at Great Plains General Office with New York Life Insurance Company; South Dakota TRIO Educators; South Dakotans with Afterschool Alliance; and Jose Marie-Griffiths, President of Dakota State University.
I also attended a Senate Youth Program Reception and met Chloe from Pierre!
Met with South Dakotans from: Brookings, Lake Preston, Madison, Mellette, Miller, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Sturgis, Valley Springs, Vermillion and Yankton.
Other meetings: Tom Schultz, Chief of the USDA Forest Service; General Randall Reed, Commander of the USTRANSCOM; General Grynkewich, Commander of the United States European Command; Katie Sutton, Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy; and Ambassador Ahlin of Sweden.
I also met with Kevin Warsh, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Chairman nominee. Kevin brings deep experience, strong economic judgement and a clear commitment to Fed independence. He will help keep the central bank accountable and focused on its statutory mission. I look forward to supporting his nomination. Once confirmed, I look forward to working with Kevin to protect our economy so American families can thrive.
Additionally, I attended the American Bankers Association 2026 Washington Summit and participated in a moderated discussion with Kirsten Sutton, Executive Vice President of Congressional Relations and Legislative Affairs at American Bankers Association. I also went to the SCSP AI + Education Summit, and did a panel discussion with Yll Bajaktari, CEO of SCSP, and Chris Malachowsky, who is Co-Founder of Nvidia.
I also attended our weekly Senate Prayer Breakfast. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was our speaker this week.
Hearings: This week I attended a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
Briefings: I attended three classified briefings: two with the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the third with the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Votes taken: 6 – This week I voted to confirm General Joshua Rudd as head of the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command. I look forward to working with General Rudd in his new role through my work as the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity.
I also voted for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which passed the Senate 89-10. I helped author nearly 25% of this bipartisan piece of legislation, which is the first major update to the Rural Housing Service in more than a decade. Click here to read the press release, and click here to watch my floor speech on the bill.
My Staff in South Dakota visited: Mitchell and Sioux Falls.
Steps taken: 62,325 steps or 30.43 miles.
Video of the Week: On Sunday, I went on Bloomberg and Fox News to talk about Iran. Click the links to watch.
Stephanie Sauder announces re-election intentions for District 4 State Senator
BRYANT, SD — Stephanie Sauder announces she is running for re-election as State Senator to continue serving District 4 in northeastern South Dakota.
Sauder was first elected to the State Senate in 2022 after serving one term in the House of Representatives. She has served on both the House and Senate Education committees, is the current vice-chair of the Senate Transportation committee and served on the House Ag and Natural Resources committee. She was also a member of the House Veterans and Military Affairs committee and appointed to the 100th Legislative Session Commemoration and Extraordinary Cost Fund to Special Education committees.
Throughout her legislative service, she has been a strong advocate for public and technical education, agriculture, the elderly, rural and community service health care, strengthening economic opportunities and supporting local governments. She has been the senate prime sponsor on several bills that protect District 4 and South Dakota’s most vulnerable – children and the elderly.
“To me, serving in the legislature is about helping people and listening to them as they express their concerns,” said Sauder. “Doing the research and homework comes next to make thoughtful and meaningful decisions to protect and strengthen our communities and provide future opportunities across the district and state.”
During her tenure as a legislator, Sauder has built the reputation as a highly-respected, practical, common-sense leader, willing to listen and consider all sides of an issue before the votes are taken and decisions are made. Drawing on her years of experience in public education, local government, as a small business owner and generational farmer, her focus is on real District 4 and South Dakota concerns and issues.
Senator Sauder and her husband Jerry live in rural Bryant. She is active in her church, a member of the Parkview and Bryant Legion auxiliaries, and local volunteer. She also serves on the ITC board of directors.
“Serving District 4 has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and not for one day I have taken my role and responsibilities for granted nor forgotten who I represent,” said Sauder. “I am honored and grateful for the faith and trust D4 voters have given me. I believe in showing up, working hard, and doing what is right for our communities. I will continue to serve our district with dedication, integrity, and pride.”
District 4 includes Clark, Hamlin, Deuel, Grant, rural Codington and part of Roberts counties. Absentee voting begins on April 17, 2026, with the primary election scheduled for June 2, 2026.
From Facebook, the Dusty Johnson for Governor campaign is officially on the ballot:
In addition, I’m hearing they have set a high bar for accuracy as well, in terms of how many valid signatures they filed. Over 87%. That’s not too bad. Press release coming on this I’m told.
Attorney General Jackley Announces South Dakota To Receive $677,920 In Live Nation and Ticketmaster Antitrust Settlement
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces the state will receive $677,920 as part of the state’s settlement in the Live Nation and Ticketmaster anti-trust suit, and better entertainment ticket pricing with competition.
“Live Nation created an illegal monopoly that raised costs for entertainment in South Dakota shows. This settlement will improve entertainment pricing with competition,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I appreciate the U.S. Department of Justice and Attorney General Bondi for their leadership in this lawsuit.”
South Dakota was one of almost 40 states, plus Washington, D.C., that filed suit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which merged in 2010. The settlement requires Live Nation to let rival companies list show tickets on their platforms and caps exclusivity contracts with venues at four years.
Attorney General Jackley said South Dakota is one of several states to have formally settled its portion of the lawsuit.
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Rhoden for Governor Announces Key Staff
Pierre, SD – Today, the Rhoden for Governor campaign announced key staff for the upcoming June primary. Ian Fury will serve as Campaign Manager, and Lexie Warejcka will serve as Finance Director.
“I have a capable team in both my official office and on my campaign,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Ian and Lexie are both incredibly competent, and I look forward to having them work with me on this campaign to help us keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.”
Ian Fury has served as Director of Communications for both Governor Rhoden and Former Governor Noem for the last six years. Most recently, he also served Governor Rhoden as a Senior Advisor and Unborn Child Advocate. His wife, Hannah, is from Winner, and they live in Pierre with two young children.
“I am unbelievably humbled that Governor Rhoden asked me to serve in this capacity,” said Campaign Manager Ian Fury. “The Governor is a leader who is Built to Last. He has already proven his ability to get things done. Now, we just need to deliver a victory so he can keep racking up results for the next four years.”
Lexie Warejcka has served in several capacities across state government, most recently as Administrative Director for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. She and her husband, Wade, live in Platte with two young children.
“Thank you to Governor Rhoden for the opportunity! I look forward to connecting with supporters across South Dakota who are committed to keeping our state strong, safe, and free,” said Finance Director Lexie Warejcka.
Fury and Warejcka are both taking unpaid leaves of absence from state government employment while they serve the Rhoden for Governor campaign.
Learn more about Governor Rhoden and his campaign at GovernorLarryRhoden.com.
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Lisa Bogue of Beresford Announces Candidacy for South Dakota House of Representatives in District 16
(Beresford, S.D.) – Farmer, small business owner, former teacher, tutor and lifelong South Dakotan Lisa Bogue announces her Republican candidacy for the District 16 South Dakota House of Representatives.
District 16 contains the counties of Lincoln, Turner and Union in southeastern South Dakota.
’I“m running because I care deeply about our community and the future we’re building for our children and grandchildren,” Bogue said. “District 16 deserves a strong, steady conservative voice in Pierre, someone who understands the values of hard work, faith, responsibility and the impact today’s decisions have on our future.”
Lisa and her husband, Marc, are parents of four adult children and are proud grandparents. Together they operate their fifth-generation family farm near Beresford, S.D. Lisa is also a small business owner. She tutors local students, serves as a 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher and is active in local farm organizations.
“Our farmers and ranchers feed and fuel this state,” she said. “South Dakota small businesses create opportunity and teachers play an essential role in educating our next generation. In Pierre, we need leaders who listen, value hard work and who are willing to stand up for the people back home.”
Bogue said her priorities include being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, an advocate to make our schools a priority so students are prepared for success and to stand up for family farmers, ranchers and small business owners.
The Republican Primary Election is June 2, 2026.
For more information, please contact Lisa Bogue’s campaign at lisabogue.com.
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Brent Hoffman Announces Candidacy for Minnehaha County Commission
HARTFORD, S.D. — Brent Hoffman announced today that he is seeking the Republican nomination for the Minnehaha County Commission. “It would be a great honor to represent the people of our county,” Hoffman said. “If elected, I will always remember who sent me there, and I will work hard on their behalf.”
Hoffman brings a long record of public service. He served a career in the military—both enlisted and as an officer—and survived the attack on the Pentagon on 9/11. He has long been involved in community service, including as a Big Brother and as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children. Hoffman has been elected to public office three times, serving on the City Council, School Board, and in the State Senate. He has earned recognition from organizations such as Concerned Women for America and the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Hoffman said he intends to run an issue-focused campaign centered on responsible government and transparency. He has advocated for fiscal discipline, tax restraint, and term limits, previously serving as chair of South Dakotans for Term Limits. “The best ideas in government rarely come from within government,” Hoffman said. “They come from conversations with the people we serve.”
Hoffman is a widower and lives on a farm near Hartford, where he remains active in the community. He holds several degrees, including an MBA from the University of South Dakota. He is also the author of Life After—a biography of his late wife—and Bailey: A Wonderful Life.
The primary election will be held June 2.
From facebook this weekend, it appears that District 5 House has picked up another participant in the Republican Primary. Seth Phillips, a Watertown businessman has declared his candidacy for the office, and has not just a facebook page up, but an entire website:
And apparently he’s a big Toby Doeden guy. I had a person mention to me that he might even specifically be a Doeden recruit for the legislature, in place of Rep. Garcia who is running for the Senate.
Getting away from Facebook, and over to his website, the website for District 5 State House Candidate Seth Phillips notes…
Seth’s life has included both challenges and growth. Earlier in life he made mistakes that forced him to take a hard look at the direction his life was heading. Through accountability, discipline, and a commitment to building something better, he turned his life around and focused on becoming the father and leader his family could depend on.
and..
Seth is running for State House to protect the South Dakota way of life, defend constitutional rights, support working families, strengthen education and career pathways, and ensure government remains accountable to the people.
Let’s talk about accountability. Because coincidentally, it appears that a Seth Phillips has a 9AM appointment tomorrow morning in a court room. I don’t think most people are thinking when they read Seth’s website referring to him making mistakes earlier in life that they’re thinking of earlier being a couple of weeks ago.
The charge? On 2/8/26, Seth Phillips was arrested at 10:45 in the morning for a violation of 32-23-2 (M1) DUI1 .08% OR MORE OF ALCOHOL IN BLOOD-IN VIOLATION OF 32-23-1. Tomorrow marks his initial appearance, 03/16/2026 at 09:00 AM here in a Brookings County courtroom according to UJS records. (docket number is 05CRI26-000175).
That would be notable enough for a candidate for office. Except, since his arrest for DUI, court records show that Seth Phillips was arrested again – while pending a court date for the first charge – on 2/27 for one count of 22-42A-3 (M2) USE OR POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA and a count of 22-42-24 (M2), SMOKING/CONSUMING MARIJUANA BY OPERATOR OF VEHICLE. He paid the ticket on those.
You know, if they could take him off the road at this point, I don’t think that would be a bad thing.
Unfortunately, you don’t have to go back very far to find more, including 32-12-65 (M2) DRIVING WITH SUSPENDED (NOT REVOKED) LICENSE (8/24/25), and more drug possession and driving with a suspended license in 2024.
That’s the recent stuff. If you keep reviewing, and you go back to 2019, we get to domestic abuse charges he eventually pled guilty to; 22-18-1(2) (M1) DOM ABUSE SIMPLE ASSAULT RECKLESSLY CAUSES BODILY INJURY for which he was sentenced to 180 days in jail with 136 days suspended. There’s even a 2016 sentence to the state pen (Incarcerated to Penitentiary for 3 Year(s) with 18 Month(s) suspended and credit for 74 Day(s) served). Which makes me question his eligibility to serve in the legislature.
§ 4. Disqualification for conviction of crime.... No person who has been, or hereafter shall be, convicted of bribery, perjury, or other infamous crime, …. shall be eligible to the Legislature or to any office in either branch thereof.
BTW, that would be for the House of Representatives to decide if it falls under the constitutional prohibitions and what constitutes an infamous crime. Regardless, if you’re a District 5 resident, and this is the record of accountability you want to bring to Pierre; by all means, you should choose to put Seth Phillips in office.
If not, there are two candidates who have NOT been sentenced to that building they’re replacing on the hill in Sioux Falls, and also have a pretty good record of public service; Bryon Callies, a former legislator and past National Vice Commander of the American Legion, and current Rep. Matt Roby, an attorney, former member of the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office and former Watertown city attorney.
If you’re a District 5 resident, let the choice be yours.
*Update*
The court date was pushed back to next week (3/23/26), I would guess due to weather.
From Facebook.. apparently some legislators spend too much time reading what their crazy aunt posts on Facebook:
Yeah… That’s not real:
Neither CBS News nor “60 Minutes” ever issued any such guidance. Further, a Facebook post is not a legal document. The act of copying and pasting a message on a user’s Facebook feed does not alter a user’s agreement of the company’s terms, privacy policy and cookie policy.
And..
The language Facebook “is now a public entity” was one clue that the posts featured an old rumor. Facebook held its initial public offering (IPO) on the stock market in 2012.
Snopes has reported on numerous variations of this same rumor since that year. The copied-and-pasted posts are part of a long-running hoax.
For further reading, we previously compiled a list of rumors involving Facebook “copypasta” — internet slang combining the words “copy” and “paste.”
And try not to be as gullible as you might find some of our legislators.