Helene Duhamel announces re-election for South Dakota Senate

After a productive 2026 legislative session, Helene Duhamel announced her candidacy for re-election to the South Dakota Senate, representing District 32 in Rapid City.

“We achieved major wins for South Dakota, Rapid City, and Box Elder this session, and I was proud to play a leadership role,” said Duhamel. “As the prime sponsor, I secured $8 million in funding to repair and improve roads around Ellsworth Air Force Base in preparation for the arrival of the new B-21 bomber.”

Duhamel also highlighted another milestone: “For the first time, we set aside $3 million in a water savings account to prepare for South Dakota’s long-term needs. Western South Dakota faces ongoing water shortages, and with continued growth on the horizon, we must plan ahead so our children and grandchildren can thrive in this dry region of our state.”

She further noted success in securing low-interest loans for the Rapid City and Sioux Falls airports, calling them vital to the state’s economy. “These two airports serve 95–98% of South Dakotans, and they’re essential to our tourism industry. This investment in transportation infrastructure benefits all of us.”

“It remains my great honor to serve and represent my fellow citizens in the South Dakota Senate,” Duhamel said. “I ask for your continued trust and support. I will keep working hard, listening to every perspective, and doing what’s best for the great state of South Dakota.”

A fifth-generation South Dakotan and longtime broadcaster, Duhamel was first appointed to the Senate in 2019 and has since been re-elected three times. She balances her legislative duties with a full-time position at the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

Duhamel currently serves on the Senate Judiciary, Local Government, and Agriculture & Natural Resources committees. A pro-business Republican, she is recognized by Elevate Rapid City for her consistent support of smart growth in western South Dakota. Her top priorities include public safety, good wages, workforce housing, and quality education.

Duhamel, 63, is married and the proud mother of three children and two grandchildren.

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Strengthening South Dakota
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
March 27, 2026

From rural healthcare to property tax relief, apprenticeships to airport investments, I have focused on strengthening our economy and supporting communities across the state. These are real investments that make a difference in the lives of our hardworking South Dakotans.

Access to quality healthcare is a priority, especially in our rural communities. Families should be able to stay in the town they grew up in without having to travel hours to see a doctor or receive critical care. This past session, we made historic investments in rural healthcare. The first bill that I signed was to support the Rural Health Transformation Fund. This investment will expand resources for rural hospitals and clinics, ensuring that South Dakotans can get the care they need close to home. Strong communities start with strong healthcare, and these resources will help keep families healthy and thriving.

Infrastructure plays an important role in our economic growth. This session, we invested in the Sioux Falls and Rapid City airports in the form of low-interest loans. Folks from across South Dakota use these airports to travel, and visitors from across the country and around the world land at those airports to take advantage of our travel industry. This investment will create more opportunities for local businesses, tourism, and economic development. This will ensure South Dakota remains competitive, connected, and Open for Opportunity.

I’m also focusing on workforce development. This session, we set up a new State Apprenticeship Agency at the Department of Labor and Regulation. Apprenticeships and hands-on learning programs allow South Dakotans to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills that meet the needs of local industries.

We also supported the growth of Southeast Tech in Sioux Falls. By investing in education and training right here in our communities, we’re keeping talent in our state and preparing workers for the high-demand careers of today and tomorrow. These programs make a difference, not just for participants, but for the businesses and communities that rely on a skilled workforce to grow and succeed. And they give our next generation more opportunities to get into the career of their dreams right here at home.

When we focus on practical, common-sense policy, South Dakota thrives. This legislative session was about keeping our economy strong, supporting our communities, giving families what they need to succeed, and keeping South Dakota the freest state in a nation founded on the principle of freedom. I’m proud of what we accomplished, and I’ll keep working every single day to deliver results for you.

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Transparency for Farmers
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
March 27, 2026

BIG Update

Farmers face many factors that they have no control over. They can’t control the weather, commodity prices, or input costs. Yet they work hard every day to feed and fuel the world despite these unknowns.

I introduced the Fertilizer Transparency Act to give farmers accurate, weekly information on fertilizer prices. The United States Department of Agriculture currently publishes this data annually and on a voluntary basis.

My bill will help alleviate some of the uncertainty that producers face every day and help them plan best for the seasons ahead. Not only will we have better data, but regulators will have the information they need to fight back against price gouging and manipulation.

Click here or the image above to read more

BIG Idea

Trucks move more than 70% of freight in the United States, bringing goods to people across the country and supporting the economy. This week, I met with the South Dakota Trucking Association to talk about challenges the trucking industry is facing.

I’m leading legislation that would allow truck drivers to transport more weight in goods. The data shows it would increase road safety and get more products delivered on time, cutting down costs and speeding up our supply chain.

Johnson with members of the South Dakota Trucking Association

BIG News

The International Olympic Committee announced biological men will not be allowed to compete in women’s events for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

I’ve been a leader in Congress to protect women’s sports. One bill I support is the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act which would ensure biological men cannot compete in women’s sports from grade school to the Olympics and every age in between. I’m glad the Olympic Committee adopted this policy.

This is not a new concept – biological males and females have different strengths and should compete on separate playing fields. Regardless of the level of competition, female athletes deserve fair competition.

Click here or the image above to read more

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I’m not seeing any pictures on-line, but hearing the Minnehaha GOP Lincoln Day Dinner featuring former Congressman Madison Cawthorn was a little rough last night.

Initial reports were that they had a room for 500 people. Except only an estimated 105 people showed up. Whoof.   We’ll see when some photos show up for confirmation.

Not a good omen for the Friday SDGOP VIP convention event with the man who went on trial for accusations of drugging and raping a woman.

Who are they trying to appeal to with these guys? Not regular South Dakotans.

Christensen Launches Campaign for State Senate in District 9

Hartford, South Dakota – March 27, 2026 – Daryl Christensen, former State Representative, business leader, and longtime advocate for South Dakota communities, today announced his campaign for State Senate in District 9 as a Republican—focused on lowering property tax pressure, public safety, infrastructure and growth management, and keeping citizens informed of the impact of decisions made in Pierre.

Christensen said he is entering the race at a time when families, homeowners, farmers, and small business owners across District 9 are being squeezed by rising costs and growing frustration with government that isn’t responding.

“We need serious leadership focused on real issues, not symbolic resolutions.”

Christensen brings decades of real-world experience in business, development, and public service. Most recently, he served as Regional Business Development Manager for Fireplace Professionals in Sioux Falls, where he led strategic growth and market expansion. As Vice President of Reaves Buildings, he managed multi-state territories, built teams, and drove sustained revenue growth while maintaining disciplined financial oversight.

Earlier in his career, Christensen worked with state and local governments in 11 states in senior care and owned and operated a real estate brokerage specializing in residential, agricultural and commercial transactions. In addition, he served in other roles managing emergency and civil defense services.

Christensen said his campaign will focus on clear, results-driven priorities:

• Slow and reduce the growth of property taxes to protect homeowners, farmers, and retirees
• Support public safety and strong local communities
• Encourage responsible growth that respects both Sioux Falls and rural South Dakota

“People aren’t asking for more promises. They’re asking for results,” he said. “We need to focus on core responsibilities, be honest about how taxpayer dollars are spent, and make sure government is working for the people, not the other way around.”

With District 9 spanning both rapidly growing Sioux Falls neighborhoods and surrounding rural communities, Christensen said effective leadership must reflect both perspectives.

“This district is stronger when we bring those priorities together,” he said. “Whether you’re in Sioux Falls or outside of town, you deserve someone who listens to your concerns welcomes thoughtful conversations and does not just go along with the status quo.”

Now retired, Christensen said he is prepared to fully commit his time and energy to serving District 9.

“I’m not running to talk. I’m running to do the job,” Christensen said. “And I’ll be ready to go to work for District 9 on day one.”

Daryl Christensen, Candidate for South Dakota Senate District 9
Email: daryl@votedarylchristensen.com Website: www.votedarylchristensen.com

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(This could be the year District 9 comes back to the light – Go check out Daryl’s web site! – pp)

Zach Mulder Announces Campaign for South Dakota House, District 9

SIOUX FALLS, SD — Zach Mulder today announced his candidacy for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 9, launching a campaign centered on common sense leadership, fiscal responsibility, and practical solutions for South Dakota families.

Mulder, a Sioux Falls resident with more than a decade of experience in financial services and regulatory compliance, said his campaign is rooted in real-world experience working with individuals and families navigating complex financial decisions and systems.

“I’ve spent my career helping people make important financial decisions, solve problems, and navigate systems that don’t always work the way they should,” Mulder said. “That experience has shown me the value of clear thinking, accountability, and doing what’s right—not what’s political.”

District 9 includes portions of communities served by the Sioux Falls, Tea Area, Tri-Valley, West Central, and Parker school districts, representing a mix of growing neighborhoods and rural areas. Mulder said the district deserves representation that understands both opportunity and challenges across the region.

“District 9 reflects the best of South Dakota—hardworking people who expect their government to be responsible, transparent, and focused on results,” Mulder said. “We don’t need more noise—we need leadership that is grounded, practical, and willing to get things done.”

Mulder emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and disciplined decision-making in state government.

“South Dakota families live within their means every day, and state government should do the same,” he said. “That means prioritizing what matters, eliminating inefficiencies, and making sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely.”

While his campaign will address a range of issues important to District 9 residents, Mulder said his approach will remain consistent.

“Common sense leadership means listening first, understanding the problem, and delivering solutions that actually work for our communities,” Mulder said. “It’s about representing people—not agendas.”

Mulder will begin meeting with voters, community leaders, and local stakeholders across District 9 in the coming weeks.

Find out more at www.zachmulder.com

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The goofballs at the Toby Doeden campaign must be diverting all their money to trying to fill their petition signature quota at the last minute.

Because there’s no one working policy, and Toby is still going on about his eyeroll-worthy claim that he’s going to create a Department of External Revenue to bring in Billions no one has happened to notice in the state’s 136 year history.

Even more, after months of claiming he can do this, it still has no specifics in all the time he’s been slinging that BS.

The Department of External Revenue? That dog just isn’t going to hunt.

It most likely apes a proposal that Trump had a year ago to “to collect tariffs, duties, and all revenue that come from foreign sources.” Which the President of the United States can conceivably do, since al of those things are in the federal purview.

But the Doeden dumpster-fire local version? Where would Toby be collecting the made-up billions of “external revenue” from as he describes in his vague, unexplained talking point?

The only place could be those businesses and people from other states doing business here. And taxing them any differently has long been deemed unconstitutional under federal law.  Going to Google AI for a quick summary, (since I don’t have a Constitutional Law attorney on speed-dial):

The Dormant Commerce Clause is a U.S. Supreme Court legal doctrine inferred from the Constitution’s Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which prohibits states from passing legislation that discriminates against or excessively burdens interstate commerce. It preserves a national market, preventing “economic Balkanization” or protectionist measures by individual states.

Key Principles and Purpose

• Prevent Protectionism: States cannot enact laws designed to benefit local businesses at the expense of out-of-state competitors, such as discriminatory taxes or bans.
• Prohibit Undue Burdens: Even nondiscriminatory regulations may be invalid if they burden interstate commerce excessively relative to the local benefit
• Implied Restriction: It acts even when Congress is “dormant,” meaning federal legislation has not been enacted.

Now, there is an exception noted:

Exceptions:

• Market Participant Exception: States may act as a buyer or seller—rather than a regulator—to favor their own citizens, such as in state-run businesses.

And except for the state deciding to compete with the private sector, there’s no way that Toby’s made-up plan can legally allow him to tax anyone in other states any differently than the way South Dakota already does it.

Fake plan. Fake talking point. No supporting plan, explanation or documentation.

I have no doubt that this isn’t the only made up hash Toby Doeden is going to be slinging on the campaign trail.

Just remember that early voting begins in about 3 weeks. And this guy should not be on your consideration list.

While attending a fundraising event put on by grocer RF Buche to go towards food security last night, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that he will be signing House Bill 1082, for the reimbursement of school districts that provide free or reduced-price meals to students:

Considering for those on a free or reduced lunch that the school might be providing the only meal, or the only hot meal that some kids may be receiving that day, it’s not a bad thing. And it helps schools.

Update – Oh! Shout out to Team Buche Cares for putting on the event it was announced at. Please support their mission to help reduce hunger & food insecurity in tribal and rural communities.

She’s baack…

Today, the former State Senator of so many negative stories, not the least of which is her censure over the borderline sexual harassment of a LRC employee which earned her a censure by the South Dakota State Legislature, has filed paperwork to run for the Senate again.

Which means only one thing – go to Senator Amber Hulse’s website and send her a donation. Right now.

I spoke with one Senator who served during the Frye-Mueller years, and within minutes of JFM filing, he fired off a donation of $1000 to Amber’s campaign. I’m guessing they won’t be the only one in that situation.

Is Amber perfect? No. No one is. She’s made votes I haven’t agreed with. I think there was one I yelled at the computer over. But, at the end of the day, I don’t fault her for that. She’s responsible to her constituents, and answers to them, not me. Amber provides representation that is an improvement by leaps and bounds beyond the embarrassing circus show that Julie Frye-Awful treated South Dakota to. And it’s actual representation. Not shoot-from-the-lip nuttery as we had before.

So get the checkbook out and fire up your venmo. Because South Dakota is calling you in our time of need.

Say yes to Amber. And just say no to one of the worst legislators to ever step foot in the State Capitol.

Nicole Mitzel Announces Campaign for South Dakota Senate, District 35

A record of service with at-risk youth, Capitol Hill experience, and a fight for school choice drives District 35 campaign

RAPID CITY, S.D. | Nicole Mitzel has officially announced her candidacy for South Dakota Senate, District 35, bringing a deeply personal commitment to children, families, and the kind of principled, hard-working leadership District 35 deserves.

Nicole Mitzel’s path to this race is rooted in a life of service. She began her career on Capitol Hill, spending nearly a decade in politics and public affairs with the Republican National Committee, where she gained firsthand knowledge of how federal policy decisions shape communities across the country. She later worked in television production before answering a deeper call closer to home. As a Juvenile Correctional Officer with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Mitzel showed up every day for kids that others had written off, learning firsthand that structure, compassion, and accountability can change the direction of a young person’s life. That experience didn’t just shape her career. It shaped her convictions.

Today she serves as Business Development Manager at Quality Interiors, supporting local businesses across the Black Hills, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Black Hills Home Builders Association, focused on housing affordability and responsible growth.

Those who know Nicole describe her the same way: she outworks the room and never cuts corners. Whether she was navigating national politics in Washington, managing facility safety and security in the juvenile center, or building client relationships in the private sector, her standard has never changed. Former Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom knows her as well as anyone. “I have had the privilege of knowing Nicole Mitzel both personally and professionally. What has always stood out to me is her integrity and her work ethic. She is the kind of person who does the right thing even when no one is watching, and she will outwork just about anyone in the room. Nicole has the character and the drive that we need. Please join me in supporting Nicole for Senate in District 35,” said Thom.

Nicole is married to Lieutenant Jason Mitzel of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. She is proudly Christian, pro-life, and pro-Second Amendment.

“Every kid deserves a chance, and every family deserves the freedom to choose the education that’s right for their child,” said Mitzel. “That’s not a political position for me. It’s something I lived. I’m running because District 35 families deserve a voice that will fight for them without apology.”

Mitzel’s campaign is built around expanding school choice and protecting parental rights, cutting property taxes and pushing back against government overreach, and standing firmly behind law enforcement, the Second Amendment, and the military families who call Ellsworth home.

To learn more or get involved, visit nicolemitzel.com.

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