PRESS RELEASE: Immediate Release 

John Fitzgerald announces candidacy for South Dakota Attorney General 

John Fitzgerald announced today, May 12, 2026, that he has stepped down from his position as a Fourth Circuit Court Judge in Sturgis, South Dakota, to seek the Republican nomination for South Dakota Attorney General. 

Fitzgerald is a graduate of Black Hills State University in Spearfish and the University of South Dakota School of Law. 

Fitzgerald served 42 years as a South Dakota State’s Attorney in Butte and Lawrence counties and is believed to be the longest-serving State’s Attorney in South Dakota history. 

In November 2022, Fitzgerald was elected as a Fourth Circuit Court Judge, serving eight northwestern South Dakota counties. 

“Serving as a Circuit Judge has been an honor and has given me an even deeper appreciation for the rule of law, the Bill of Rights, and the importance of equal justice,” Fitzgerald said. 

As an aggressive prosecutor, Fitzgerald tried cases involving murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping, and virtually every other category of crime. Throughout his career, he built a reputation for being tough on violent offenders and committed to protecting victims and property rights. 

“The Attorney General’s Office plays a critical role in protecting public safety,” Fitzgerald said. “I believe my judgment, courtroom experience, and knowledge as a lawyer have prepared me to lead the fight against crime in our state, especially violent crime.” 

Fitzgerald’s wife, Mary Fitzgerald, serves in the South Dakota House of Representatives from Lawrence County. Together, they have three grown children and six grandchildren.

Attorney General Jackley Joins Amicus Brief Requesting U.S. Supreme Court Uphold Stay on Mifepristone Requirements

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces he has joined 22 other Attorneys General in filing an amicus brief requesting the U.S. Supreme Court uphold a lower court’s stay of a federal regulation that removed the longstanding in-person dispensing requirement for the chemical abortion drug mifepristone.

The brief supports the state of Louisiana, which is suing the federal Food and Drug Administration for a 2023 rule that removed the in-person dispensing requirement. That allowed the drug to be shipped across state lines.

“South Dakota lawmakers and citizens have said repeatedly they want stronger rules for the distribution of this drug,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The states, not the federal government, should make their own decisions on this dangerous drug.”

Nebraska filed the brief. Other states involved were Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

The brief can be found here:

-30-

Just had a reader point this out to me, that Governor Larry Rhoden’s Ag Summit is being held in Pierre at the same time as the Republican State Convention in Rapid City:

I would wager that the Ag Summit will have better sponsors too.

Okay, this made me laugh.

A new PAC, said to be coming out of the Doeden-sphere, is hitting Jon Hansen for being weak on crime with a text blast to Republican phones:

The PAC is fronted by Tabor Schabot of Aberdeen. You can find out more at JailbreakJon.com

Christine Erickson for Mayor and her boys talk about what it takes to run a household – and a city!

From the NRA-PVF website, the national second amendment organization NRA has released its ratings of the candidates in the gubernatorial race, ranking three of the four equally, but giving the endorsement to the incumbent (as they have a habit of doing).

Read that and more of the NRA’s endorsed candidates here.

Governor Rhoden, who got the nod, Congressman Dusty Johnson, and that one guy, are all ranked equally. But it looks like Toby Doeden is unranked, his stance with the NRA a big question mark and possibly having bagged the NRA entirely.

Kind of a rookie mistake. But then again, for Toby this is his first Gubernatorial primary. Both running as a candidate, and voting in one.

PUC approves settlement to increase Xcel Energy electric rates below request

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioners voted to approve a settlement stipulation submitted by Xcel Energy and PUC staff that will allow Xcel to increase electric rates for South Dakota customers at a public meeting on May 8, 2026, in Pierre. The settlement authorizes the company to increase overall electric rates by $25.6 million, or roughly 9.5%. The approved rate is about 41% less than Xcel’s original request that asked the PUC to allow for a $43.6 million annual increase to overall electricity rates, or approximately 16.2%. New rates will go into effect July 1, 2026.

Xcel Energy’s last base rate increase for electric customers was approved by the PUC in June 2023. Since that time, the company has made significant investments in its generation, transmission, and distribution systems to reliably meet the electricity needs of its approximately 107,000 South Dakota customers. Xcel cites those investments, plus additional factors like inflation, as primary drivers behind their requested increase. As a result of the commission’s decision, a typical residential customer using an average of 750 kilowatt hours of energy each month will see an increase of approximately $13.48 per month based on average rates.

“I was recently asked why more customers don’t personally participate in these dockets and the answer is simple. They have busy lives and that is why South Dakotans hire us. The public hires three commissioners and our highly skilled staff to do that work,” stated PUC Chairman Chris Nelson. “Over the past year, our staff and the experts they brought in to assist have gone through this rate case with the finest tooth comb you can imagine. Today, I can confidently tell South Dakota’s Xcel ratepayers that we have acted in their best interest,” he continued.

Xcel Energy implemented interim rates for South Dakota customers on Jan. 1, 2026. State law allows investor-owned utilities to collect an interim rate increase, subject to refund, while the commission considers a rate request. Due to the final rate increase being less than the implemented interim rate and as part of the settlement, Xcel will refund the difference, with interest, in August and September bills. The company estimates an average residential customer’s interim refund will be approximately $43.52.

“One of the things I appreciate most about this filing is how our staff have held Xcel Energy accountable to South Dakota ratepayers. While utilities have the opportunity to earn a fair rate of return, our team meticulously audited this filing and cut millions in costs that would have otherwise fallen on customers. By removing these line items, we’ve ensured that the new rates remain just, reasonable, and reliable, ultimately keeping more money in our citizens’ pockets,” commented PUC Vice Chairperson Kristie Fiegen.

Following extensive discovery and inquiry, the company and PUC staff entered into numerous settlement discussions in February 2026. Ultimately, parties reached a comprehensive agreement on Xcel’s overall revenue deficiency and other issues presented in this case including, but not limited to, class revenue responsibilities, rate design, and tariff concerns. A residential intervenor in the docket accepted the agreement.

“I greatly appreciate all the work PUC staff put into this docket. The public did not see the hundreds of data requests, countless hours and incredible amount of effort our staff has dedicated to this filing, but I can tell you it has been as thoroughly vetted as any rate case could be. Our goal is to guarantee that South Dakotans receive safe, reliable service at the most affordable rates possible, and I am deeply grateful for their efforts,” noted PUC Commissioner Gary Hanson.

Xcel Energy filed its application to increase electric rates for customers in its South Dakota retail service territory with the PUC on June 30, 2025.

Terms of the agreement include a rate moratorium that will prevent Xcel Energy from requesting additional increases to base rates that take effect prior to Jan. 1, 2029. The settlement also makes changes to the residential customer service charge and late payment charges.

The full docket can be viewed on the PUC website at puc.sd.gov, Commission Actions, Electric Dockets, 2025 Electric dockets, EL25-024 – In the Matter of the Application of Northern States Power Company dba Xcel Energy for Authority to Increase its Electric Rates.

– 30 –

Gov. Rhoden Is Only Candidate Endorsed by NRA

Pierre, SD – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA), and he received an A+ rating for his support for the Second Amendment. Governor Rhoden is the only candidate in the gubernatorial race endorsed by the NRA. You can find the endorsement here.

“The Second Amendment exists to protect all our other rights, and I have proudly stood for it my entire career,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “South Dakota is the most pro-Second Amendment state in America, and we’re keeping it that way! This year, we made South Dakota the first state in America to remove regulations on suppressors. It’s but the latest in a long list of results that I’ve delivered for law-abiding gun owners in South Dakota. Thank you to the NRA for their support!”

Earlier this year, Governor Rhoden signed SB 2 (often called SB 2A), making South Dakota the first state in America to remove suppressors from the concealed weapons list. During the Noem-Rhoden Administration, South Dakota became the first state in America to eliminate concealed carry permits. And Constitutional Carry was the first bill signed during the Noem-Rhoden Administration.

Governor Rhoden was the prime sponsor on at least a half-dozen bills to advance the Second Amendment while in the Legislature, including the bill to eliminate the 48-hour waiting period for pistol purchases.

Find out more about Governor Rhoden’s results to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free at RhodenResults.com.

###

From Facebook, South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson has been endorsed by the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police in the race for Governor:

Johnson Receives South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police Endorsement

Rapid City, S.D. – Today, gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Dusty Johnson received the endorsement of the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police.

“In every conversation I’ve had with law enforcement officers across this state, it is clear South Dakota can do better,” said Johnson. “We must fix our state’s broken parole and probation system. We need to increase offender accountability, and we need strong leadership to address these issues before it puts our communities at risk. I’m grateful and humbled to receive this endorsement and look forward to continuing work with organizations like the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police during my time as Governor.”

“Throughout his career in public service, Dusty Johnson has shown a steadfast commitment to supporting law enforcement, strengthening public safety, and standing with the men and women who serve our communities every day,” said the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police. “South Dakota deserves leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, and common-sense solutions. We believe Dusty Johnson has the experience, character, and vision necessary to lead South Dakota forward. We encourage the citizens of South Dakota to join us in supporting Dusty Johnson for Governor.”

To learn more about the endorsement, please click here.

The South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police is comprised of over 1,400 active and retired law enforcement officers at the federal, state, and local levels.

Safety and Discovery
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
May 8, 2026

BIG Update

Public safety begins in our communities. Our police officers, firefighters, and emergency services personnel are on the frontlines every day to keep South Dakotans safe. This week, I toured the Public Safety Building in Lake Norden – an outstanding example of a community prioritizing safety and resilience. After their public safety building burned down in 2023, the people of Lake Norden came together to build a brand new facility that serves the entire region.

Johnson meets with public safety officials in Lake Norden

I also met with leaders from Working Against Violence, Inc. (WAVI) in Rapid City. WAVI provides critical services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across western South Dakota. Their dedicated team provides shelter, therapy, and guidance, which are all essential services for families seeking safety.

Johnson tours WAVI shelter in Rapid City

BIG Idea

Deep beneath the Black Hills of South Dakota, researchers are working to answer some of the biggest questions about our universe – discoveries that could help explain why we live in a matter-dominated world. The U.S. Department of Energy is a key partner in these efforts, and I was honored to join Undersecretary Dr. Darío Gil for a beam signing ceremony marking the next phase of construction at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). Projects like this don’t just advance scientific understanding, they create high paying jobs right here in South Dakota and generate economic and scientific benefits felt across the country.

Johnson speaks with Undersecretary Dr. Darío Gil and others at the SURF beam signing

BIG News

My bill to make it easier for families to buy a home on tribal trust land was signed into law by President Trump. The Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act cuts through unnecessary bureaucracy at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and streamlines the mortgage approval process on trust land.

Right now, a mortgage that requires BIA approval can take more than a year to move forward – far too long for families trying to put down roots. With this new law, those approvals will happen faster, helping more families achieve the American Dream and improving homeownership opportunities across Indian Country.

I’m grateful to Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds for their leadership in getting our bill signed into law.

###