Toby Doeden must be feeling bolder as he tries to gain ground in his first Republican primary election for Governor.

As you might expect a newbie to do, he’s rolled out an attack ad going after the front runners as somehow being inconsequential in the race at a time when he himself is yet to get on the ballot, can’t explain how he’s going to accomplish his wild-ass promises, and nobody knows his name.

The ad is more about trying to tell everyone he’s the Trumpiest candidate as opposed to showing any vision or substance.  So it will really come as a blow when Trump eventually endorses one of the other two guys.

Ad buys have him buying one ad each news show for the next couple weeks. Not a terribly big buy, so I’m guessing he hasn’t sold his jet yet.

Stay tuned. We’ll see if he ever moves out of the amateur zone.  Because he’s not doing it with this message.

More Money in Your Pocket
By Sen. John Thune

On February 24, President Trump delivered his State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress. The president laid out a bright vision for the future, made possible in no small part by what he and Republicans in Congress accomplished this past year. In just one year, we’ve made progress toward a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America. And as the American people heard from the president, we’re just getting started.

Our work began with putting more money in Americans’ pockets, which we did with the Working Families Tax Cuts. Thanks to Republicans’ landmark bill, hardworking South Dakotans can benefit from permanently lower tax rates, a bigger standard deduction, and a bigger child tax credit – all of which are permanent. Then there’s no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and a bonus deduction for senior citizens living on a fixed income. All told, this tax relief means bigger refunds this tax season and lower tax bills in the years ahead.

Republicans didn’t stop with tax relief though. This landmark legislation also repealed the Biden-era natural gas tax and took steps to unleash American energy production and ensure that Americans have a reliable energy supply. And we included measures to modernize the farm safety net for farmers and ranchers in South Dakota and around the country.

In another piece of legislation, we prioritized measures that make prescriptions less expensive by increasing the transparency of pharmacy benefit managers and ensuring they pass savings on to patients at the pharmacy counter. And in the coming days, the Senate will act on another bill to make the dream of homeownership more affordable and accessible for everyday Americans.

In addition to addressing affordability, Republicans have also made significant strides toward strengthening American security. That started with securing the southern border, and the Working Families Tax Cuts included funding to ensure those gains can be maintained for the long term. It also made a major investment in rebuilding our military, ensuring America’s men and women in uniform have what they need to counter today’s threats and tomorrow’s.

Americans went through a lot under President Biden: from a historic inflation crisis to the worst border crisis on record. On top of that, hardworking people were facing the prospect of a massive tax hike in 2026 – a tax hike that never came because Republicans acted to prevent it.

When it comes to tackling affordability and making America safer and stronger, Republicans don’t just talk, we act. We’re putting more money in Americans’ pockets and working hard to make life affordable for American families.

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Commitment to Freedom and American Strength
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
February 27, 2026

 BIG Update

The Second Amendment should apply equally to all law-abiding Americans. Unfortunately, that hasn’t held true for tribal members. Under current law, tribal members can’t use their tribal ID to purchase a firearm, but you can use a foreign passport. There’s no reason a tribal ID should not be an accepted identification document. To fix this, I introduced the Tribal Firearm Access Act to ensure tribal IDs are an acceptable form of identification when purchasing a firearm.

BIG Idea

The Boys & Girls Club is a great resource for children and youth across America. I met with leaders from the Sioux Empire and Northern Plains Boys & Girls Club to talk about their programs to prepare students for the workforce, which are positively impacting students’ lives. They lead a workforce readiness program that gives students the tools they need to land their first job and be successful in the workplace.

I’m supportive of ensuring our youth have access to work, if they want or need the opportunity. I’m leading legislation to expand work opportunities for 14- and 15-year-olds, who are currently limited by the hours they are allowed to work. My Teenagers Earning Everyday Necessary Skills (TEENS) Act would extend working hours for 14- and 15-year-olds until 9:00pm year-round and allows them to work up to 24 hours per week. The TEENS Act would grow their skills and development and lead to more success in their future.

 

Johnson meets with Sioux Empire and Northern Plains Boys & Girls Club leaders

BIG News

During the State of the Union address this week, President Trump highlighted the important achievements of Congress and the Administration in the past year like securing the border. Over the past nine months, there hasn’t been a single release of an illegal immigrant into the United States. Additionally, there is 56% less fentanyl coming across the border than there was in 2024. I invited Custer County Sheriff Marty Mechaley to be my guest at the State of the Union this year, and he was pleased to hear how securing our border has made our country safer.

Johnson with Custer County Sheriff Marty Mechaley

During the address, 100-year-old South Dakota native Royce Williams received the Congressional Medal of Honor, which was presented by the First Lady. Royce Williams is a true American hero who served as a naval aviator in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He received the medal for a historic fight with the Soviets in the Korean War. His act of heroism and resolve is commendable and embodies the South Dakota spirit of strength. It was an honor to meet him and thank him for his service.

Johnson with Royce Williams

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Had a reader pass this on to me.

After Team Dusty Johnson had over 200 volunteers turn in over 5000 petition signatures to the Secretary of the State recently, the Doeden Dumpster-fire team decided they might want to get at it. So they sent people to stand in front of the Sioux Falls Convention Center to try to gather names. Except the advertising seems a bit odd:

Here’s TeamDumpster-Fire.. we only wish it could be colder and more inhospitable for them.

But, what’s that sign they’re carting around?

The sign blares “SDGOP Governor’s Petition” with Toby Doeden in teensy small print. (Not that we see a disclaimer, either) The sign deceptively portrays that it somehow has something to do with the GOP sponsoring or otherwise being a part of this effort. So do they have to deceive that it’s a party thing to get people to sign? How unpopular is he?

What’s next? “Not Toby Doeden” signs?

It gives me the impression that if they highlight the Toby thing, and emphasize that signers will be supporting the Toby Doeden campaign, people are just going to drive on by.  (Because running them over is highly illegal. Don’t do that, please.)

 

*UPDATE*

A number of people are outraged that Toby is trying to fool voters that he’s somehow endorsed by the party. And they’re sounding off on social media. So much so, that the SDGOP had to come out with a statement walking away from it:

You notice that it avoids any direct scolding of Doeden.  Likely because some of the free-dumb caucus affiliates have leadership positions in the GOP, and Toby is generally their guy.

This was not something I would’ve expected. In cooperation with Israel, President Trump launches an attack on Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. Kills a significant portion of its leadership.

And Senator California Carley skipping out of the State Senate and refusing to say where he was hiding still remains as the top trending story on KELOLAND News. I’m not kidding:

This seems like one of those stories that isn’t going to go away anytime soon.

Thune Statement on U.S. Airstrikes in Iran

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement after the U.S. military conducted airstrikes in Iran.

“For years, Iran’s relentless nuclear ambitions, its expanded ballistic missile inventory, and its unwavering support for terror groups in the region have posed a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. servicemembers, citizens in the region, and many of our allies. Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns. I commend President Trump for taking action to thwart these threats.

“I thank Secretary Rubio for providing updates on these issues throughout the week, and I look forward to administration officials briefing all senators about these military operations. I commend the bravery of the servicemembers carrying out these operations and pray for the safety of those in harm’s way.”

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California Carley’s days in the South Dakota Senate might be numbered.

A fundraising effort has been launched by the PAC’n Heat 2.0 group to raise money to assist in defeating District 29’s absentee senator, complete with a punchy parody tune asking “where in the world is Carley Sandiego”

This comes only a few hours after KELOland has run an additional story, noting that the senator still will not disclose where he was hiding as Senators were searching, as the Governor was calling for him to return to do his job.

Go watch the video, and you can make a donation to reduce the number of chickens in the Senate at https://www.pacnheat2.com/district29.

In reviewing who was filing today, on the heels of Casey Crabtree withdrawing from the Congressional race, I noted that State Rep. Tim Walburg – also from District 8 – had filed paperwork today to run for the County Commission, and NOT the South Dakota Legislature in the 2026 election.

I reached out to Representative Walburg to ask about it, and he was kind enough to explain that it’s his intent to further his education, and he believed he would better serve the people of Lake County as well as his educational coursework by the lateral move.

According to Walburg:

I have decided to go back to school for more medical training.  While looking ahead with the possibilities from schooling, I hope to take advantage of the Rural Health Transformation Grant for Lake County, recently signed by Gov Rhoden.  To do this, I had to make a hard decision to leave the legislature, something I really like to do.    My schooling is little over a year long.  With this, I will have to take 2 semesters off to complete my education if I continue my position in the House of Representatives.

Since making that decision I was asked friends if I would consider a county commissioner spot?  With the support asked of me, I decided to put my knowledge from the legislature and previous county experience to work for Lake County Citizens.  I will continue to fulfill my legislative roles until the end of my term.  I hope to be assigned the EMS Summer Study again this year to continue address EMS shortages.  The last 2 years in Pierre has taught me many things, which can benefit Lake County. 

While the times in Pierre were challenging with pitfalls.  As colleagues, we did come together to accomplish some great things for the state.  We have 2 weeks left to finish some work  We need to finish the general budget and show an increase to the BIG 3.  We need to come together for property tax relief.  Our legislative colleagues want to show a WIN for something.  Now is the time to show a WIN by putting differences aside, working together as a team for the state and not a certain general area of South Dakota.  After 6 years of Property Tax Studies, its time.

Rep. Tim Walburg
District 8
Serving Lake, Miner, Kingsbury, and Brookings Counties

Thanks for Representative Walburg for giving of his time to travel to Pierre in the winter during some very challenging times for the State of South Dakota.

Jackley Thanks Crabtree for Endorsement

Pierre: Today Casey Crabtree announced he is dropping out of the race for U.S. Congress and endorsed Marty Jackley.

Statement from Marty Jackley:

I thank Senator Casey Crabtree for his endorsement. Casey and I have been friends for nearly a decade, and that has never changed. Casey has shown leadership for both his district and the people of our State, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on issues important to us both to make South Dakota even stronger.

-30-

Thank You South Dakota

Running for Congress has been an incredible journey. The generosity and friendship South Dakotans have shown my family and I during the past year will never be forgotten. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Today, I will be suspending my campaign for Congress. The dysfunction in the State Senate this past week has made it clear that my leadership is needed far more at home in South Dakota right now than in DC. I’m also looking forward to catching all of my boys’ ballgames in the weeks and months ahead.

I want to wish Marty Jackley well in the November election. He has my full endorsement. President Trump needs a strong Republican majority to continue his America First victories—growing the economy, making American cities safer, and rebuilding America’s military strength.

To all of my family, friends and supporters, you believed in me and my America First, South Dakota Always message, and I’ll keep carrying that torch to make South Dakota a better place for all of us, but especially the next generation.

Thank you and God bless.

Casey

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(Official Release)

Crabtree Suspends Congressional Campagin

MADISON–Today, Republican State Senator Casey Crabtree suspended his campaign for South Dakota’s at-large seat in the United States House of Representatives to focus on policy issues at home in South Dakota.

Crabtree issued the following statement:

“Running for Congress has been an incredible journey. The generosity and friendship South Dakotans have shown my family and I during the past year will never be forgotten. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

“Today, I will be suspending my campaign for Congress. The dysfunction in the State Senate this past week has made it clear that my leadership is needed far more at home in South Dakota right now than in DC. I’m also looking forward to catching all of my boys’ ballgames in the weeks and months ahead.

“I want to wish Marty Jackley well in the November election. He has my full endorsement. President Trump needs a strong Republican majority to continue his America First victories—growing the economy, making American cities safer, and rebuilding America’s military strength.

“To all of my family, friends and supporters, you believed in me and my America First, South Dakota Always message, and I’ll keep carrying that torch to make South Dakota a better place for all of us, but especially the next generation. Thank you and God bless.”

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