SDGOP Convention begins; reports are that things are getting a bit crazy out there.

The 2026 South Dakota Republican Party Convention has begun with committee meetings today. And from reports, it’s already getting a bit crazy out there.

Kind of like when Josephine Garcia was claiming she was endorsed by God, Secretary of State candidate Heather Baxter posted a prayer for herself to her Facebook page:

I think that’s kind of like praying that a million dollars will drop from the sky. The Lord usually is not big on answering those requests.

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What else? There are reports that new candidates are emerging to run for some of the offices.

Fresh off of his loss for Congress on June 2, and being found guilty of Criminal Trespass and Disorderly Conduct in a 2025 incident involving Governor Rhoden at a dollar store on June 12…

…James Bialota is back looking for a triumvirate of misfortune, and is rumored to be considering another bite at the apple, and thinking about a challenge for the office of School and Public Lands.   If that’s the case, that’s a guaranteed NO vote.

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There is talk from delegates that State Senator Tamara Grove who was beaten in the primary by Rep. Rebecca Reimer amidst some controversy about living in a District 200 miles or so away, while collecting a owner occupied tax break for her home in Sioux Falls, it is rumored she may be entering the race for State Auditor against Catherine Barranco.

Not to split hairs or anything, but the State Auditor is responsible for dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s for State Government, and scrutinizing the manner in which state tax dollars are being spent. When you were just spanked by the voters for not having your own property tax paperwork in order.. that one would be a pretty tough sell running for an even higher office.   Oh – and I was just told a Biolata ally, Renae Randall, might also jump in that race.  Jumping in at the last minute after never being involved with the party usually isn’t a good fit.

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What else?  There’s lots more going on, and e-mails have been flying back and forth, but they’re just not ripe yet to bring up.  Keep watching this page to find out what’s happening at the – as one person just texted me referred to it – the apocalypse in Rapid City otherwise known as the 2026 SDGOP State Republican Convention!