From the Secretary of State’s website:
According to the Secretary of State, State Senator Tom Pischke, who is facing felony charges for falsifying election documents has withdrawn from his campaign for the 2026 election.
This triggers a process where the Republican central committee members who reside in his district (including precinct people) will select someone to run in his stead. That process begins with the withdrawal..
12-6-55. Withdrawal by nominee–Time and place of filing.
Any person nominated to any elective office may cause that person’s name to be withdrawn from nomination by request in writing, subscribed and sworn to by that person before any officer qualified to administer oaths and take acknowledgments. The request shall be filed with the officer with whom the nominating petition was filed pursuant to § 12-6-4, not later than the first Tuesday in August at 5:00 p.m. before the next election. No person’s name withdrawn under this section may be printed upon the ballots for that office unless the same person is subsequently selected to fill the vacancy in accordance with § 12-6-56.
and they are replaced on the ballot via SDCL 12-6-56:
12-6-56. Party committee–Party candidate vacancies.
If a vacancy occurs by reason of death or withdrawal after a primary election, a party candidate for public office may be chosen if a meeting of the appropriate party central committee is held and the results are certified to the appropriate official within the times prescribed by § 12-8-6.
If the vacancy is a party candidate for presidential elector or statewide office, the vacancy shall be filled by the State Party Central Committee. If the vacancy is a party candidate for public office other than presidential elector or statewide office, the vacancy shall be filled by a vote of county party central committee members in attendance who reside in the affected district.
The certification of the results shall be signed by the person responsible for calling the meeting under § 12-6-57 or the person designated to conduct the meeting under § 12-6-57.
No information is immediately available as to whether a plea agreement has been reached yet in the felony charges Pischke is currently facing prosecution for.
But it’s very likely this marks the end of his political career.
It’s a shame it lasted as long as it did.
Hahahahaha. He’s one of the worst legislators in the history of South Dakota, if not the worst.
Not sure about worst but probably 3rd least effective.
What an embarrassment to the Republican Party he should apologize to his constituents.
The Crazies have done enough for SD…Or should I say, to South Dakota. Now to hope the committee to replace him is not filled with whack jobs.
And just like that…Goes out like a fart in the wind. Did not even make Ahole of the Month
I don’t care what happens with his seat as ling as Marsha Symens stays away. She is just not a good person.
But with Bryan Breitling running; maybe someone can awnser? Could he be appointed from the precint people? Since he is running as a IND what does that look like?
Has anyone checked the signature to make sure Tom actually signed it?
A fitting end. So long chump.