Editor's note: This is part of a series looking at the Nov. 8 election. Meet the state legislative candidates here, and get a rundown on ballot measures here.
Simplified: South Dakotans could see a new governor, new representation in Congress and new faces in a number of statewide roles. There are also lots of incumbents in the running. Here's a breakdown of what's on the ballot.
Who's running for governor?
Gov. Kristi Noem is seeking another four-year term with running mate, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden.
Democratic lawmaker Jamie Smith is challenging Noem with running mate Jennifer Keintz.
While those two have been the frontrunners (in what could be a close race, per a recent SDSU poll), voters also have a third-party option in Libertarian candidate Tracy Quint and running mate Ashley Strand.
Want to hear from the candidates? All three of them were present for a debate – the only debate Noem agreed to – with Dakota News Now earlier this fall. Find a replay of that debate here.
Who's running for Congress?
Three people are vying for a seat representing South Dakota in the U.S. Senate:
- Republican John Thune is seeking a fourth term – something only one other South Dakota senator has achieved in state history.
- Democrat Brian L. Bengs wants to unseat Thune.
- Libertarian Tamara J. Lesnar gives third-party voters an option.
You'll be able to hear from all three senate candidates during a debate hosted by SDPB on Nov. 4. Details here.
Two people are looking to be South Dakota's lone representative in the U.S. House of Representatives:
- Republican Dusty Johnson wants to serve another term in Congress.
- Libertarian Collin Duprel wants to unseat him.
Hear a replay of SDPB's debate between Johnson and Duprel here.
What are the other statewide races, and who are the candidates?
Here's a quick run-down. Note: Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Secretary of State
Candidates are Thomas Cool (D) and Monae Johnson (R).
- Keloland News sat down with both candidates – you can catch that conversation here.
You can also hear both Secretary of State candidates during an SDPB debate on Thursday, Oct. 27. Details here.
Attorney General
Marty Jackley (R) is running unopposed.
State Auditor
Candidates include:
- Democrat Stephanie Marty – learn more about her here.
- Libertarian Rene Meyer*
- Republican Richard Sattgast – learn more about him here.
*Meyer doesn't appear to have a website or social media, but she did send the following statement to Sioux Falls Simplified:
"Trump can't do it all, and that is the reason I am running for S.D. State Auditor is to see the books and expose the truth of where our money is going. I am running to expose corruption, and to do that you have to follow the money and return the power back to us, the citizens."
State Treasurer
Candidates include:
- Democrat John Cunningham – learn more here.
- Republican Josh Haeder – learn more here.
Commissioner of School and Public Lands
Candidates include:
- Democrat Timothy Azure – no website available
- Republican Brock Greenfield – find an interview with Hub City Radio here.
Public Utilities Commission
- Democrat Jeffrey Barth – learn more here.
- Republican Chris Nelson – learn more here.
You can also hear both PUC candidates during an SDPB debate on Thursday, Oct. 27. Details here.
