AGP Executive Report

Senate Race: Independent candidate Brian Bengs says backing from the Forward Party helped make his challenge to Sen. Mike Rounds competitive. He faces Rounds on Nov. 3, with no Democratic candidate on the ballot. Amendment L: Opponents of the proposal to raise the passage threshold for future constitutional amendments to 60% have raised more than $2.2 million; supporters report about $93,000. Senate Leadership: Majority Leader John Thune says partisan gridlock is blocking spending bills and fueling temporary shutdowns, as pressure grows to change the Senate’s 60-vote rules. State Government: Gov. Larry Rhoden, Sen. John Thune and Attorney General Marty Jackley have launched a get-out-the-vote bus tour, while South Dakota has activated 120 National Guard soldiers for a southern border mission.

Senate and Permitting: Majority Leader John Thune says partisan stalemates are blocking spending bills and fueling shutdowns, while pressure grows to change the Senate’s 60-vote rules. He also backs permitting reform, but South Dakota Public Utilities Commission chair Chris Nelson objects to shifting transmission-line decisions from state regulators to Washington. Election 2026: About 10,000 South Dakotans have requested mail ballots—roughly 22% of early-voting requests. Voters say mail voting is essential for reasons including age, disability and military service. Independent Candidates: A national push to win rural voters with populist messages includes South Dakota Senate challenger Brian Bengs, though recent polling shows Republican Mike Rounds leading. Ballot Measure Fight: National groups are spending heavily against Amendment L, which would raise the threshold for constitutional amendments. Rural Services: A $340,160 federal grant will fund leadership training for rural, frontier and tribal EMS agencies across South Dakota, addressing staffing, volunteer and financial pressures.

Noem Under Fire: Kristi Noem is accused of posting an unauthorized statement on State Department letterhead about her job status. Politico quoted sources saying the department did not issue it; Noem has not publicly responded in the reporting provided. Election Push: Gov. Larry Rhoden, Sen. Mike Rounds and Attorney General Marty Jackley kicked off a get-out-the-vote bus tour in the Black Hills. Recent polls show Republican candidates leading in key statewide races, while the secretary of state urged voters to verify polling locations before Nov. 3. Data Center Debate: Sioux Falls leaders and Lincoln County commissioners will meet Tuesday to discuss the proposed Gemini hyperscale data center between Sioux Falls and Brandon, as opposition to such projects cuts across party lines. Amendment L: National groups are spending against the ballot measure, which would require a 60% vote to amend the state constitution; supporters say it would guard against changes made by a narrow majority. Border Deployment: The South Dakota National Guard activated 120 soldiers for a southern border mission under the Trump administration.

Noem Under Scrutiny: Kristi Noem is accused of posting an unauthorized State Department press release after her special envoy role ended; she remains a senior adviser, according to the department’s announcement. Data Center Debate: Sioux Falls and Lincoln County officials meet Tuesday to discuss the proposed 500-megawatt Gemini data center near Brandon, a growing election issue. Election Watch: South Dakota polls offer sharply different outlooks: two surveys show closer governor and House races, while South Dakota News Watch reports wide leads for Larry Rhoden and Marty Jackley. Amendment L opponents have spent about $1.7 million, far more than its backers. Voters are urged to verify polling locations before Nov. 3. Border Mission: 120 South Dakota National Guard soldiers have been activated for a southern-border deployment, the state’s seventh in five years. Wind Projects: The White House says it will move ahead with a South Dakota wind project after a judge’s order, while developers say Pentagon reviews remain stalled for many others.

Election 2026: South Dakota polls offer sharply different pictures: Democratic challengers cite surveys showing close races, while South Dakota News Watch reports wide leads for Republicans. The state also urges voters to check polling locations before Nov. 3. Amendment L: Opponents of the proposal to raise the threshold for passing constitutional amendments have spent nearly $2 million more than supporters, campaign reports show. Campaign Trail: Gov. Larry Rhoden, Sen. Mike Rounds and Attorney General Marty Jackley will tour the state next week to encourage turnout. National Guard: South Dakota activated 120 Guard members for a southern border mission, the latest deployment in the state’s support for the federal effort. Abortion Pill Lawsuit: Eighteen states joined South Dakota in urging an appeals court to uphold the state’s restrictions on mailed abortion medication. Wind Energy: The White House says two stalled wind projects, including one in South Dakota, can proceed, but developers say the Pentagon’s review delays remain for hundreds of other projects.

Election 2026: South Dakota’s Secretary of State urged voters to verify polling places before Nov. 3; polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and absentee voters can track ballots online. About 5,700 people had voted by mail, making up 13% of advance ballots so far. Campaign Trail: Gov. Larry Rhoden, Sen. Mike Rounds and Rep. Dusty Johnson are planning a joint get-out-the-vote bus tour across the state Oct. 26-29. National Guard: Rhoden activated about 120 members of the 155th Engineer Company for a southern border mission expected to last roughly a year. Abortion Law: Jackley says 18 states are backing South Dakota’s appeal over a law restricting abortion-pill distribution; a federal court blocked enforcement, and a trial is expected in 2027. Infrastructure: Work has begun on a $290 million replacement for the Platte-Winner Bridge, South Dakota’s costliest transportation project. The new crossing is expected to open in 2030.

Election 2026: Gov. Larry Rhoden and Democrat Dan Ahlers are sparring over taxes, data centers and local control. A South Dakota Poll gives Republican Sen. Mike Rounds a 56%-37% lead over independent Brian Bengs, though Bengs leads among independent voters. Constitutional Ballot Fight: Amendment L would require 60% voter approval to amend the state constitution, up from a simple majority. Supporters say it protects voters; opponents warn it would hinder citizen-led measures. National Guard: More than 120 South Dakota soldiers are deploying to the southwest border for security and support duties, marking the state’s seventh border deployment in five years. Infrastructure: Work is beginning on the $290 million Platte-Winner Bridge, the costliest project in state transportation history; the existing crossing will stay open during construction. Courts and Agriculture: Opponents of a proposed South Dakota uranium mine are challenging the EPA’s decision to exempt an aquifer from drinking-water protections. A federal fertilizer initiative also includes planned ammonia production in South Dakota as part of a multistate investment.

Border Deployment: Gov. Larry Rhoden activated 120 members of the South Dakota National Guard’s 155th Engineering Company for an approximately yearlong mission at the southern border. Abortion Law Appeal: South Dakota’s challenge to a federal court block on its abortion-pill law has backing from 18 states. The case is before the 8th Circuit, with a trial expected in 2027. Senate Race: Two polls show Sen. Mike Rounds ahead of independent Brian Bengs, though by different margins: 56% to 37% in a News Watch survey and 50% to 42% in a KELO/Emerson poll. Campaign Finance: A new report shows gubernatorial candidate Toby Doeden spent about $5.3 million of his own money before losing the Republican runoff to Rhoden; the report lists an unexplained change in his outstanding loan balance. Ballot Measure: South Dakota voters will decide Amendment J, which would bar noncitizens from voting in local elections. City Hall: Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson’s “Sioux Falls Listens” sessions are gathering residents’ ideas and concerns during her first 100 days in office. Rapid City Government: Mayor Jason Salamun has picked longtime parks manager Scott Anderson to lead the Parks and Recreation Department; the City Council will consider the appointment Nov. 2.

Election Watch: A South Dakota News Watch poll puts Gov. Larry Rhoden ahead of Dan Ahlers, 56% to 36%, and Republican Marty Jackley ahead of Democrat Nikki Gronli, 60% to 32%, in the U.S. House race. Democrat Terrence Davis, running for secretary of state, has drawn donations from Republicans critical of GOP nominee Heather Baxter’s support for hand-counting elections. Ballot Measures: Opponents of Amendment L have spent $1.5 million on ads against requiring a two-thirds vote to amend the state constitution. The Medicaid expansion measure is also drawing debate over whether a federal funding cut could jeopardize coverage for more than 30,000 South Dakotans. Local Government: Aberdeen extended its data center moratorium to give the city more time to draft rules addressing noise, water and power use, following public feedback. Campaign Security: Sen. Mike Rounds’ Sioux Falls office was evacuated after receiving a suspicious letter, part of a wave of similar mailings to lawmakers nationwide.

Senate Race: Super PACs spent nearly $468,000 opposing Mike Rounds this month as campaign spending ramps up. Secretary of State Race: Democrat Terrence Davis reported about $53,500 in contributions, including donations from Republicans who oppose GOP nominee Heather Baxter’s criticism of vote-counting machines. Election Security: Rounds’ Sioux Falls office was evacuated after staff received a suspicious letter, part of a wider wave of mailings targeting lawmakers and election offices. November Ballot: South Dakotans will decide four legislatively referred measures, including a proposal to end Medicaid expansion if federal funding falls below 90%; a separate amendment would bar noncitizens from voting. Tribal Funding: A Brookings Institution analysis found federal cuts removed $19.6 million from nearly $30 million in previously committed funds for South Dakota tribes. U.S. House Race: Republican Marty Jackley leads Democrat Nikki Gronli 60% to 32% in a poll of likely voters.

Election Watch: County auditors began testing tabulation machines ahead of Nov. 3, comparing machine counts with hand-marked ballots. Outside groups have spent nearly $500,000 this month opposing Sen. Mike Rounds, whose Sioux Falls office was evacuated after receiving suspicious mail. Statehouse: Gov. Larry Rhoden says a special session on farm and fuel costs is unlikely, though lawmakers can call one with a two-thirds vote. He also extended the deployment of seven National Guard members assisting ICE through September 2027. Courts & Policy: South Dakota is appealing a ruling blocking enforcement of its restrictions on advertising and distributing abortion drugs; attorneys general from other states filed a brief backing the law. Energy Decisions: Yankton County imposed a yearlong moratorium on large battery-storage projects while it studies regulations. NorthWestern Energy is seeking approval for a 131-megawatt natural-gas plant near Aberdeen. Governor’s Race: Polls show Rhoden leading Democrat Ahlers by 20 points.

Energy and Data Centers: NorthWestern Energy has asked South Dakota regulators for a permit to build a $300 million natural-gas plant near Aberdeen, capable of powering about 26,000 homes. The PUC approved outside review and a local advisory committee as candidates debate data centers, energy costs and local control. Election Watch: Pre-election finance reports are in, and a new poll puts Gov. Larry Rhoden ahead of Democrat Dan Ahlers, 56% to 36%. Voter registration closed Monday ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Election Security: Suspicious mail sent to South Dakota officials was intercepted, and Sen. Mike Rounds’ Sioux Falls office was evacuated after receiving a suspicious letter. State Government: Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff has left the post; Rhoden named an interim successor.**

Election Security: A suspicious envelope addressed to South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson was intercepted before delivery; Sen. Mike Rounds’ Sioux Falls office was also evacuated after receiving suspicious mail. Governor’s Race: A South Dakota Poll puts Gov. Larry Rhoden ahead of Democrat Dan Ahlers, 56% to 36%; independent voters favor Ahlers, 51% to 35%. Independent Candidates: Eleven independents are running for the Legislature, and one is guaranteed a House seat in District 27, which has four independent candidates competing for two seats. Ballot Measure: South Dakota’s Catholic bishops issued a rare joint endorsement of Amendment L, which would require 60% voter approval for future constitutional amendments. Voting Deadline: The voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 election passed Monday; South Dakota does not offer online or Election Day registration. State Government: Gov. Rhoden named an interim Social Services secretary after Secretary Matt Althoff stepped down.

Election Security: A suspicious white-powder envelope addressed to Secretary of State Monae Johnson was intercepted before delivery. Authorities have not identified the substance; the FBI and Postal Inspection Service are investigating similar mailings nationwide. Voting: South Dakota’s voter-registration deadline passed at 5 p.m. Monday. Early voting is underway, and the Native American Rights Fund plans to send nearly 300 volunteers to monitor polling places in South Dakota and six other states for barriers facing Native voters. Governor’s Race: A new poll puts Republican Larry Rhoden ahead of Democrat Dan Ahlers, 56% to 36%, among likely voters; 8% are undecided. State Government: Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff has left the post, and Gov. Larry Rhoden named Deputy Secretary Brenda Tidball-Zeltinger interim chief. Senate Campaign: Independent Brian Bengs raised $892,000 in the third quarter, topping Republican Sen. Mike Rounds’ $433,000.

Midterm Turnout: Rapid City’s “No Kings” rally urged residents to vote early, while South Dakota’s voter-registration deadline falls Monday, Oct. 19. Ballot Questions: Voters will decide Amendment J, a proposal to bar noncitizens from voting; supporters call it a loophole fix, while critics say it fuels unfounded fears. Senate Race: Independent challenger Brian Bengs raised nearly $896,000 in the third quarter, topping Republican Sen. Mike Rounds’ fundraising for the period. Rounds, however, ended September with about $1.75 million in cash—12 times Bengs’ balance. Local Policy: Data centers are emerging as a campaign issue: Rapid City residents raised concerns about proposed rules, and District 43 Democrats oppose them while Republicans urge local control. State Government: Social Services Secretary Althoff has stepped down, and Gov. Larry Rhoden named an interim successor.

Senate Race: Independent challenger Brian Bengs raised nearly $896,000 in the third quarter, topping Sen. Mike Rounds’ fundraising for the period. Rounds still held about $1.75 million in cash, compared with Bengs’ $146,000. Office Security: Rounds’ Sioux Falls office was evacuated after suspicious mail arrived; the senator later addressed the incident. Voting Deadline: South Dakotans must register by Monday to vote in the Nov. 3 midterms. No Kings events around the state urged voters to cast ballots early. State Government: Social Services Secretary Althoff has stepped down, and Gov. Larry Rhoden named an interim successor.