AGP Executive Report

Gubernatorial Runoff Watch: Gov. Larry Rhoden kept campaigning in western South Dakota ahead of the July 28 GOP runoff, arguing his 26-year voting record and pro-property, pro-life, and Second Amendment record make him the safer bet—and he framed the race as a first-in-state West River vs. East River moment. Running Mate Buzz: Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden is reportedly narrowing a lieutenant governor shortlist to four Republicans, as pressure grows for him to reveal who could be one heartbeat away. Election Integrity Fight: A First Circuit panel denied Trump’s bid to pause an injunction blocking parts of his election-integrity executive order in 23 states, including limits on DHS citizenship lists and USPS mail-ballot changes. Voting Rules Pressure: Separate commentary says the Trump administration is trying to intimidate states into tightening voting rules, raising fears of federal interference and reduced turnout. Public Safety: A Rapid City man was arrested after a Friday chase that ended when his vehicle spun off the road near Wyoming; and Sioux Falls police are investigating two weekend deaths of 80-year-olds. Health & Budgets: South Dakota’s public utilities sales tax dipped in 2024, while local Medicaid billing data showed sharp increases in categories like Mitchell medical/surgical supplies and Mobridge ambulance/transport. Military & Service: Sen. Mike Rounds was selected for the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. Local Government: Brookings moved up its municipal election petition deadline to Aug. 18.

Gubernatorial Runoff: Gov. Larry Rhoden hit Spearfish Friday, leaning on his long Pierre record and arguing a “rising tide” helps both West and East South Dakota as the GOP runoff nears. Running Mate Watch: Toby Doeden’s lieutenant governor shortlist is reportedly narrowing to four types: a former House speaker, a former congressional candidate, a veteran state operative, and a moderate legislative leader. Election Rules Fight: A First Circuit panel kept an injunction blocking parts of Trump’s election-integrity executive order in 23 states, including limits tied to DHS citizenship lists and mail-ballot requirements. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police are investigating weekend deaths of two 80-year-olds; Rapid City’s fentanyl case team was honored for an overdose investigation that led to federal trafficking convictions. Local Government: Brookings moved its municipal election petition deadline to Aug. 18. Education & Tech: The U.S. Department of Education approved South Dakota’s “Returning Education to the States” waiver and Ed-Flex authority, freeing more than $19M through 2029. Health/Policy: South Dakota AG Jackley released a draft 2028 ballot explanation for a measure allowing exceptions for direct sale of homemade dairy products. Military: Sen. Mike Rounds was selected for the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.

Election Deadline Reminder: With South Dakota’s historic gubernatorial runoff winding down, officials say there’s still time to vote for those who already registered—early voting and final options are the focus. AG Ballot Prep: Attorney General Marty Jackley released a draft, neutral ballot explanation for a 2028 initiated measure that would create exceptions for direct sale of homemade dairy products, with public comment now open. Education Flexibility: The U.S. Department of Education approved South Dakota’s “Returning Education to the States” waiver and Ed-Flex authority, letting the state consolidate about $19 million per year through 2029 and give districts more control over federal rules. AI in Higher Ed: The Board of Regents approved new AI degree programs at Dakota State and South Dakota State, expanding from bachelor’s through doctoral options. Public Safety Tech: South Dakota’s law enforcement telecom director, Kelli Erickson, was elected president of NLETS, boosting the state’s role in secure justice information sharing. Health & Public Policy: South Dakota’s measles vaccination rate dipped slightly while exemptions rise; and a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban. Community & Local Government: Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson’s first week emphasized study and transition; Rapid City is still monitoring a hillside slide near the Tibbs Rodeo Center; and Custer County adopted a countywide burn ban starting July 27.

Education Policy: The U.S. Department of Education approved South Dakota’s “Returning Education to the States” waiver and Ed-Flex authority, letting the state consolidate about $19 million per year in federal education funds through 2029 with more local control. Higher Ed & Workforce: The Board of Regents signed off on new AI degree programs at Dakota State and South Dakota State, expanding AI training from bachelor’s through doctoral levels. Public Safety & Courts: A multi-agency team in Rapid City won a Midwest HIDTA award for an outstanding overdose investigative effort. Local Tax Choices: Hughes County is asking residents for input on whether to adopt optional county sales tax relief tied to 2026 property tax relief bills. GOP Politics: South Dakota Republicans are pushing back on people who temporarily switched parties, with talk of limiting future switching. Agriculture & Federal Funding: The House advanced a budget framework with $12 billion in new farm aid, but Sen. John Thune says it faces a tough Senate path. Environment & Grants: USDA is offering $3 million for wetland mitigation banking projects, including priority support for South Dakota. Elections & Legal Fight: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley is fighting back after a judge temporarily blocked the state’s abortion pill advertising ban. City Hall: Rapid City departments will present proposed 2027 budgets in special council sessions next week.

AI in South Dakota Universities: The Board of Regents approved new AI degrees at Dakota State and SDSU, and it’s now asking lawmakers for about $60.5 million for AI tech upgrades plus a Rapid City defense center and other construction needs. Runoff Election Watch: Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson endorsed Gov. Larry Rhoden for the GOP gubernatorial runoff, framing it as a public-safety and affordability choice as voters head to Tuesday’s decision. State Government Meeting: The Commission on Indigent Legal Services will meet July 29 in Pierre to discuss case handling, rules, and public testimony. Local Housing Policy: Vermillion City Council approved a TIF for a planned 56-unit multifamily project, using a third-party review required by the 2026 Legislature. Public Safety & Courts: Yankton County Drug & DUI Court holds a July 29 graduation, highlighting treatment-court alternatives. Federal/Regional Security: TSA workers face pushback as airports expand privatized screening under TSA Gold+. Data Center Costs: Trump expanded a Ratepayer Protection Pledge and Congress advanced a bill aimed at stopping data-center grid upgrade costs from landing on utility customers.

Board of Regents Funding Push: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for nearly $60.5 million for university building projects, maintenance, a Rapid City national defense center, and AI-related tech upgrades, including $20 million one-time and $4.5 million ongoing for an AI system, plus construction steps tied to moving USD’s Sanford School of Medicine to Sioux Falls. Gubernatorial Runoff Stakes: With the July 28 GOP runoff days away, Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson endorsed Gov. Larry Rhoden, arguing his record and relationship with city leaders matter as Rhoden and Toby Doeden battle over who’s the more conservative choice. SAVE Act Pressure in Washington: Senate Majority Leader John Thune pushed back after the White House said President Trump’s patience is “running out” on the stalled SAVE America Act, with Trump urging action before the August recess. Daylight Saving Time Fight: A push to make daylight saving time permanent is heading toward a Senate showdown, with Thune noting uncertainty over whether it can reach 60 votes. Local Government Watch: Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun proposed a $312 million budget that again trims spending, while the Rapid City school board approved a $214.8 million FY2027 budget with raises and projects. Public Safety & Courts: Sioux Falls police highlighted crosswalk yielding concerns after a wheelchair user described close calls; meanwhile, federal courts handed down prison sentences tied to reservation violence and abuse cases, and a union election at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison was certified by the NLRB. Community News: Clark’s Community Aquatic Center launched fundraising for a new pool after the 70-year-old facility deteriorated.

Gubernatorial Runoff (July 28): South Dakota’s first-ever GOP governor runoff is set between Gov. Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden after neither hit the 35% threshold in the June 2 primary, with both campaigns turning sharply negative and full funding details still coming after Election Day. Local Government & Budgets: Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun unveiled a $312M 2027 budget proposal, cutting the overall total from last year while boosting road spending and public safety staffing; Sioux Falls City Council renewed the lease for The Link Sobering Center for one more year. County Policy: Codington County approved a new half-percent sales tax to reduce homeowners’ property taxes, with other counties weighing similar moves. Labor & Public Safety: Yankton County sheriff’s deputies voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 120. Federal/State Politics: Sen. John Thune’s rural broadband bill cleared committee, and Thune, Fetterman and Rounds introduced the MAP Act to improve FCC broadband mapping and its challenge process. Health & Courts: A judge temporarily blocked South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban while Mayday Health’s case continues. Elections Integrity Concerns: Voters in Sioux Falls reported absentee ballot and polling issues ahead of the runoff, prompting ACLU scrutiny and calls for fixes.

Gubernatorial runoff: South Dakota Republicans will hold the first-ever gubernatorial primary runoff on Tuesday, July 28, with Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Toby Doeden facing off for the GOP nomination against Democrat Dan Ahlers in November. Sioux Falls governance: The Sioux Falls City Council elected Rich Merkouris as chair again, with Jennifer Sigette as vice chair, and set audit committee leadership as Mayor Christine Erickson’s new term gets underway. Rapid City budget: Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun pitched a leaner 2027 budget totaling $312.3 million, including a $65 million road investment and added public safety staffing. Public safety and services: Sioux Falls renewed a one-year lease for The Link triage and sobering center, keeping crisis and addiction services downtown. Rural life and law enforcement: Meade County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to maintain fences and talk with neighbors first to prevent livestock disputes. Federal policy watch: Sens. John Thune, John Fetterman, and Deb Fischer introduced the Broadband MAP Act to improve FCC broadband mapping and its challenge process. Agriculture and food aid: Producers are pressing whether the next Farm Bill will fix current problems, including SNAP-related gaps as the Senate considers the House-passed bill. Cost of groceries: Meat packers warn mandatory country-of-origin labels for beef and pork would raise prices, while the Senate has yet to take up the issue. Drug crackdown: Federal and tribal partners announced Operation Black Book, arresting 14 people tied to a multi-state cocaine trafficking operation reaching western South Dakota. Elections and messaging: A USPS postcard stamp shortage in Sioux Falls sparked renewed frustration and calls for better service coordination.

SEC Ethics Fight: Rep. Ritchie Torres asked the SEC to investigate whether Trump Media’s new “Truth API” selling faster access to Truth Social posts could violate federal securities and market rules. Solar Power Debate: A new 99-megawatt, $165 million solar project near Canistota is moving ahead with state tax relief, even as some neighbors raise concerns about land and rural impacts. USDA Emergency Aid: A U.S. Senate panel is weighing an $11.1 billion emergency farm aid request, with South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds also pushing for year-round E15 access. Tribal Gaming Watch: The NIGC says tribal gaming hit a record $46.2B in 2025, though Rapid City’s region dipped slightly. Elections Preparedness: State election officials say they’re planning for possible federal interference in November. Public Health: South Dakota reports measles cases rising while MMR rates among kindergarteners have stabilized after a small dip. Law Enforcement: A multi-state cocaine operation tied to western South Dakota and the Pine Ridge Reservation led to 14 arrests and major seizures. Local Government: Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun released his 2027 budget proposal, including major road spending and a reduction from last year. Health & Safety: Authorities say a crash near Pierpont in Day County killed a Rochester man. Community: A Fallen Heroes Bridge dedication is set for a Rapid City soldier killed in World War II.

Federal Funding Fight: The U.S. House passed a clean continuing resolution to fund the government through Dec. 4, aiming to push the next shutdown fight past November midterms; the Senate is already lining up its own stopgap. Water Infrastructure: South Dakota’s Thune and Rounds’ Lewis and Clark Regional Water System expansion feasibility study cleared a Senate committee, with Grassley backing the push. Western SD Water Study: Western Dakota Regional Water System leaders say a feasibility study could take 1–2 years once the Senate acts on S. 3723. Local Tax Shift: Pennington County unanimously approved new gross receipts and use taxes starting Jan. 1, 2027, framing it as shifting the burden from property to sales/tourism. Sioux Falls Leadership: Mayor Christine Erickson gave her first post-swearing-in interview, saying she’ll keep momentum and deliver a first budget address July 30. Public Safety: South Dakota Highway Patrol sobriety checkpoints are planned across 12 counties in August. Courts & Abortion Pills: A federal judge temporarily blocked South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban while the lawsuit continues. Drug Enforcement: Federal prosecutors unsealed indictments tied to “Operation Black Book,” alleging a multi-state cocaine trafficking ring reaching western South Dakota and Pine Ridge. Tribal Gaming: Tribal gaming hit a record $46.2B in FY2025, up 5.3%, according to the NIGC.

Local Disaster Relief: FEMA approved more than $750,000 for Western South Dakota storm recovery, including Rapid City debris removal and repairs in Gregory County. Judicial Appointments: The South Dakota Supreme Court appointed Belle Fourche attorney Timothy Barnaud as magistrate judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, starting July 27. Rural EMS Funding Fight: Rapid City Fire Department told Pennington County it will stop providing rural EMS outside city limits after Dec. 31, 2026 unless new funding is found. City Budget Watch (Rapid City): Mayor Jason Salamun released a proposed 2027 Rapid City budget cutting spending by $25 million while pitching a record $65 million road investment plus public safety and quality-of-life projects. Agriculture & Livestock: South Dakota Stockgrowers gathered in Rapid City to tackle ranching challenges, including RFID cattle tag privacy concerns and drought-driven hay costs. Capitol Restoration: Work continues on South Dakota’s Capitol restoration, with $13 million already allocated and a full renovation estimate of at least $150 million. Public Safety (Federal Court): A Rapid City man was convicted by a federal jury of possessing a firearm as a felon. State Budget Oversight: State budget officials explained why $39 million in department funds went unspent, tied to reversions and surplus mechanics.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Power Shift: Christine Erickson was sworn in as the city’s first woman mayor after a razor-thin, four-vote win that followed a recount and legal fights over the process. State Budget Watch: Lawmakers heard why South Dakota ended FY2026 with a $69 million surplus—plus why agencies left $39 million unspent, with the Department of Social Services accounting for most of the reversion. Federal Disaster Dollars: FEMA approved more than $750,000 in Public Assistance for South Dakota recovery projects, including about $347,000 for Rapid City debris removal after wind damage. Abortion Policy in Court: A federal judge blocked South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban as it applies to a nonprofit and an attorney, citing First Amendment concerns. Disability Rights Alarm: Advocates are pushing back on a new DOJ interpretation that could narrow community-based services for people with disabilities. Broadband Mapping Push: Sen. John Thune joined a bipartisan bill aimed at tightening the accuracy of federal broadband maps used to steer rural internet funding. Election Integrity Website Scrutiny: A new DOJ “election integrity” site drew backlash for listing future-dated actions and other glaring errors. Gubernatorial Runoff Politics: Toby Doeden updated his campaign and walked back trust-industry fee talk, while the runoff race against Gov. Larry Rhoden stays front and center. Courts & Appointments: The South Dakota Supreme Court appointed Timothy Barnaud as magistrate judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Public Safety: Authorities sought help locating a non-compliant sex offender missing since 2008.

Abortion-Pill Advertising Fight: A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban while Mayday Health’s First Amendment lawsuit moves forward; Gov. Larry Rhoden and AG Marty Jackley said the state will keep defending the law. Sioux Falls Leadership: Sioux Falls welcomed its first woman mayor, Christine Erickson, with a new vision for “safer, stronger” leadership after the June runoff. T. Denny Sanford Legacy: South Dakota mourned philanthropist and Sanford Health namesake T. Denny Sanford, 90, with Gov. Rhoden calling him the “greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history,” and officials highlighting major gifts to Sanford Health and other institutions. Fatal I-90 Incident: A driver died after a law enforcement response that began on I-90 and ended in a Sturgis parking lot, where authorities say the person died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Public Health Watch: The U.S. measles total climbed to 2,260 cases across 44 jurisdictions, with summer travel raising the risk of new outbreaks. Water Quality Policy: South Dakota’s working buffer program expanded to 130 projects covering 379 miles of shoreline after an $8 million legislative boost. Local Government (Brookings): Brookings City Council advanced multiple items, including alcohol agreement renewals and a downtown real estate acquisition up to $450,000, plus an annexation hearing set for July 30.

Obituaries & State Leadership: South Dakota billionaire and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford died at 90, prompting tributes from Gov. Larry Rhoden and Sanford Health, after a giving legacy tied to Sanford Health, the Sanford Underground Research Facility, scholarships, and major Sioux Falls-area projects. Public Safety: A fatal Day County crash near Pierpont killed 51-year-old Timothy Allen Smith after a deer collision led to a pedestrian being struck by a commercial truck; authorities released names and said the investigation is ongoing. Elections & Local Politics: Democrats took heart after Sioux Falls mayoral candidate Jamie Smith lost by four votes to Christine Erickson, with the recount narrowing the gap but also leaving some Democrats frustrated about not pursuing further legal action. Water Quality: South Dakota’s working stream buffer program expanded after an $8 million legislative boost, adding 130 buffer projects covering 379 miles and nearly 4,000 acres. Government & Faith: The Legislature approved a resolution urging South Dakotans to fast and pray in July, drawing commentary and criticism despite being nonbinding. Local Government (Brookings): Brookings City Council advanced multiple alcohol and budget actions, including renewals for Mosaic Wine Bar and Dacotah Bank Center, a budget amendment, and an annexation hearing set for July 30.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Race: Democrats are taking heart after Jamie Smith’s four-vote loss to Mayor-elect Christine Erickson, with the recount tightening the margin and some Democrats still frustrated about rejected absentee ballots. State Government & Courts: Gov. Rhoden and AG Jackley say South Dakota will defend the abortion-pill advertising law after a judge temporarily blocked it, keeping the fight in federal court. Elections & Parties: The South Dakota GOP surged with thousands of new voter registrations ahead of the July 13 deadline for the July 28 gubernatorial runoff between Rhoden and Toby Doeden. Water Quality: Lawmakers’ $8 million boost is already expanding South Dakota’s working stream buffer program, adding 130 projects across 379 miles of shoreline. Local Governance (Brookings): Brookings City Council approved multiple alcohol-management renewals and a downtown real estate purchase up to $450,000, plus set a July 30 hearing on an annexation petition. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Power companies are using eminent domain for data center land and transmission needs, reigniting the debate over when private property can be taken. Notable Death: Former state treasurer David Volk died at 79, and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford died at 90, leaving a major mark on Sanford Health and South Dakota giving. Military: Allied forces are converging on Guam for Cope North exercises amid tensions after a Chinese spy balloon was shot down.

Sanford Legacy: Billionaire philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, namesake of Sanford Health and a longtime South Dakota donor, died Saturday at 90, prompting statements from Gov. Larry Rhoden and Sanford Health leaders. Sioux Falls Politics: Christine Erickson was sworn in as Sioux Falls’ first woman mayor, pledging “safer, stronger” leadership as the city enters a new era after Paul TenHaken’s eight years. Gubernatorial Runoff Momentum: South Dakota Republicans reported a surge of new voter registrations ahead of the July 13 deadline for the Rhoden–Doeden runoff, pushing GOP totals to a historic high. Abortion Pill Legal Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban while a lawsuit by Mayday Health proceeds; Rhoden and AG Marty Jackley said the state will defend the law. Corrections & Parole: South Dakota’s parole board granted discretionary parole less often over two years, while the state’s crackdown has increased returns to prison for parole violations. Local Government: Yankton County is set to consider a temporary data-center moratorium next Tuesday, with zoning and planning options on the agenda. Public Safety: AAA warned drivers about extreme heat risks and roadside technician safety as temperatures rise.