AGP Executive Report

South Dakota Democrats: Former President Joe Biden endorsed Dan Ahlers for governor, Julian Beaudion for U.S. Senate, and Nikki Gronli for the lone House seat at the McGovern Day Dinner in Sioux Falls, with the party also naming candidates for constitutional offices. Gubernatorial Politics: A GOP runoff debate is off the table after Gov. Larry Rhoden declined a one-on-one with Toby Doeden ahead of the July 28 Republican nomination vote. Sioux Falls Mayoral Race: Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith faced questions on the “strong mayor” format in a runoff-focused interview, with less than two weeks to go. Election Administration: Absentee voting for the governor runoff is underway, and early voting has begun for the Doeden vs. Rhoden race. Statehouse Legal Trouble: State Rep. Travis Ismay faces a felony charge tied to alleged damage to a public road. Public Health: South Dakota health groups urged families to check vaccination records amid measles concerns and summer travel. Tribal Affairs: Rosebud Sioux Tribe took custody of a bison spared from the state’s death penalty after a Custer State Park fatality, citing Governor Rhoden’s blessing. National Politics: DOJ is pressing states over voter registration data-sharing agreements, while Mitch McConnell was hospitalized with the reason not immediately disclosed.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Runoff: Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith faced the same questions in a KELOLAND interview, including debate over the long-running “strong mayor” format and whether the role should be more accessible or changed for today’s city. Gubernatorial Politics: As South Dakota Republicans head toward the July 28 GOP governor runoff, Toby Doeden is walking back criticism of a legislative figure tied to the runoff law, while early voting is already underway. Election Administration: South Dakota’s Commission on Equal Access to Our Courts will meet June 18 to discuss grant funding status, director search for East River Legal Services and Dakota Plains Legal Services, and election of officers. Tribal & Public Lands: All nine South Dakota tribes are continuing their push tied to the Black Hills land dispute, with legal action aimed at returning federal lands rather than settling for cash. Public Health: South Dakota health groups are urging families to check vaccination records before summer travel amid ongoing measles concerns. Statehouse Legal Trouble: State Rep. Travis Ismay faces a low-level felony charge alleging he destroyed a private road. Housing Watch: A Sioux Empire Realtors update says South Dakota is trending toward a seller’s market, with low inventory and steady mid-to-upper 6% interest rates shaping prices.

Gubernatorial Runoff: South Dakota’s first GOP governor primary runoff is underway, with early voting open statewide for Larry Rhoden vs. Toby Doeden ahead of the July 28 vote. Election Administration: Minnehaha County is preparing for a heavy workload with smaller ballots for the runoff, while absentee options are limited to the governor contest. State Politics: Doeden is walking back criticism of a legislative legend tied to the runoff rule, as the campaign tries to reset the message. Public Health: South Dakota health groups are urging families to check vaccination records before summer travel amid ongoing measles concerns. Tribal Affairs: The Rosebud Sioux Tribe is taking custody of a bison spared from the death penalty after Governor Rhoden’s blessing. Local Government: Aberdeen’s weather siren system has been partially down due to failed components and needed upgrades, leaving some locations nonfunctional. Legal/Politics: Rapid City-area Rep. Travis Ismay faces a low-level felony charge alleging he destroyed a private road. Defense: The Air Force says operational and developmental B-21 Raider test pilots flew together in the same cockpit for the first time. Community: Rapid City’s Kids’ Carnival returns Saturday at Main Street Square with inflatables, games, and food trucks.

Gubernatorial Runoff Watch: Early voting is underway statewide for the July 28 GOP governor runoff between Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden, with absentee voting also open for the runoff. Local Elections: Sioux Falls’ mayoral runoff debate between Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith is set for today at Carnegie Town Hall, with homelessness, policing, and child care among the focus areas. Campaign Fallout: Doeden’s team is walking back criticism tied to the runoff rule, after he questioned the rule’s origin and the late Joe Barnett’s role in it. Courts & Access to Justice: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joined a bipartisan push to keep federal funding for the Legal Services Corporation, supporting civil legal aid for low-income residents. State Government Meetings: The Commission on Equal Access to Our Courts meets June 18, and the new EMS Funding Task Force holds its first meeting June 17. Public Safety Tech: Aberdeen officials say weather sirens failed due to a component that required a software/computer upgrade, leaving some locations nonfunctional. Legal Case Update: Maricela Diaz’s habeas corpus challenge moves toward a decision after final legal arguments were filed.

South Dakota Water Watch: Two Missouri River drinking-water pipeline proposals advanced in the U.S. Senate after a committee vote, with $20 million approved for feasibility studies—$10 million each for the Western Dakota Regional Water System and the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System. Local Elections: Sioux Falls voters can watch the mayoral debate live today, with doors opening at 4 p.m. and the discussion starting at 4:30 p.m. Campaign Endorsements: Attorney General Marty Jackley and Lincoln County Sheriff Steven Swenson backed Christine Erickson in the Sioux Falls mayor runoff. Legal Spotlight: A Newell-area state lawmaker, Rep. Travis Ismay, was indicted and arrested on a felony charge alleging intentional damage to a public road. Courts: A long-running habeas corpus challenge for Maricela Diaz moved into its final briefing stage as a judge weighs a new-trial request. Tribal & Wildlife: After a fatal bison incident in the Black Hills, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s game and fish entity took custody of the animal to avoid euthanization and relocate it.

U.S. Senate Water Fight: Two major South Dakota water projects cleared a Senate committee—studies move forward for the Western Dakota Regional Water System and the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, aimed at bringing Missouri River water to much of eastern South Dakota. DNI Shake-Up: President Trump nominated U.S. attorney Jay Clayton for director of national intelligence, replacing acting pick Bill Pulte; Senate leaders say they’ll move quickly on confirmation, with a June 17 hearing set. Statehouse & Courts: A judge ruled in favor of Dakota Protein Solutions in its Turner County rendering-facility dispute, saying the county Board of Adjustment violated due process; separately, Rep. Travis Ismay faces a felony warrant over alleged intentional damage to a public road. Retirement Watch: South Dakota Retirement System officials project next year’s retiree cost-of-living adjustment will land around 2%, below inflation again. Local Public Safety: Rapid City agencies ran multi-day active shooter response training, while Sioux Falls Police and partners wrapped up Camp POSTCARD for youth. Nonprofit Governance: Family Connections Center’s board says it’s in a governance and operational crisis after its executive director resigned, citing loss of access to key systems.

Foster Care Policy: First Lady Melania Trump launched “Fostering the Future Accounts,” letting states open $1,000 seed-funded savings and investment accounts for eligible foster children, with access when they turn 18. Statehouse & Courts: A South Dakota lawmaker, Rep. Travis Ismay, was indicted and arrested on a felony charge alleging intentional damage to a public road. Sioux Falls Politics: Attorney General Marty Jackley and Lincoln County Sheriff Steven Swenson endorsed Christine Erickson for Sioux Falls mayor. Public Safety: One of four suspects in a Sioux Falls park homicide, Chaska Little Bear, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter; police also are investigating a near-west-side assault and robbery. Elections & Governance: South Dakota’s Republican governor primary results are official, setting up a July 28 GOP runoff between Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden. Economy & Budget Watch: State leaders say sales taxes and reserves may “normalize” over the next few years after FY25’s sales-tax dip.

FISA Fight: House Republicans are set to vote on a short extension of Section 702 spy powers to July 2, but it’s widely expected to fail as lawmakers clash over President Trump’s acting DNI pick, Bill Pulte. Federal Politics: Trump signed a $70B immigration enforcement bill, but South Dakota Sen. John Thune’s absence at the signing is being read as a reminder of how quickly Trump can move on even big wins. South Dakota Courts & Ballot Access: A federal appeals panel heard arguments over South Dakota’s ballot-question petition deadline, with Dakotans for Health challenging the earlier filing date as a First Amendment problem. Tribal Landback: All nine South Dakota tribes passed a unified resolution urging Congress to return Black Hills public federal lands to tribal entities. State Government & Economy: South Dakota approved up to $30M in sales-tax rebates to support Smithfield’s move to northern Sioux Falls, part of a much larger investment. Public Safety: Rapid City’s Star Village celebrated new street lighting after Black Hills Energy repaired seven long-unlit poles, pairing visibility upgrades with neighborhood volunteer projects. Local Justice: A Rapid City woman was sentenced for illegally buying a firearm for a convicted felon in a straw-purchase case. Energy & Water: The Senate Energy Committee advanced $20M for Missouri River drinking-water pipeline feasibility studies tied to Thune and Rounds.

South Dakota Runoff Watch: South Dakotans are gearing up for the July 28 GOP gubernatorial runoff after Toby Doeden criticized the state’s 35% threshold runoff law, pointing to its origin with late Aberdeen lawmaker Joe Barnett. Ballot Access Fight: A federal appeals court heard arguments over South Dakota’s petition deadline for citizen ballot questions as signature gathering continued past the disputed dates. Tribal Landback: All nine South Dakota tribes backed a new push to return federal Black Hills lands to the Oceti Sakowin, emphasizing it’s about public federal land and protecting sacred sites. Election Administration: Sioux Falls voters will get a side-by-side look at mayoral runoff candidates Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith in a community debate. Public Safety & Courts: The state’s Highway Patrol reminded drivers of legal passing speed exceptions on two-lane roads. Health Policy: The U.S. Education Department confirmed Title IX violations of a court order in cases tied to gender identity and sexual orientation. COVID Settlement: South Dakota’s AG Brenna Bird announced a multistate GS Labs settlement over overpriced, delayed COVID-19 tests. Arts/Culture Law: ASCAP filed new copyright suits against radio groups, including a South Dakota broadcaster.

Congress & Privacy: Lawmakers are racing to renew FISA’s Section 702, with the debate tangled up in concerns about spying powers and Trump’s controversial intelligence pick. Black Hills Land Return: All nine South Dakota tribes backed legislation aimed at returning federal lands in the Black Hills to the Great Sioux Nation, with supporters saying it would protect sacred sites and limit extractive activity. Sioux Falls Politics: Two mayoral runoff candidates faced off on public safety, affordability and homelessness ahead of the June 23 vote. Elections & Ballots: A South Dakota ballot-initiative deadline fight is headed through the 8th Circuit, with Dakotans for Health arguing the state restricts speech by using a shorter signature window. Courts & Crime: A Sioux Falls man was convicted of attempted enticement of a minor online, with life in prison possible. Statehouse Watch: Lobbyist and employer expense reports are due July 1. Public Safety/Corrections: South Dakota will pay Minnehaha County a premium to house parole violators as the state tightens enforcement. Sports & Community: The Sanford International Series wrapped in Yankton, and Rapid City’s Municipal Band kicks off its 108th season of free concerts.

Gubernatorial Runoff Prep: Absentee voting opens Friday, June 12 for South Dakota’s GOP governor runoff between Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden, with the July 28 election limited to registered Republicans and a July 13 deadline to update party status. Primary Fallout: Final state and county results were tallied after a June 2 Republican primary that reshaped county commission races and set up runoff battles, including a Turner County sheriff recount after a 3-vote split. Local Elections & Governance: Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson urged changes to the state’s primary ballot system after a new law could have created too many ballot styles. Public Safety: A Sioux Falls man was acquitted of murder but convicted of aggravated assault in the 2024 Dunham Park shooting; meanwhile, a Douglas County deputy was terminated days after losing a sheriff’s bid. Corrections & Parole: Minnehaha County will receive higher state payments to house parole violators as the state cracks down and local jails expand capacity. Education & Community: Flandreau voters approved shrinking the school board from seven to five members, and Mitchell’s planning commission advanced tax breaks for restoring a historic Main Street building. Federal/Legal Watch: ASCAP filed copyright infringement suits against four radio groups, alleging they played music without a license.

Federal Confirmation Fight: President Trump formally nominated Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, teeing up a tough Senate confirmation battle over how aggressively he’s pushed DOJ priorities. Public Safety: A Pennington County deputy was shot and injured during a standoff at the Central States Fairgrounds; the suspect was killed after officers returned fire, and the victim has been identified as Maintenance Manager Paul Nebel. Elections & Governance: Turner County’s GOP sheriff primary is headed to a recount after a razor-thin 823-820 margin; Sioux Falls’ nonpartisan mayor race is also in runoff mode, with state parties treating it like a partisan test. Local Politics: Sioux Falls city council runoffs begin June 23 after no candidate cleared the 50% threshold in three races. Courts & Business: Summit Carbon Solutions’ $15M pipe contract dispute is moving toward trial in Delaware. Education Policy: Aberdeen School Board reviewed first readings of policy changes tied to 2026 state legislation, including election procedures and student behavior supports. Health & Policy: A new overdose support program launched in Brown County expands post-overdose response services.

South Dakota Politics & Elections: Biden headlined the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day Dinner in Sioux Falls, drawing protests outside the venue and helping the party raise more than $275,000, as the state party looks to build momentum for upcoming races. Runoff Watch: A post-primary analysis says Gov. Larry Rhoden holds a slight edge in the GOP governor runoff against Toby Doeden, with fundraising likely to surge now that the field is down to two. State Government Ethics: Game, Fish and Parks moved to repeal waterfowl refuge status for Lake Albert after surrounding landowners requested it—but one landowner is a regional supervisor for the agency, and his ownership wasn’t disclosed to the commission that approved the change. Public Safety & Courts: Pennington County commissioners backed the victim and praised officers and responders after the Central States Fairgrounds shooting in Rapid City; meanwhile, a parole crackdown in Pennington and Minnehaha is increasing arrests but straining county jail capacity. Local Governance: Sioux Falls mayoral candidates are set for a runoff after no one cleared 50%, with differences emerging on child care and data centers. Health & Community: A new overdose support program launched in Brown County, expanding Emily’s Hope’s Post-Overdose Response Team services.

Immigration Funding: The U.S. Senate approved a roughly $70B immigration enforcement package for the rest of Trump’s term after a GOP revolt delayed action, clearing a major hurdle before House passage. Surveillance Fight: Lawmakers are warning that Trump’s pick of Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief could derail renewal of the foreign surveillance law (Section 702), with critics citing his lack of security experience. South Dakota Politics & Parties: Former President Joe Biden drew a big crowd at the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day dinner in Sioux Falls, while Jill Biden renewed focus on Joe’s stage-four prostate cancer and its long-term impact. Local Government & Schools: The Mitchell School Board will consider staff contract negotiations and administrator salaries, plus a board governance item tied to a re-elected member. Public Safety: Rapid City’s Central States Fairgrounds shooting suspect, John Troy Lee, was found and is no longer a threat after an officer-involved confrontation; an earlier update said one officer was injured. Health Care Leadership: Monument Health announced executive leadership changes, including a new general counsel and a vice president of philanthropy. Civics & Community: A “250+ Years of American Civics and News” series is set to bring free public discussions to Watertown and beyond.

Rapid City Public Safety: Police identified John Troy Lee, 58, as the suspect in a Sunday morning shooting at the Central States Fairgrounds; he later exchanged gunfire with officers on the Pine Ridge Reservation and was killed, with one officer injured and the original victim hospitalized. Federal Surveillance Fight: Reuters reports U.S. lawmakers are warning that President Trump’s acting DNI pick Bill Pulte could derail renewal of the expiring Section 702 foreign surveillance law. South Dakota Education: The Mitchell school board meets Monday to consider classified staff contract negotiations and administrator salary approvals. State Wildlife Policy: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks moved to repeal Lake Albert’s waterfowl refuge status, a decision that drew scrutiny over whether an insider landowner connection was disclosed. Politics & Campaigns: South Dakota’s GOP governor primary runoff is set for July 28, with analysis focused on how Doeden’s and Rhoden’s West River/East River vote splits could shape the next round. Community & Civics: Watertown hosts a “250+ Years of American Civics and News” event Monday, part of a statewide push to boost election engagement.

BLM Cyanide Bomb Fight: The Trump administration is reviving “cyanide bombs” on public land after the Biden-era ban was quietly lifted, with deployment now handled case-by-case—raising fresh alarms in states including South Dakota. Energy Infrastructure: Great River Energy told a county board about a proposed 765 kV transmission line that would run from the South Dakota border toward Minnesota, framed as needed for reliability and growing demand. South Dakota Elections: Sturgis will reconvene its municipal canvassing board Monday after discrepancies were found during the June 2 special election; officials say the issues don’t appear to change outcomes but must be reviewed before certification. State Politics & Runoff Prep: South Dakota’s GOP gubernatorial runoff absentee voting begins June 12, with primary-ballot requesters automatically eligible. Democrats in Sioux Falls: Former President Joe Biden headlined the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day Dinner, urging supporters not to give up ahead of November. U.S. Senate Immigration Vote: The Senate passed a nearly $70B immigration enforcement package without new limits on ICE, sending it to the House.