Independents day in SD

SEARCHLIGHT NEWS

The South Dakota Senate meets on Feb. 11, 2026, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Unusually high number of independent candidates seek South Dakota legislative seats

By John Hult

The Nov. 3 general election could be an independents’ day of sorts for South Dakota.

In addition to independent Brian Bengs challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, the state’s legislative contests include 11 independent candidates — the highest number in recent memory.

Challenger takes aim at incumbent’s campaign finances in South Dakota US Senate race

By Joshua Haiar

The candidates for U.S. Senate in South Dakota’s Nov. 3 election have divergent views on the influence of money in their race.

Independent candidate Brian Bengs said voters of all political stripes want campaign finance reform, which will be his “single biggest policy goal” if he’s elected.

Closing a ‘loophole’ or ‘fearmongering’ about noncitizens voting: South Dakota’s Amendment J

By Meghan O’Brien

A supporter of a state constitutional amendment on South Dakota’s Nov. 3 ballot says it would close a loophole in voting eligibility, while an opponent says it engages in “fearmongering.”

South Dakota social services secretary departs as governor names interim successor

By Makenzie Huber

Matt Althoff has stepped down as secretary of the South Dakota Department of Social Services, effective immediately, Gov. Larry Rhoden’s office said Friday while also announcing an interim replacement.

SEARCHLIGHT WEEK IN REVIEW

Our most-read news and commentary

South Dakota wildlife officials offer hunting license refunds as deer disease reports continue | Joshua Haiar
South Dakota’s federal-only voter list grows to nearly 6,000, surprising some who are on it | Makenzie Huber
Another South Dakota Republican lawmaker is facing a criminal charge | John Hult
New program provides 5% down payment for qualifying South Dakota homebuyers | Joshua Haiar

COMMENTARY

The federal government’s website for Medicaid, a health insurance program for people with low incomes. (Photo by South Dakota Searchlight)

Mixed signals on Medicaid ballot question have serious implications for South Dakota

By Lee Strubinger

There’s something unclear about Constitutional Amendment I, a question on the Nov. 3 ballot that would change South Dakota’s Medicaid expansion program.

FROM STATES NEWSROOM

President Donald Trump waves to the crowd after speaking at the Mitchell Center at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama on Oct. 2, 2026. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Alabama Reflector)

Trump back on the road as analysts see more congressional races shifting in Dems’ favor

By Shauneen Miranda

President Donald Trump has a flurry of travel on deck in the final frantic weeks leading up to the end of the midterm elections, in which the GOP is vying to maintain its control of both the U.S. House and Senate.

Last-minute Trump DOJ suit in California targeting noncitizen voters alarms advocates | Jonathan Shorman
Immigrants from Ukraine, Sudan could soon lose protected status | Ariana Figueroa

NATIONAL NEWS

Democrats could flip legislative chambers, break GOP supermajorities, analysis finds | Stateline

MORE NEWS FROM THE STATES

AROUND THE REGION

SD NEWS FROM OTHER MEDIA

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Sen. Rounds’ Sioux Falls office evacuated, closed after receiving suspicious mail | Dakota News Now
Hunters return to South Dakota for pheasant season | Dakota News Now
Rep. Johnson: No 'magic beans' for economic relief before midterm election | SDPB

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Wessington Springs takes center stage in Pheasants Forever’s Opening Day film | Mitchell Republic

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