South Dakota voters are deciding their sole U.S. House representative on Tuesday, a race that opened up after incumbent Rep. Dusty Johnson (R) chose to run for governor and lost in the primary. The state’s political landscape now shifts as Republican Attorney General Marty Jackley seeks to move from the state’s top law enforcement post to Capitol Hill.
Jackley, a well-known figure in South Dakota politics, is widely considered the front-runner in the heavily Republican state. His campaign has emphasized his experience as attorney general and his commitment to conservative fiscal and agricultural policies. He faces Democrat Nikki Gronli, a first-time candidate who has focused her campaign on rural healthcare, education funding, and economic diversification.
Polls close at 8 p.m. EST, and results are expected to come in quickly given the state’s small population. The race is unlikely to be competitive in the general election, but the outcome will still be closely watched as a bellwether for GOP strength in the Plains region. South Dakota's Senate race is also on the ballot, with incumbent John Thune seeking reelection.
Johnson's exit reshapes delegation
Dusty Johnson’s decision to run for governor—and his subsequent loss to Larry Rhoden in the primary—left his House seat open for the first time in over a decade. Johnson had held the at-large seat since 2019, and his departure created a rare competitive Republican primary, which Jackley won comfortably. The governor's race has also drawn national attention, with Rhoden seeking a full term after assuming office.
Jackley, who has served as attorney general since 2019, is seen as a moderate conservative who can appeal to rural voters. His campaign has stressed his work on opioid litigation and his support for law enforcement. Gronli, a teacher and small business owner, has argued that Jackley’s record is too closely aligned with the state’s Republican establishment, and she has called for fresh leadership.
Political analysts note that South Dakota’s at-large seat is safe Republican territory, with no Democrat having won it since 1986. However, Gronli has run a spirited campaign, leveraging social media and local events to build name recognition. She has also criticized Jackley for accepting campaign contributions from out-of-state donors.
Key issues and voter concerns
Agriculture remains the dominant issue in South Dakota, with both candidates proposing different approaches to farm policy. Jackley has called for expanding trade agreements and reducing regulations on farmers, while Gronli has advocated for stronger antitrust enforcement against agribusiness monopolies. The future of the Affordable Care Act and rural hospital closures are also central to the race, with Gronli arguing that Jackley’s opposition to the ACA would hurt rural communities.
National issues, including border security and federal spending, are also playing a role. Jackley has aligned himself with the GOP’s focus on border enforcement, while Gronli has emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform. The race has not attracted significant outside spending, a sign that both parties view the outcome as predetermined.
As results come in, attention will turn to whether Jackley can replicate the margins that Johnson and other Republicans have posted in recent cycles. In 2022, Johnson won by more than 40 points, and Jackley is expected to post a similar victory. North Dakota's at-large race is also being watched as a comparable contest.
Live results will be updated below as precincts report. Polls closed at 8 p.m. EST, and the first returns are expected shortly after. South Carolina's open House seats are also reporting results tonight, adding to the broader picture of congressional races across the country.
