As the November 5th general election approaches, the political landscape in South Dakota is heating up, with both Republican and Democratic candidates vying for control of the state legislature. While the GOP holds a strong advantage in many districts, a handful of competitive races have emerged, with some Democrats outspending or nearly keeping pace with their Republican opponents.

Shaping the Future of South Dakota's Political Landscape

Senate District 32 (Rapid City): A Proxy War for Republican Factions

The Senate race in District 32, covering portions of central Rapid City, has become a battleground for different factions within the Republican Party. Incumbent Republican Senator Helene Duhamel faces a challenge from independent candidate Karen McNeal, who is campaigning as a conservative. With no Democrat in the race, this contest has become a proxy war for the party's ideological divisions.Duhamel has raised a substantial $72,000, with significant contributions from political action committees representing various industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and utilities. In contrast, McNeal has collected around $17,000, largely from individual supporters and a $2,000 contribution from Republican Representative Scott Odenbach's Liberty Tree PAC, which has targeted more moderate Republicans in the primary.

House District 32 (Rapid City): A Three-Way Race for Two Seats

The House race in District 32 is a three-way contest for two seats, with incumbent Republican Representative Steve Duffy, Republican Brook Kaufman, and Democrat Nicole Uhre-Balk vying for the positions. Kaufman has spent the most, around $31,000, followed by Duffy's $23,000 and Uhre-Balk's $20,000. The candidates have received varying levels of support from political action committees and individual donors, reflecting the competitive nature of this race.

Senate District 34 (Rapid City): An Open Seat Attracting Attention

The open Senate seat in District 34, covering western Rapid City and adjacent areas, has drawn the attention of both parties. Democrat Kehala Two Bulls has raised a significant $29,000, with contributions from both small and large donors, while Republican Taffy Howard has raised $23,000, including a $3,800 contribution from the controversial Dakota First Action PAC.

Senate District 12 (Sioux Falls): A Challenger Outpacing the Incumbent

In District 12, which covers a portion of southwest Sioux Falls, Republican incumbent Senator Arch Beal has been outspent and out-fundraised by his Democratic challenger, Clay Hoffman. Hoffman has raised $66,000, with a significant portion coming from individual donors and a $5,000 contribution from the Majority PAC, run by a retiring Democratic state senator. Beal, on the other hand, has raised $48,000, with a substantial portion coming from political action committees.

Senate District 14 (Sioux Falls): Another Republican Incumbent Facing a Challenger

In District 14, which covers a portion of southeast Sioux Falls, Republican incumbent Senator Larry Zikmund is being outspent by his Democratic challenger, Sandra Henry. Henry has raised $58,000, primarily from individual donors, while Zikmund has raised $42,000, with a significant contribution from the Senate Republican Campaign Committee.

Senate District 18 (Clay, Yankton Counties): An Open Seat Race

District 18, covering Yankton County and a portion of Clay County, has an open Senate seat after Republican challenger Lauren Nelson defeated the long-serving Republican incumbent in the primary. Nelson has raised $23,000, with a substantial contribution from her and her husband, while the Democratic candidate, Sarah Carda, has raised over $28,000, including a $10,000 contribution from the Majority PAC.

House District 1 (Northeast South Dakota): A Crowded Field Vying for Two Seats

In District 1, covering the northeast corner of the state, six candidates are competing for the two House seats, including two Republicans, two Democrats, and two Libertarians. The Republican candidates, Logan Manhart and Christopher Reder, have received support from various conservative political action committees, while the Democratic candidates, Steven McCleerey and Mark Sumption, have raised significant funds from individual donors and a progressive PAC.

House District 3 (Aberdeen): A Democratic Challenger Outpacing the Republicans

In District 3, covering most of Aberdeen and surrounding areas, the Democratic challenger, Erin Rudner, has raised over $46,000, including a substantial contribution from the One 605 Victory Fund. In contrast, the two Republican candidates, Al Novstrup and Brandei Schaefbauer, have raised $13,000 and $21,000, respectively.

Senate District 27 (Bennett, Jackson, Pennington, Oglala Lakota Counties): A Competitive Race in Native American-Majority Districts

In District 27, which includes the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Democratic incumbent Senator Red Dawn Foster has raised $13,000, with a significant contribution from the Majority PAC. Her Republican challenger, Anthony Kathol, has raised around $8,000, with a notable contribution from Foster's 2022 Republican challenger.As the November 5th election approaches, these competitive races in South Dakota's legislative landscape will undoubtedly shape the state's political future. The dynamics of fundraising, endorsements, and ideological divisions within the parties will be closely watched as voters make their choices.