AGP Executive Report

South Dakota Politics: The GOP gubernatorial primary is headed to a historic July 28 runoff after Gov. Larry Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden advanced; Rep. Dusty Johnson finished third and said he’ll back GOP candidates in November. State Elections: Tuesday’s primary also ousted 16 incumbent lawmakers, continuing a shakeup that followed the 2024 “earthquake” in the Legislature. Local Governance & Public Safety: Winner City Council approved a street-lighting bid for Monroe Street and moved 911 telecommunicators to a Class B retirement classification. Education & Health: USD’s planned medical school move to Sioux Falls won’t affect Yankton’s clinical campus, officials say. River Recreation: Yankton-area partners are developing “water trails” on the Missouri National Recreational River to boost safety and connect public land for paddlers. Business & Community: Rapid City’s iSmash opens June 6, bringing rage rooms and splatter paint to downtown. Youth Sports: Spearfish Rams youth football says missing funds led to a leadership change and an interim commissioner.

South Dakota Politics: Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden will face off in the state’s first-ever GOP governor runoff after no candidate hit 35% in Tuesday’s primary; Doeden led with about 31%, Rhoden followed near 25%, and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson finished third. U.S. Senate Race: Independent Brian Bengs congratulated Sen. Mike Rounds on winning the GOP primary and is pushing for multiple general-election debates; Bengs also says he’ll seek several chances for voters to compare candidates. State Policy: South Dakota’s HB 1220 takes effect July 1, adding licensing rules for anyone distributing nicotine products like vapes and pouches, with a $1,000-per-location distributor license. Housing & Native Homeownership: USDA says it backed Lakota Funds with a $764,000 investment to become South Dakota’s third home-loan lender on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Consumer Protection: The Better Business Bureau warns of a fake South Dakota farm equipment business that has stolen more than $35,000 from buyers. Local Life: Zonta Fest returns to The Custer Beacon June 6 to support women in music, dance, and the arts.

South Dakota Politics: Businessman Toby Doeden topped the GOP governor primary Tuesday but fell short of the 35% threshold, setting up a July 28 runoff against Gov. Larry Rhoden; U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and House Speaker Jon Hansen finished behind, with the race shaping up as a clash between “outsider” messaging and the Noem-era establishment. Election Process: South Dakota election results are being posted as unofficial returns on the Secretary of State site while county canvassing and certification are set for June 9. National Intelligence Shakeup: President Trump tapped Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence—an appointment that drew sharp skepticism over his lack of intelligence experience. Congress and Immigration Funding: The Trump administration backed away from a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” payout fund after GOP pushback, potentially clearing the way for immigration enforcement funding to move forward. Local Business & Community: The SD CEO West and SD CEO East “Building Momentum: Women in Business” event returns June 25 in Chamberlain-Oacoma, highlighting networking and regional business leaders.

South Dakota Election Day: South Dakotans head to the polls Tuesday for GOP primaries and a packed slate of municipal races, including Sioux Falls and Vermillion mayoral contests, plus school board and county commission seats; polls close at 7 p.m. GOP Endorsement Drama: President Trump endorsed Sen. Mike Rounds for reelection again—despite previously calling him a “jerk” after Rounds said the 2020 election was “fair.” Justice Department Retreat: Acting AG Todd Blanche said the Trump administration will abandon a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” payout fund after GOP pushback, a move tied to concerns about how the money could be used. Ag Weather Watch: Upper Midwest planting and crop development are uneven after late-April progress, May rain delays, and mid-May wind/dust storms, with drought concerns lingering in parts of the Western Corn Belt. Local Business Scam Alert: A fake “Bass Farm Equipment” operation in South Dakota has stolen more than $35,000 from victims via wire payments, according to the BBB. Housing/Finance: Centerspace plans $240M–$245M in 2026 community sales and will exit Rapid City and Bismarck markets.

Election Day Guide: South Dakota primaries are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 2. Voters can find polling places and check absentee ballot status through the state’s voter information portal, and ID is required (South Dakota driver’s license/ID, passport, U.S. Armed Forces ID, or tribal ID; otherwise voters sign an affidavit). Gubernatorial Race Watch: A KELO/Emerson poll shows political newcomer Toby Doeden leading the GOP governor field, with a runoff set for July 28 if no one hits 35%. Local Politics: Sioux Falls mayoral race coverage highlights Jamie Smith’s “servant leadership” pitch as he seeks the GOP nomination. Rural Health Policy: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, supported by Sen. Peter Welch and others. Higher Ed & AI: The South Dakota Board of Regents announced strategic objectives to expand AI integration across public universities, focusing on governance, curriculum, and AI literacy. National Election Context: Tuesday’s primaries across California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota set up major November battles.

South Dakota Primary Countdown: Tuesday’s South Dakota GOP primary is set to decide nominees for governor and key state and federal races, with Gov. Larry Rhoden facing U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, House Speaker Jon Hansen, and businessman Toby Doeden; voters also pick other offices while Sioux Falls elects a new mayor. Campaign Trail & Voting Logistics: Polls run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with early absentee voting already underway; Iowa voters are reminded to return ballots to county auditor offices if they haven’t mailed them in time. Black Hills Construction Updates: Rapid City roadwork begins June 1, including Elmhurst Drive closures for utility work and a short Creek Drive shutdown for a fire hydrant, plus daily Art Alley closures for a downtown mural. Rural Health Policy: The Senate unanimously passed a five-year extension of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration, aimed at helping rural hospitals test Medicare payment models to stay financially stable. Dairy Month & Industry: USDA data shows the U.S. dairy herd is at its largest since mid-1993, with April milk production up year over year. Data Centers Debate: A South Dakota op-ed argues the state’s data center fight is really about power and planning over rural land, water, and infrastructure impacts. National Politics Watch: Senate Republicans press the White House to drop or shut down Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund amid legal and political backlash.

South Dakota Politics: With the June 2 GOP primary two days away, Attorney General Marty Jackley holds a commanding lead over Piedmont gun store owner James Bialota for South Dakota’s lone U.S. House seat, setting up a high-stakes matchup. Governor’s Race: West River Republican Justin McNeal says the national debt is his top concern as he challenges Sen. Mike Rounds in the GOP governor primary. Elections Security: Secretary of State Monae Johnson reminded voters South Dakota uses paper ballots, has no online voter registration, and requires photo ID at the polls. Local Government & Infrastructure: Mitchell City Council will consider a FEMA-linked grant application and an $18,000 engineering agreement to pursue backup-generator funding for a roughly $1.5 million sewer project. Rapid City Economy & Community: Rapid City reports steady sales tax growth through March, and the library kicked off summer reading with a dinosaur-themed event. Public Help: Rapid City’s Bowls of Hope raised $10,100 to help residents pay utility bills. Consumer Watch: The BBB warns of a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” website that stole $35,000+ by impersonating a real Castlewood family business. National/World: Trump posted an AI image of himself on Mount Rushmore, while a new study says rising roof and hail volatility are pushing up U.S. replacement costs.

Mitchell Infrastructure: The Mitchell City Council will weigh an $18,000 engineering deal to support a FEMA grant application for preliminary work on a backup-generator project tied to a larger $1.5 million sewer reliability effort. Election Watch: South Dakota’s June 2 GOP primary is shaping up, with AG Marty Jackley leading James Bialota for the state’s lone U.S. House seat, while Secretary of State Monae Johnson points to South Dakota’s paper-ballot, photo-ID safeguards. Child Care Crunch: A new state report says out-of-school time care demand is outpacing supply, with cost, transportation, and location the biggest barriers for families. Health & Community: Rapid City’s Great Strides walk marks 18 years of fundraising for cystic fibrosis research, and a proposed Indigenous School of Medicine in Rapid City aims to boost Native physician numbers. Consumer Scam Alert: The BBB warns of a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” website stealing $35,000+ by impersonating a real Castlewood family. Local Economy: Rapid City sales tax collections keep climbing, with March setting a record and first-quarter totals above expectations. Sports & Civic Life: Sioux Falls’ Sanctuary Goods is gearing up for summer downtown events, and Rapid City Search and Rescue helped a hiker on the Sunday Gulch Trail.

Local Politics & Elections: South Dakota’s GOP primary spotlight keeps heating up: a new poll roundup and candidate profiles frame Tuesday’s races, including the U.S. House contest where AG Marty Jackley leads James Bialota, plus governor primary coverage featuring Toby Doeden’s “outsider” pitch and other contenders. Property Taxes & Trusts: A viewpoint argues taxing South Dakota’s trust industry won’t fix property tax pressure and could push jobs and investment out of state. Statewide Health Care: Senators back bipartisan legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five more years, keeping Medicare payment experiments alive in rural places including South Dakota. Consumer Protection: The Better Business Bureau warns of a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” website that has already cost South Dakota farmers about $35,000. Sioux Falls Growth & Quality of Life: The McKennan Park wading pool and bathhouse reopened with free admission, and a one-mile Sioux Falls Recreation Trail extension now connects to a previously inaccessible stretch of the Big Sioux River. Agriculture & Leadership: SDARL Summit is set for June 19-20 in Oacoma, bringing ag, business, and policy leaders together, while Travel South Dakota launched an Agritourism Adventures Passport with 40 farm check-in stops statewide. Community & Culture: Miss South Dakota pageant heads to Brookings with a record field of 27 contestants competing for scholarships and the state title.

South Dakota GOP primaries: With the June 2 Republican contests nearing, South Dakota News Watch reports AG Marty Jackley leads U.S. House challenger James Bialota in the latest polling, setting up a high-stakes matchup for the open seat after Dusty Johnson’s move to the governor’s race. Election politics: SDPB’s podcast highlights how GOP legislative primaries are drawing heavy spending and internal party tension over whether the party is closer to “Reagan’s” or “Trump’s” direction. Consumer protection: The South Dakota Better Business Bureau warns farmers about a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” website that hijacked a Castlewood family’s identity; victims have reportedly lost about $35,000. Local government & infrastructure: Sioux Falls opened a one-mile extension of the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail, including an elevated boardwalk, as part of the $2.7 million corridor project. County races: Lincoln County’s GOP primary will decide a commission seat after Commissioner Jim Schmidt retires, with Mike Mathis facing Joni Ekstrum. Agritourism: Travel South Dakota launched an Agritourism Adventures Passport with 40 statewide farm and rural stops. Environment & research: SURF researchers say new work on microbes could help remove carbon dioxide from coal-based emissions via mineralization. Public safety/community: Sioux Falls police arrested a Brookings man accused of stealing about $78,000 in diamond rings from Riddle’s Jewelry.

Financial Privacy Fight: South Dakota AG Tim Griffin led a multistate amicus brief challenging the SEC’s funding order for the Consolidated Audit Trail, calling it an illegal “surveillance tool” that threatens Americans’ investment data privacy and security. Local Business & Growth: Rapid City reported record March sales tax collections and continued quarterly growth, even as officials warn higher maintenance and infrastructure costs are squeezing budgets. State Politics Ahead of June 2: U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson is pitching a governor run on fixing rising prison recidivism and slipping education outcomes, while coverage also highlights how GOP legislative primaries are turning into a Reagan-vs.-Trump style fight for control. Election Access & Language: A new South Dakota law requiring translation services in certain public administrative proceedings is set to take effect July 1, with early tests tied to a Black Hills uranium drilling hearing. Public Safety: Rapid City police are searching for a suspect in an early-morning armed robbery on Haines Avenue, and Sioux Falls police are investigating a crash that nearly hit an officer after a driver tried to escape a handicap parking violation. Consumer Scam Alert: A fake “Bass Farm Equipment” website in Castlewood is accused of scamming shoppers out of tens of thousands.

Gubernatorial Race Watch: State House Speaker Jon Hansen’s GOP governor primary momentum is rising as a June 2 vote nears, with a recent poll putting him at 18% and leaving open the possibility of a July 28 runoff. Local Elections: Vermillion voters will decide June 2 whether to amend the city’s Home Rule Charter, a change that would let future councils consider shifting the budget timeline. Civic Engagement & Media: A Vermillion event focused on finding trusted news sources and warned about voter apathy and news avoidance ahead of the primary. Education & Tuition: The Board of Regents approved a 2.4% tuition increase for 2026–27, while South Dakota’s Civics Bee heads to Augustana on June 11. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police are searching for a driver who nearly struck an officer and hit a squad car during a handicapped parking call. Health & Rural Care: A new telemedicine rollout in southwest Minnesota shows how rural EMS is getting added doctor support—an idea South Dakotans will recognize. Agriculture & Energy: POET and Antora commissioned a large thermal energy storage project in Big Stone City to support 24/7 biofuel production. Community Calendar: Rapid City Summer Nights returns this year to a new downtown location on Sixth and Kansas City Street.

NCAA Spotlight: SDSU baseball is back in the NCAA tournament for the second time in program history and first in 13 years, with Friday’s matchup against Nebraska at Haymarket Park bringing fresh buzz for the Jacks’ 2013 run. Biofuels & Farm Economy: Biofuel and farm groups are urging Treasury/IRS to finalize practical 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit rules fast, arguing clear guidance is key to demand for U.S. soybeans and low-carbon farming practices. Election Prep: South Dakota voters head to the June 2 GOP primary with new laws and rights to know, plus reminders to use the secretary of state’s portal for polling places, sample ballots, and absentee tracking. Child Care Crunch: A new statewide report says South Dakota has only 117 licensed out-of-school-time programs, leaving about 42,000 children who would join if options were affordable and accessible. Consumer Pressure: Family Dollar is closing hundreds of stores nationwide as inflation squeezes lower-income shoppers, with South Dakota listed among states not hit in the latest wave. Competition Watch: The FTC has launched a major investigation into fertilizer pricing and market concentration, giving farmers hope for antitrust enforcement. Local Growth: Rapid City tourism hit a record in 2025 with nearly 3.9 million visitors and $776.2 million in spending.

Construction Training & Housing: Southeast Technical College is expanding with a Wells Fargo Homebuilding Lab, aimed at boosting hands-on training while helping meet Sioux Falls-area affordable housing needs, with completion targeted for spring 2027. Sports Betting Oversight: A bipartisan coalition led by Ohio AG Dave Yost urged the CFTC to recognize state authority over sports-related prediction markets, arguing platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi function like unregulated sportsbooks. Gubernatorial Primary Watch: Gov. Larry Rhoden says he feels optimistic heading into South Dakota’s June 2 GOP governor primary, facing Dusty Johnson, Jon Hansen, and Toby Doeden. Native Child Welfare: South Dakota reports a 44% jump in licensed Native American foster homes since new kinship licensing rules took effect last summer. Campaign Mail Pushback: Fifteen legislative candidates issued cease-and-desist demands over PAC mailers they say used their names and images without permission. Food Insecurity: Stamp Out Hunger collected enough donations for more than 54,000 meals statewide, including nearly 14,000 pounds in Rapid City and over 45,000 in Sioux Falls. Tech & Energy: Critical Resources says its sulphur-free battery electrolyte hit room-temperature performance in testing at South Dakota Mines.

Local Travel & Culture: Mitchell is getting a spotlight again as one of South Dakota’s “quirky” stops—home to the corn palace and an active archaeological dig—drawing visitors off I-90 for a distinctly Midwest detour. Internet Safety: Attorney General Jay Jones is backing stronger guardrails for kids online, joining a coalition opposing the KIDS Act over concerns it would weaken protections and undercut state enforcement. Community Events: Zonta Fest returns to Custer Beacon on June 6, a fundraiser supporting women in music, dance and the arts. Education & Pay: A new report says South Dakota teachers have lost value in pay since 2017 when adjusted for inflation, even as nominal pay rises. AI in Higher Ed: The Board of Regents says South Dakota universities are “leaning in” to AI, with a systemwide strategy and plans to regulate use across 2026-27. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police are investigating an armed robbery at a gas station near 41st Street and Sertoma. Transportation Projects: SDDOT is holding public input meetings for bridge work on S.D. Highway 22 near Clear Lake (June 10) and U.S. Highway 85 reconstruction in Lawrence County (June 4). Business & Growth: Sioux Metro Growth Alliance launched Leadership Sioux Metro, an eight-month program starting August 2026 to build a regional leadership pipeline.

Texas GOP Shakeup: Sen. John Cornyn’s four-decade run ended Tuesday as MAGA-backed Texas AG Ken Paxton won the primary, a blow that underscores how Trump’s endorsements are reshaping the party from the top down. South Dakota Politics: With June 2 primaries looming, South Dakota’s GOP contests are heating up—Rounds vs. McNeal for Senate and Jackley vs. Bialota for the U.S. House—while Dusty Johnson pushes for high turnout. Rail Scrutiny: Six state attorneys general urged the Surface Transportation Board to reject Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern’s merger filing as incomplete. Local Governance & Flood Risk: Yankton is moving toward a FEMA-backed BRIC grant to buy out properties along Marne Creek, with owners able to opt in or out. Parks & Recreation: GFP is seeking a concession operator for Snake Creek Recreation Area’s marina, restaurant, store, and cabins, with proposals due June 26. Community Life: RASDak’s 13th Ride Across South Dakota kicks off May 30 with 200+ cyclists and volunteer-run fundraising across the Missouri River valley.